Rate of new COVID-19 cases continues to decline

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

The number of new coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania continues to trend downward as Tuesday brought just 451 new cases and 13 new deaths. 

There have now been 68,637 cases of coronavirus in the state and 5,152 deaths. 

The state Department of Health has started reporting the percentage of people who have recovered from the virus.

If a case has not been reported as a death and it is more than 30 days past the date of a person’s first positive test or onset of symptoms, the individual is considered to have recovered, according to the department.

Under those guidelines, 61% of those who have tested positive for coronavirus in Pennsylvania so far have recovered, according to the DOH website.

COVID-19 has only been in the state for a little more than two months.

In the four counties that encompass the Mon Valley, there were slightly more than a dozen new cases between Monday and Tuesday and no new deaths.

“Regionally, we are seeing some fluctuation of case counts,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said Tuesday. “But overall, they continue to trend downward.”

There are 18 counties that will move to the green phase of reopening Friday, though the Mon Valley is not included in that group. All of Pennsylvania is expected to be in at least the yellow phase by June 5.

“As Pennsylvania continues to move forward in the process to reopen, we need to remember that the threat from COVID-19 has not gone away,” Levine said. “As counties move into the yellow and green phases, we must take personal responsibility to protect others. 

“Wearing a mask, continuing to maintain social distancing and washing your hands frequently are all steps we can take to help protect others, including our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Cases

There have now been 68,637 cases of coronavirus in the state, including 451 new cases since Monday.

There were just 13 new deaths reported, for a total of 5,152.

Allegheny County now has 1,816 cases, an increase of 11 patients. According to the DOH, there were no new deaths reported and that total remains 160. According to the Allegheny County Health Department, there were also no new deaths and the total it is tracking remains at 150.

In Fayette County, there was one new case reported for a total of 95 and no new deaths. That total remains at four.

Washington County reported no new cases and no new deaths. Those totals remain at 138 and five respectively.  

Westmoreland County reported one new case for a total of 442. According to the DOH, there were no new deaths and that total is 38. Westmoreland County Coroner Ken Bacha also reports no new deaths, and his total remains at 32.