Pennsylvania Hits Record High of New Virus Cases; Most Deaths Since June

The state saw more than 4,000 new cases for the second time in four days.

With a record 4,361 new cases on Tuesday, the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage across Pennsylvania.

It is just the second time ever—the other came with 4,035 on Saturday—the state has recorded more than 4,000 new cases in one day. Tuesday’s new numbers bring the total number of cases in the state to 238,657.

Deaths and hospitalizations are also rising. According to the Department of Health, 62 more Pennsylvanians have died, bringing the state’s total to 9,086. That’s the most deaths recorded in a single day since June. 

Officials say 1,938 people are hospitalized with the virus. While that’s still down from the peak of 3,000 hospitalizations in April, it’s a drastic increase from September, when 422 were hospitalized.

As the virus has continued its fall resurgence, Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine have sounded a consistent drumbeat in the state’s messaging.

“We’re all in this together,” Wolf regularly says, urging Pennsylvanians to take the virus—and their responsibility to others—seriously.

Residents should continue to wear masks, wash their hands and practice social distancing, they have repeatedly said.

Pennsylvanians should also respond to contract tracers so that the numbers can help track cases and outbreaks.

“You could save a life,” Levine said on Monday.

The virus is spreading in every region of the state, they have repeatedly said. On Monday, Levine pointed out that 52 of the state’s 67 counties have positivity rates above 5%.

They have also urged Pennsylvanians to download the state’s COVID Alert PA app onto their smartphones.