Pennsylvania Task Force 1 member Greg Rogalski walks amongst the beds of a Federal Medical Station for hospital surge capacity set up at Temple University's Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Monday, March 30, 2020.
Matt Rourke / AP Photo
Pa. sees highest daily increase in deaths as state investigates older cases
Health secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the increase is due to the state reconciling data from several sources, including county and municipal health departments.
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Ximena Conde/WHYY
Matt Rourke / AP Photo
Pennsylvania Task Force 1 member Greg Rogalski walks amongst the beds of a Federal Medical Station for hospital surge capacity set up at Temple University's Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Monday, March 30, 2020.
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(Harrisburg) — Pennsylvania reported 1,215 new cases Sunday afternoon, bringing the statewide total to 32,734.
The state also reported the largest daily increase in deaths with 276 fatalities among patients who tested positive and those who likely had COVID-19.
However, there is a major caveat to that statistic.
Health secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the majority of those deaths did not occur within the past 24 hours, and that the increase is due to the state reconciling data from several sources, including county and municipal health departments, and finishing investigations into some cases.
Some reports list several possible causes of death, with COVID-19 cited as a possible “fourth or fifth cause,” Levine said in her daily briefing Sunday. State epidemiologists then have to investigate to determine whether the patient had previously tested positive for COVID-19 and whether the virus is the cause of death.
“We want to provide you with the most accurate information possible and that will mean that at times there will be a single day’s report that will show big increases like today,” Levine said.
As protesters get ready to gather at the Capitol Monday to demand the state ease stay-at-home orders, Levine urged them to practice social distancing while they exercise their First Amendment right.
“If, however, they get out of their cars and they’re not practicing social distancing, if they’re not wearing masks, if they’re having personal contact like shaking hands, etc … then that is a public health risk and I’m concerned for their health,” said Levine, adding the protestors could bring the virus back to their hometowns and get others sick, even if they don’t show signs of illness.
The protest comes as the state reports 1,618 health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19, and that most of those who have died are age 65 and older.
To date, 2,629 patients or less than 10% of all COVID-19 cases are in the hospital.
Hospitals report 45% of beds, 39% ICU beds and 70% of ventilators remain available.
Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, host Tim Lambert will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth.
