PA reports nearly double the peak of spring hospitalizations for COVID-19

The Pennsylvania Department of Health said Saturday that hospitalizations reached nearly double the peak reported in the spring, with just under 6,000 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Between Thursday and Saturday, 14,755 new COVID-19 cases were reported, bringing the statewide total to 605,141, as well as 165 new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing that statewide total to 14,883 attributed to COVID-19. Most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older, the release stated.

Of the 5,925 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 1,196 are in the intensive care unit, the press release stated. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older.

The trend in the 14-day moving average of number of hospitalized patients per day has increased by nearly 5,600 since the end of September, according to the release.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of Dec.11 – Dec. 17 stood at 15.8%.

There are 47,287 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 639 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 3,221,108 individuals who have tested negative to date.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 50,970 resident cases of COVID-19, and 9,180 cases among employees, at 1,454 distinct facilities in all 67 counties. Out of the total deaths, 8,412 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities.

Approximately 18,497 of the total cases are among health care workers.

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Cox Media Group