Pennsylvania reports 103 new covid-19 cases, large clusters in Allegheny County

Pennsylvania reported more than 100 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the statewide total to 371 confirmed cases and two deaths.

Officials expect to see an “exponential increase” in cases in coming days and weeks, said Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine.

“What is most important for Pennsylvanians to remember is to stay calm, stay home and stay safe,” Levine said midday Saturday from Harrisburg during a virtual news conference.

Evidence indicates that there now may be community spread of the highly contagious respiratory disease in multiple parts of the state — including large clusters of cases in Allegheny County and the Philadelphia suburbs, according to Levine.

The number of cases testing positive for the covid-19 has been doubling nearly every two days since the state began processing them, Levine said.

“It’s not just increased testing,” she said. “We are actually seeing a spike in (covid-19) cases because more people are ill.”

Earlier Saturday, Allegheny County public health officials announced the first local death from the disease, the second reported in the state. The person was in their late 60s and being treated at Jefferson Hospital, officials said.

At least 40 people — about 10% of the confirmed cases statewide — have required hospitalization, Levine said.

The health secretary stressed that though the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are more at risk of dying from the disease, covid-19 also can have severe health impacts on younger adults. She cited cases of people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who contracted covid-19 and had to be hospitalized.

“So it’s important for younger adults not to be complacent,” Levine said.

The state reported 103 new covid-19 positive results on Saturday. On Friday, the state reported 83 new cases. The state’s tally may not include those tested by local and commercial labs.

At least 3,766 people have tested negative by the state for covid-19.

Efforts are underway to acquire more ventilators, N95 respirators, patient beds and other necessary supplies and facilities to keep from overwhelming local hospitals and emergency rooms.

“As we see more and more cases of covid-19, it will tax the resources of medical centers, hospitals and health systems,” Levine said.

“We’re on new ground here. … But I also know that Pennsylvanians are strong and resilient, and that our communities will get through this if we do it together.”