Watch CBS News

Coronavirus Pennsylvania: COVID-19 Cases In Philadelphia Top 1,300 As Statewide Total Climbs Above 4,800; Death Toll Rises To 68

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The number of coronavirus cases in Philadelphia now stands at over 1,300 as the statewide total has climbed above 4,800. Pennsylvania health officials announced 756 additional cases on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases to 4,843. Fourteen more deaths were also reported across Pennsylvania, including eight in the Delaware Valley, as 68 people have now died from COVID-19 in the state.

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley says five more people have died from the virus as 14 people have passed away from the virus in the city. Seven of those who died were residents at a nursing home.

Delaware County also reported an additional death on Tuesday, bringing the county total to six. The latest patient who died was a 56-year-old man from Yeadon Borough.

In Montgomery County, health officials said two more people died -- a 75-year-old man and a 66-year-old man, both from Horsham. They lived in separate residences and both were in the hospital when they died from the virus. Eight people have now died from COVID-19 in Montgomery County.

In Philadelphia, COVID-19 cases jumped by 242, bringing the citywide total to 1,315.

Coronavirus Update: Latest On COVID-19 Cases, School Closings And Cancellations Across Delaware Valley

"This virus does not discriminate," Farley said.

As widespread testing continues throughout the state, there's a lack of racial data when it comes to testing, but Philadelphia health officials are seeing an increase in cases in the African American community.

"We are seeing recently a shift towards more cases among African Americans, and that's seen again today," Farley said.

Pennsylvania health officials are continuing to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The state is hoping to avoid a worst-case scenario.

"If we do not stay home and stay safe, then we will see the worst-case scenarios in all of these models, including the potential overwhelming of our health care systems," Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said.

Expanded stay-at-home orders have now been put in place in seven more counties throughout the state, extending to 33 counties on the heels of rising positive tests.

Gov. Tom Wolf's request for a major disaster declaration has now been approved, allowing federal funding to be dispersed to all forms of state government battling the coronavirus outbreak.

"We are grateful for federal funding that will support all levels of government as we work together to stop the spread, and support those who care for the ill," Wolf said in a statement. "But I remain unwavering in my call for the approval of the rest of my request, which will provide more direct support to our friends and neighbors who are facing financial difficulties that otherwise could be insurmountable."

State health officials say they are not seeing daily exponential spikes like they are seeing in many places around the country and they are considering that to be positive news.

LATEST CORONAVIRUS STORIES

Over 37,000 patients have tested negative for the virus in the state.

CBS3's Natasha Brown contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.