State has 1,599 new cases

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

There were 1,599 more people who tested positive for coronavirus by Friday, said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine.

Unlike the information given online and in press conferences Thursday, the data released Friday did not include a breakdown of how many cases are probable and how many are confirmed. 

Levine presented the new patients as “people who have tested positive.” Online, the DOH says the new total of 38,652 cases includes probable and confirmed cases. 

Levine announced 71 new deaths attributed to the coronavirus Friday for a new total of 1,492 and explained that only confirmed deaths will be counted for the foreseeable future.

Levine announced a decrease in the total number of deaths the DOH reported Thursday as 201 probable deaths were removed from the total for further investigation. Levine’s explanation Friday indicates all the probable deaths were removed.  

Allegheny County now has 1,177 cases, an increase of 28 patients, and two new deaths, bringing that total to 71. 

Fayette County has a total of 75 cases, an increase of four, and one new death for a total of four.

Washington County added four new cases for a total of 96 patients, and the county has reported no new deaths. Two cases have been fatal.

Westmoreland County has 10 new cases for a total 317 and according to the DOH, there has been no change in the death count of 17. However, Westmoreland County Coroner Ken Bacha reported one additional death, which increases the total he is tracking to 27.

Gov. Tom Wolf said Friday his administration is working to help Pennsylvanians handle the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, which has now directly affected the state for seven weeks.

“To be the strongest we can be in our efforts to ward off COVID-19, we need to ensure we have the best mental health possible,” Wolf said. “If you need assistance, please reach out to 1-877-PAHEALTH.”

Wolf also acknowledged that many activities that make it easier to handle stress have been impacted by the stay-at-home order.

“We need to look for new ways to combat anxiety like a midday walk or setting up a virtual happy hour with co-workers,” Wolf said. 

The governor said it’s increasing anxiety for a lot of people who aren’t getting enough sleep or exercise, aren’t able to talk to their family or friends often enough, can’t see loved ones in nursing homes or those who are incarcerated, on top of hearing scary information each day about the pandemic. 

He suggests reaching out to one another to talk about negative emotions, but those who are finding it difficult to manage can text PA to 741741 or call 1-855-284-2494.

Wolf also acknowledged the record number of people applying for unemployment and the frustrations they have felt dealing with the overloaded system. Wolf said additional staff has been brought in from other agencies and 100 more people have been hired.

“But knowing unemployment compensation is coming isn’t going to help if your cupboards are empty or your bills are due,” Wolf said.

He recommends that people who are struggling with a need for food visit www.feedingpa.org or www.hungerfreepa.org, which he described as hubs of information for getting food assistance locally.

People who are struggling with utility payments should contact the Public Utilities Commission for resources regarding payment plans, budget billing and hardship financial assistance programs.

Wolf said those who have other stressors or are unsure of where to go for help can dial 211 or text their zip code to #898211 to be connected to help through the United Way.

The www.compass.state.pa.us site is also available for residents to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, Wolf said.

The Office of Advocacy and Reform will create a new Facebook page next week to make available other resources to reduce toxic stress and prevent elder abuse, child abuse and domestic abuse during the stay-at-home order.

“We’re all in this fight against COVID-19 together and, as I’ve said many times, we all have a part to play,” Wolf said.