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WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported 54 new cases of COVID-19 in Luzerne County and three more deaths. The death count is now at 709.

The new report brings the county’s total cases to 24,317 since the pandemic began last year.

Neighboring Lackawanna County has 13,427 cases and 403 deaths; Monroe County has 9,317 cases and 259 deaths.

The Department of Health confirmed there were 3,345 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 905,995.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution

This week, a total of 326,850 doses will have been allocated through Feb. 20:

— 183,575 first doses will have been allocated this week.

— 143,275 second doses will have been allocated this week.

To date, of the 2,766,400 doses allocated through Feb. 20, we have administered 1,832,638 doses total through February 18:

— First doses, 85 percent (1,365,523 administered of 1,610,175 allocated)

— Second doses, 40 percent (467,115 administered of 1,156,225 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 2,174 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 465 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 has increased by nearly 2,200 since the end of September.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of Feb. 5–Feb. 11, stood at 8.0%.

As of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, there were 94 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 23,413 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

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 106,379 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 637 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 3,799,916 individuals who have tested negative to date.

In licensed nursing and personal care homes, there are 65,817 resident cases of COVID-19, and 12,755 cases among employees, for a total of 78,572 at 1,560 distinct facilities in all 67 counties.

Out of total deaths reported to PA-NEDSS, 12,127 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 24,313 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.

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William O'Boyle
Bill O’Boyle is the Times Leader Media Group’s news columnist/staff writer. He has written for the Times Leader since April 2007, covering everything from municipal government issues, business, features, human interest, presidential races and local, state and national politics to breaking news. A Plymouth native now living in Plains Township, O’Boyle has been active in a range of community and sporting activities, including volunteering with Victory Sports for adults with mental and physical challenges.