Hundreds Of Coronavirus Cases Linked To PA Universities: Report

PENNSYLVANIA — A new report shows the prevalence of coronavirus across the nation's colleges and universities, just as students prepare for the start of the fall semester.

While most universities and colleges are planning virtual or hybrid starts to the year, new data obtained by the New York Times shows the institutions that have the highest number of coronavirus cases throughout the pandemic.

According to the report published Wednesday, at least 6,300 coronavirus cases are linked to approximately 270 colleges.

The hardest hit university in the state is the University of Pennsylvania, which is linked to 167 cases, according to data from The Times. It is among the top 10 hardest hit universities in the country, the data shows.

According to the report — compiled after a survey of every public four-year college in the country, as well as every private institution competing in Division I sports — other Pennsylvania colleges that have cases include University of Pittsburgh (39), West Chester University (1), Temple University (1), Lafayette College (1), and more. You can view all the data here.

Many universities have announced all online or hybrid starts to the fall semester as cases in the state and country continue to pile up. The University of Pennsylvania is planning for a hybrid start to the year that "will allow many students to return in a limited and careful way by incorporating online and virtual learning with on-campus classroom instruction," the university announced on its website.

Temple University is also planning a hybrid learning model. Others, like West Chester University, are planning for an all-virtual start.

Pennsylvania's total coronavirus case count reached 109,384 Tuesday, after 1,120 new infections were reported. The statewide total death toll is 7,146.

The largest overnight increase Tuesday was reported out of Philadelphia County, where there were 175 new cases confirmed. In Allegheny County, 119 new cases were reported and in Delaware County, there was an increase of 118 cases. RELATED: Delaware County Seeing Coronavirus Case Surge, Data Shows

Here are other headlines we are following:

Patients at Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center were given the experimental drug without approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. RELATED: Nursing Home Gave Residents Hydroxychloroquine Without Approval

The Phillies game against the Yankees was canceled for a second straight evening Tuesday as the league grapples with an outbreak of coronavirus just days after the abbreviated 2020 season began last week. The new cases were first detected among members of the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park during the series against the Phillies over the weekend. RELATED: Phillies Could Be Quarantined For Several Days: Reports

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has laid out its plans to reopen schools in September, which include measures like temperature checks and distancing. RELATED: Archdiocese of Philadelphia Lays Out School Reopening Plans

The Norristown School District is the latest in the area to make a determination on its fall learning plans. The district said there would be no in-person schooling through at least the end of 2020. RELATED: Norristown Schools Will Not Hold In-Person Instruction In 2020

Students in the School District of Philadelphia could be learning totally digitally for the first marking period of the 2020-2021 school year. The district Tuesday said it is proposing to start the school year with all students learning remotely for the first marking period, which ends Nov. 17. RELATED: Philly Students Could Be Learning Virtually Through Mid-November