FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 26, 2020 Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19: 5,925 Patients Hospitalized and 1,196 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., December 25, that there were 7,581 additional positive cases of COVID-19, and as of 12:00 a.m., December 26 there were 7,174 additional positive cases bringing the statewide total to 605,141. There are 5,925 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, nearly double the peak in the spring. Of that number, 1,196 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. More data is available here. 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. Statewide percent positivity for the week of December 11 – December 17 stood at 15.8%. The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available. As of 11:59 p.m., Thursday, December 24, there were 139 new deaths reported and as of 11:59 p.m., Friday, December 25, there were 26 new deaths reported for a total of 14,883 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard. 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 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 our total deaths, 8,412 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here. Approximately 18,497 of our total cases are among health care workers.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Pennsylvania hospitals began receiving shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 14 and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 21. Through Dec. 22: - 109 hospitals have received 127,755 vaccine doses.
Through Dec. 26: - 66,350 doses of the vaccine have been administered.
A spreadsheet of facilities that have received vaccine can be found here.
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.
- If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for "covid alert pa".
Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics 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. MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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