Stay at Home order extended to Luzerne; first case reported in North’d; 13 now in Schuylkill
HARRISBURG, Dauphin County – There are now 13 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Schuylkill County, and every county surrounding us is reporting a case, as of today’s update from the PA Department of Health.
Additionally, Governor Tom Wolf has extended his stay-at-home order to Luzerne County. The order takes effect at 8:00pm tonight and continues through April 6, the governor said. The order does not apply — yet — to Schuylkill, Northumberland, or Columbia Counties.
According to the order, individuals may only leave their residence to:
- Perform essential tasks to maintain health and safety of the household (obtaining medicine or medical supplies, seeing a doctor, or obtaining supplies to work from home)
- Get necessary services or supplies for themselves or volunteer efforts
- Engage in outdoor activity
- Perform work providing essential products at a life-sustaining business
- Care for a family member or pet in another household
- Care for elderly, minors, or other “vulnerable persons”
- A full list can be viewed here.
According to today’s update, there are now 13 cases in Schuylkill County, 55 in Luzerne with two deaths, three in Columbia, and one in Northumberland.
Statewide, there are 2,218 positive cases with 22 deaths, and 21,016 people tested have been negative.
The majority of Pennsylvanians testing positive have been in the 25-49 age range, the Department of Health says, with 40% of the cases falling in that range. Next highest is 50-64 with 28%, followed by 65+ with 18%, and 19-24 with 11%. Under 18 accounts for roughly 3%.
Hospitalizations are primarily occurring in the 65+ age bracket with 48% of such cases. 27% of hospitalizations are 50-64, 21% are 21-49, and 3% are 19-24. Under 18 accounts for roughly 2%.
More information on the virus, its impact on the Commonwealth, and what can be done to help stop its spread can be found at the Department of Health’s website here.
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