HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - The number of COVID-19 cases has risen to 22 in Pennsylvania.
Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said Thursday afternoon that the latest case is presumptive and is in Pike County.
The latest adult affected is in isolation at home.
Officials say he came in contact with someone from another state who tested positive for COVID-19.
This situation is quickly evolving, even for us here at the Department of Health," Dr. Levine said. "It can be overwhelming and scary to hear that you should stay home. Aside from practicing good health habits, we want you to practice good self-care to ensure your body is getting the proper nutrients from fruits, vegetables and getting enough sleep."
Governor Tom Wolf says steps are being taken to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, especially in Montgomery County, where 13 cases have been identified.
"In Montgomery County, we are aggressively moving to a mitigation phase, and statewide we are providing guidance to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus," said Gov. Wolf.
The following steps are beginning taken beginning Friday in Montgomery County
• A no visitor policy will be implemented for correctional facilities, nursing homes, and others to be evaluated.
• Schools in Montgomery County will be closed starting tomorrow, as will child care centers licensed by the Commonwealth.
• Adult day care centers will be closed.
• Freedom of travel will remain, but the Governor and the Commonwealth ask all people to refrain from non-essential travel.
• Essential services will be available: police, fire, and emergency medical services, essential services for vulnerable populations.
• Supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations will remain open. The Governor and the Commonwealth recommends that non-essential retail facilities close.
• AMTRAK will begin operating a reduced schedule and the Ardmore stop will close to AMTRAK trains for two weeks, beginning tomorrow.
Gov. Wolf made the following suggestions for Pennsylvanians statewide:
Statewide
- The Wolf Administration strongly encourages the suspension of large gatherings, events, conferences of 250 individuals or more.
- Discourages individuals from traveling to recreational activities like gyms, movie theaters and shopping malls.
- Encourages religious leaders to exercise discretion in order to mitigate the spread of illness.
Health officials also courage people wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, cover coughs and sneezes with elbows, not hands, clean surfaces often and if you are sick, stay home.
There remain no known cases of coronavirus in Western PA.
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