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WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported 53 new cases of COVID-19 in Luzerne County and four new deaths. The death count is at 751.
The new report brings the county’s total cases to 25,766 since the pandemic began last year.
Neighboring Lackawanna County has 14,604 cases and 429 deaths; Monroe County has 10,418 cases and 280 deaths.
The Department of Health confirmed that there were 3,119 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 970,717.
Vaccine distribution
More than 3.7 million doses of vaccine administered across the state — more vaccine administered than 44 other states.
More than 1.3 million people fully vaccinated – with a seven-day moving average of 77,000 people per day receiving vaccinations.
This week, a total of 4,699,560 doses will have been allocated through March 20:
— 278,670 first/single doses will have been allocated this week.
— 242,270 second doses will have been allocated this week.
To date, of the 4,699,560 doses allocated through March 20, we have administered 3,735,484 doses total through March 15:
— First/single doses, 92 percent (2,486,324 administered of 2,705,155 allocated)
— Second doses, 63 percent (1,249,147 administered of 1,994,405 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 1,450 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 286 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
Statewide percent positivity for the week of March 5–March 11, stood at 5.7%.
As of 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 15, there were 65 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 24,652 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 118,092 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 4,008,754 individuals who have tested negative to date.
In licensed nursing and personal care homes, there are 68,608 resident cases of COVID-19, and 13,903 cases among employees, for a total of 82,511 at 1,559 distinct facilities in all 67 counties.
Out of total deaths reported to PA-NEDSS, 12,779 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities.
Approximately 25,801 of our total cases are among health care workers.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.