The Pennsylvania Department of Health indicated Thursday that there were 5,488 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 248,856.

Again, this is the highest daily increase of cases.

Three local counties saw increases, too. Elk County had an increase of 9 cases to 313, McKean County had 5 additional cases for 232, and Potter County had an increase of 3 cases to 87.

In McKean County, Bradford had 2 additional cases, with 3 more confirmed, but one less probable case, for a total of 78 confirmed and 21 probable. Eldred was up to 12 confirmed, and 1 to 4 probable. The other cases were not readily apparent.

In Elk County, St. Marys had 6 more confirmed cases for 148 total, and 1 additional probable case for 15 total. Johnsonburg had 1 additional case for 36 confirmed and 9 probable. Wilcox was up to 11 confirmed and 5 probable cases.

In Potter County, Genesee was up to 9 confirmed cases, and Galeton was at 7 confirmed and 1 to 4 probable.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between Nov. 5 and 11 is 331,492 with 25,702 positive cases. There were 50,997 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., Nov. 11. This is a record high number of PCR test results reported to the department.

As of 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, there were 49 new deaths reported for a total of 9,194 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 7,189 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 645 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,506,649 individuals who have tested negative to date.

Other area counties are showing higher numbers as well. In Warren County, there have been 96 cases; Jefferson County, 347; Clearfield County, 711; Tioga County, 428; Forest County, 24.