Pennsylvania surpasses 100,000 covid-19 cases, 1 million tests

Pennsylvania achieved an unwanted trifecta after the Department of Health released the state’s coronavirus case results Saturday.

As of July 18, the Keystone State had surpassed 100,000 positive cases and 7,000 deaths after administering more than 1 million tests.

There were 763 new cases and 15 new covid-19 deaths reported in the state Saturday.

The statewide total is now 100,214 cases and 7,007 deaths.

Out of the new cases, 135 — or nearly 18% — are from Allegheny County.

More than 912,000 people have tested negative for the virus, state numbers show.

As of Saturday, 76% of people who tested positive have recovered from the virus.

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

In nursing and personal care homes alone, there have been 18,597 cases in residents, 3,587 cases in employees and 4,802 deaths. These deaths account for 68% of the state’s total. About 782 nursing facilities have been affected by the virus.

Of the total, 7,470 coronavirus cases stem from health care workers.

Officials continue to urge people to use caution — mainly by maintaining social distance and wearing masks.

“As the state has put in place new mitigation efforts to offset the recent case increases, we must renew our commitment to protecting against covid-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings and telework,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.