PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania continues to break its record for the highest single-day increase of COVID-19 cases.
On Thursday, Pennsylvania reported 5,488 new cases of the coronavirus — the highest daily case count since the pandemic began. The total number of cases statewide now stands at 248,856 since March.
Hospitalizations are on the rise too, with more than 2,000 at the moment.
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine noted the cases are not limited to one specific demographic — general community spread of all ages is ongoing.
“It’s going to come down to the individual responsibility that people show,” she said, “to wear a mask, social distance, to wash their hands, and to avoid not only large gatherings but we are recommending that they avoid small gatherings.”
Health officials are urging the public to stand together in the fight against the virus.
Levine admitted it’s going to be hard not to see family or friends during the upcoming holidays, but it’s something that must be done to stop the spread.
Health officials also ask those who test positive to cooperate with contact tracing investigators, as that information could save a life. Contact tracers may advise others who were in contact with a positive patient to quarantine for two weeks.
“When a case investigator reaches out to you, answer the call and please participate in the interview,” added Levine. “This case investigation is completely confidential. It is completely anonymous. But you may save a life by being honest with who you were with and the places you have visited.”