Pennsylvania COVID-19 Cases Top 63,000, Death Toll Climbs To 4,500
PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) -- The number of coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania has topped 63,000 as the death toll now stands above 4,500. On Monday, health officials said there were 822 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 63,056.
Download The New And Improved CBS Philly App!
Another 87 people also died from the virus, raising the death toll to 4,505.
"As counties move from red to yellow, we need all Pennsylvanians to continue to follow the social distancing and mitigation efforts in place," Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. "We must continue to protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, which includes our seniors, those with underlying health issues, our healthcare workers and our first responders. I am proud of the work that Pennsylvanians have done so far, but we cannot stop now, we must continue to take the necessary steps to protect ourselves from COVID-19."
Coronavirus Latest: What You Need To Know And Staying Connected
Over 277,000 patients have tested negative for the virus.
Gov. Tom Wolf has begun relaxing social distancing and business closure guidelines, with more than half of the state's 67 counties currently in the "yellow" zone that permits some businesses to operate. Twelve more counties are scheduled to be reclassified as yellow on Friday.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher than the state's confirmed case count because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick. There is no data on how many people have fully recovered.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a couple of weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
