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WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported 55 new cases of COVID-19 in Luzerne County and two new deaths. The death count is at 746.
The new report brings the county’s total cases to 25,390 since the pandemic began last year.
Neighboring Lackawanna County has 14,374 cases and 427 deaths; Monroe County has 10,100 cases and 274 deaths.
The Department of Health confirmed there were 2,594 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 955,730.
The state also reached a milestone of more than 1 million Pennsylvanians fully vaccinated.
Vaccine distribution
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
This week, a total of 4,179,220 doses will have been allocated through March 13:
— 254,150 first/single doses will have been allocated this week.
— 225,890 second doses will have been allocated this week.
To date, of the 4,179,220 doses allocated through March 13, we have administered 3,128,637 doses total through March 9:
— First/single doses, 87 percent (2,111,658 administered of 2,427,085 allocated)
— Second doses, 58 percent (1,016,979 administered of 1,752,135 allocated)
To see a map of locations where you can get a vaccination go to the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.
A commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination guide explains current process for getting one. Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
Statewide data
There are 1,530 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 313 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older.
The trend in the 14-day moving average number of hospitalized patients per day is about 4,400 lower than it was at the peak on Dec. 25, 2020. However, the current 14-day average is now also below what it was at the height of the spring peak on May 3, 2020.
Statewide percent positivity for the week of Feb. 26–March 4, stood at 5.7%.
As of Tuesday there were 43 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 24,439 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home, even if fully vaccinated. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
There are 115,252 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 640 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.
There are 3,963,707 individuals who have tested negative to date.
In licensed nursing and personal care homes, there are 68,126 resident cases of COVID-19, and 13,560 cases among employees, for a total of 81,686 at 1,560 distinct facilities in all 67 counties.
Out of total deaths reported to PA-NEDSS, 12,632 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities.
Approximately 25,377 of our total cases are among health care workers.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.