(Photo: Office of the Governor)
Pennsylvania health officials announced Friday there have been 41 presumed positive or confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in the state. No positive cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed in Schuylkill County.
The first presumed positive case in Pennsylvania was reported on March 6.
On Friday, 8 new cases were added, according to the state. They include first cases in the following counties:
- Washington
- Cumberland
- Chester
Of the 41, 6 have now been confirmed by the federal CDC.
Here is a breakdown of the reported presumed positive and/or confirmed cases of coronavirus in Pennsylvania, by county:
Coronavirus in Pennsylvania
County breakdown of positive cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in Pennsylvania (as of March 19, 12:00 a.m.)| Pennsylvania | Positive cases | First reported |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery | 42 | March 7, 2020 |
| Philadelphia | 17 | March 10, 2020 |
| Delaware | 14 | March 6, 2020 |
| Allegheny | 11 | March 14, 2020 |
| Cumberland | 10 | March 13, 2020 |
| Bucks | 9 | March 11, 2020 |
| Chester | 9 | March 13, 2020 |
| Monroe | 7 | March 9, 2020 |
| Beaver | 2 | March 17, 2020 |
| Pike | 2 | March 12, 2020 |
| Washington | 2 | March 13, 2020 |
| York | 2 | March 18, 2020 |
| Berks | 1 | March 18, 2020 |
| Lackawanna | 1 | March 18, 2020 |
| Lehigh | 1 | March 15, 2020 |
| Luzerne | 1 | March 15, 2020 |
| Northampton | 1 | March 12, 2020 |
| Wayne | 1 | March 6, 2020 |
| TOTAL CONFIRMED POSITIVE | 133 |
Schuylkill County Responding Despite Lack of Positive Coronavirus Cases
Locally, on Friday, Schuylkill County shoppers were seen everywhere toilet paper could be found … or not found. Stores across the county reportedly started rationing short supplies of toilet paper and other items like hand sanitizer.
Panic levels seemed to hit a new high Friday after it was announced kids in Schuylkill County schools would be home for a while.
At Gov. Wolf’s order, all Schuylkill County public schools closed their doors for 2 weeks, or 10 business days. Local officials say they’re tentatively slated to resume classes on March 30. Local Catholic private schools also closed at the order of the Allentown Diocese, following the urging of the governor.
These “mitigation” efforts, as they’re being called by government officials, are designed to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 coronavirus by limiting public interaction.
Though drastic, they pale in comparison to the efforts underway today in Montgomery and Delaware counties, where “significant social distancing” is ordered by the state.
The two-week hiatus from local schools being in session is not supposed to be a vacation, per se. In addition to being sent home, students and families are being told to avoid going outside regularly and not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Schuylkill County’s hospitals also announced the opening of pre-screening hotlines for people who think they may have COVID-19 coronavirus or may have come into contact with someone who’s positive.
READ MORE:
- Coronavirus in Schuylkill County
- Schools Closing for 2 Weeks on Coronavirus Fears
- Hospitals Screening Coronavirus by Phone and Online
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...