78 more coronavirus deaths set new single-day high in Pennsylvania; all 67 counties now impacted

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Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine delivers

Updated 29 minutes ago

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Pennsylvania smashed its single-day high for reported coronavirus-related deaths, recording 78 more fatalities and nearly 1,600 more cases of COVID-19 as the state Department of Health confirmed Tuesday that every county now has an infected resident.

The count more than doubled the previous single-day high of 34 deaths, and boosted the statewide death toll to 240.

New cases - confirmed Monday through midnight and announced Tuesday - raised the statewide total to more than 14,550, according to the department. Monday's total of new cases was close to Pennsylvania's previous high.

RELATED: COVID-19 survivor in Montgomery County shares experience after 17 days on ventilator



A Worcester, Pennsylvania man is recovering from the coronavirus after spending 17 days on a ventilator. He and his five family members all battled the virus.

"Now more than ever, as we continue to see COVID-19 cases and deaths rise in Pennsylvania, we need Pennsylvanians to take action," Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a statement.

"Those actions should be to stay calm, stay home and stay safe."

Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:


  • Less than 1% are aged 0-4;



  • Nearly 1% are aged 5-12;



  • 1% are aged 13-18;



  • 7% are aged 19-24;



  • Nearly 42% are aged 25-49;



  • Nearly 29% are aged 50-64; and



  • Nearly 20% are aged 65 or older.



Not every state agency is necessarily urging people to stay home: The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission opened trout season Tuesday, although the abrupt announcement was two weeks ahead of schedule in a move designed to preempt big gatherings of anglers and travel that typically occurs on the traditional April opening day.

Meanwhile, Chester County launched a plan to test thousands of first responders and other essential workers for coronavirus-fighting antibodies in their blood. In Harrisburg, a federal judge ordered the release of more immigration detainees and Pennsylvania's highest court put county judges on notice to be prepared to release incarcerated juveniles.

https://6abc.com/health/78-more-covi...in-pa/6083562/