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WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported Tuesday that there were 78 new cases of COVID-19 in Luzerne County and no new deaths.
That brings the total number of confirmed cases in the county to 5,273; the death count is at 197.
Neighboring Lackawanna County has 3,702 cases and 218 deaths; Monroe County has 2,013 cases and 135 deaths.
Thea Department of Health confirmed that there were 2,751 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 198,446.
Daily increases are now comparable with what we saw in April 2020, and today’s increase is the largest daily increase to date.
Nate Wardle, press secretary at the Department of Health, said only two of the new cases in Luzerne County are among long-term care residents.
“So it appears that the cases are linked to community spread throughout the county,” Wardle said. “As we see these increases, locally and statewide, it reminds us the need of everyone to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. We need people to wear masks, social distance, wash their hands, download the COVID Alert PA app to assist in contact tracing, and get their flu shot.”
The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between Oct. 20 and Oct. 26, is 245,029 with 12,380 positive cases. There were 34,946 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., Oct. 26.
There are 8,696 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 23 new deaths reported.
Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
There are 2,699 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 647 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.
There are 2,254,523 individuals who have tested negative to date.
Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older.
The department is seeing significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics.
In nursing and personal care homes, there are 25,624 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,539 cases among employees, for a total of 31,163 at 1,052 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,706 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities.
Approximately 12,125 of our total cases are among health care workers.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.