Covid-19 cases in 19- to 24-year-olds on the rise in Pa.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 849 new cases and 25 new deaths from covid-19 on Wednesday, totaling 92,148 cases and 6,812 deaths statewide.

Allegheny County reported 230 new coronavirus cases Wednesday and Philadelphia County reported 90 coronavirus cases Wednesday, accounting for almost 40% of the state’s total new cases.

Of the new cases, 635 are considered probable.

According to the Department of Health, the most severe cases are seen in patients over the age of 65 and more than half of the cases in Pennsylvania are seen in patients age 50 or older.

However, according to a statement, “the department is seeing significant increases in the number of covid-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19- to 24-year-olds.”

In southwest Pennsylvania, 19- to 24-year-olds accounted for approximately 5% of cases in April and more than 28% of cases so far in July.

There have been 18,060 cases in residents, 3,380 cases in employees and 4,663 deaths in nursing and personal care homes. These deaths account for 68.5% of the state’s deaths. More than 700 nursing facilities have been affected by the virus.

Of the total number, 6,903 coronavirus cases stem from health care workers.

Of those who contracted the virus, 77% have recovered, with 774,378 people who tested negative for the virus statewide.

All 67 Pennsylvania counties are in the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan.

In response to the surge in cases, Wolf issued a masking order for Pennsylvanians in public spaces and where social distancing is not possible.