Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19: 5,962 Patients Hospitalized and 1,178 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit – Pennsylvania Pressroom

Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., December 31, that there were 8,992 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 640,325.

There are 5,962 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, near double the peak in the spring. Of that number, 1,178 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is availablehere.

The trend in the 14-day moving average of number of hospitalized patients per day has increased by nearly 5,500 since the end of September.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of December 18 December 24 stood at 15.1%.

The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.

As of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, there were 306 new deaths reported for a total of 15,978 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

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 54,828 individualswho have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable casesand 637 individualswho have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 3,265,129 individuals who have tested negative to date.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 53,220 resident cases of COVID-19, and 9,730 cases among employees, for a total of 62,950 at 1,470 distinct facilities in all 67 counties. Out of our total deaths, 8,872 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 19,256 of our total cases are among health care workers.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

Pennsylvania hospitals began receiving shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 14 and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 21.

Through Dec. 31:

A spreadsheet of facilities that have received vaccine can be found here.

Statewide The Wolf Administration has since noon, Dec. 30:

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at http://www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson - RA-DHpressoffice@pa.gov

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Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19: 5,962 Patients Hospitalized and 1,178 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit - Pennsylvania Pressroom