Positive virus case counts in Elk and Potter counties have risen slightly, according to data released Friday.
The state health department indicated Potter County has had 15 positive cases of COVID-19, and Elk County has had 12, increases of 1 and 2, respectively. Statewide, an additional 600 positive cases of COVID-19 were identified, bringing the statewide total to 84,370 as of Friday.
McKean County is at 15 positives, while Cameron County remains at 2.
McKean County appears to have had the most testing, as 1,413 people have tested negative. In Elk County, 679 people have tested negative; in Potter County, 275; and in Cameron County, 248.
There are 6,579 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 22 new deaths.
Mask wearing is required in all businesses in yellow and green phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing could have lasting benefits as a COVID-19 surge is possible this fall.
There are 632 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 634,711 patients who have tested negative to date.
On Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf said the only county that isn’t in the green phase is Lebanon, and it will move to the green phase on July 3.
“We will soon have all of our counties in green,” Wolf said, “a milestone worth a cautious celebration of the hard work and collaborative spirit of Pennsylvanians. But we must remember that the restrictions that remain in the green phase will help us continue to enjoy the freedoms this phase allows for.”
Green phase restrictions include the following: Businesses must follow the state’s updated business and building safety requirements, including requiring masks to be worn; large gatherings of more than 250 prohibited; and restaurants, bars, personal care services, entertainment are open at 50 % capacity.
As counties reopen, Pennsylvania continues to see a steady decline in cases, a positive indicator that its phased, measured reopening plan is working to balance public health with economic recovery.
The CDC’s analysis of proprietary state case data puts Pennsylvania among states with a 42-day steady decline in cases. Pennsylvania has maintained this distinction for three weeks to date.
Research indicates that mask-wearing is a vital strategy to help stop the spread of the virus, especially as we plan for a possible surge in the fall. Wolf continues to remind Pennsylvanians of the mask-wearing requirement and was joined Thursday by business owners endorsing this measure to protect customers, employees and communities.
