Pennsylvania ‘Call To Action’ Issued As Hospitals Run Out Of Room

After nearly 9,000 new COVID-19 cases last week, Pennsylvania has become a coronavirus hot-spot. The state government's new statistics are cause for concern.

Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine’s update on Monday included the level of community transmission, the number of cases within those 5 to 18 years old, travel recommendations for those entering and leaving the state as well as cases that reported visiting a business where exposure could have ensued.

The statement explains that Pennsylvania is seeing a “statewide percent positivity of 11.1%, and a concerning 63 counties with substantial transmission status.”

Over the past week, the state has seen a jump of 8,807 new cases. Last week, the number of cases was at 27,326 and this week the number is at 36,133 cases.

This update also came with the concern that hospitals in the state might run out of room if the cases keep rising and spiking as they have been. ICU beds could fill up by the end of this week, which is described as “worrisome” by Dr. Levine.

“Another week of significant increases of COVID-19 across Pennsylvania is a call to action. We need all Pennsylvanians to take the steps they can to protect one another,” stated Gov. Wolf.

He went on to say, “We need Pennsylvanians to follow the most recent orders and wear a mask, social distance, avoid travel and gatherings and wash their hands. It is only by working together that Pennsylvanians can prevent the spread of the virus.”

It’s required that anyone visiting from another state must have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of visiting, or they’ll have to go under mandatory quarantine for 14-days.

Transmission of the virus has become so severe that Dr. Levine issued a mandatory mask mandate for indoor and outdoor locations, even if socially distanced, just last week.

The order concludes by explaining that all residents should be familiar with and understand the new order to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.