Coronavirus Pennsylvania: COVID-19 Cases In Philly Rise To 475 As Pennsylvania Total Nears 1,700
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The number of coronavirus cases in Philadelphia jumped by 133 on Thursday, as the city total climbed to 475. There are now nearly 1,700 cases in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania announced 560 new cases, bringing the statewide total to 1,687. The death toll now stands at 16.
"Our notable increase in cases over the past few days indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously," Pennsylvania Health Secretary 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."
Meanwhile, Montgomery County reported its third death on Thursday. The patient was a 62-year-old man who lived in Whitemarsh Township. He died at a hospital.
On Wednesday, Philadelphia reported its first coronavirus-related death. The patient was a man in his 50s who had an underlying health condition. He died in the hospital.
"We are all deeply saddened by the loss of this resident," Mayor Jim Kenney said during Wednesday's briefing.
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley asked those who traveled to the New York City metropolitan area recently to self-quarantine for 14 days due to the number of cases they have.
There are more than 20 sites in Philadelphia, including hospitals now testing for the coronavirus. But health officials still warn test kits are limited. Medical professionals and those over 50 years old who are most at risk are getting priority.
