Luzerne County COVID-19 cases at 65; statewide total at 2,751

HARRISBURG — Luzerne County now has 65 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the latest report issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Lackawanna County has 53 confirmed cases. Both counties have had two deaths related to the virus.

On Saturday, the health department reported there are 533 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 2,751 in 56 counties.

The department also reported 12 new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 34.

All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.

“Our notable increase in cases over the past week indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. “Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe. We have seen case counts continue to increase and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home.”

There are 25,254 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

Less than 1% are aged 0-4;

Less than 1% are aged 5-12;

1% are aged 13-18;

Nearly 11% are aged 19-24;

39% are aged 25-49;

Nearly 28% are aged 50-64; and

19% are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are aged 25-49, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date.

All non-life-sustaining businesses are ordered to be closed and schools are closed statewide at least through April 6. Currently 19 counties are under stay-at-home orders.

The Wolf Administration has announced since noon, March 27:

Expanded stay-at-home order to nine additional counties, total is now 19.

Gov. Wolf signed COVID-19 response legislation.

Released business closure order enforcement data from Pennsylvania State Police.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.

Clean surfaces frequently.

Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.