FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 29, 2020

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 643 New Positives Bring Statewide Total to 3,394

Harrisburg, PA- The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., March 29, that there are 643 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 3,394 in 58 counties. The department also reportedfour new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 38. County-specific information and a statewide map are availablehere. All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.

“Our notable increase in cases over the past week indicates we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “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 30,061 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;
10% are aged 19-24;
41% are aged 25-49;
Nearly 27% are aged 50-64; and
19% are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are aged 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date. More data is available here.

All non-life-sustaining businesses are ordered to be closed and schools are closed statewide at least through April 6. Currently 22 counties are under stay-at-home orders.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has announced since noon, March 28:

Expanded stay-at-home order to Beaver, Centre, and Washington counties; total now 22.
Announced receipt of USDA approval for food distribution.
Introduced ways to reinforce health care system.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

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.

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