PA COVID-19 Data: 4,700+ New Cases, 59 Deaths, 2K Hospitalized

HARRISBURG, PA — For the second day in a row, Pennsylvania has reported more than 4,000 new coronavirus cases.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported 4,711 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 243,368. Of the total cases, 72 percent of patients have recovered.

"This is the highest daily increase of cases," the department said in a news release. Also Wednesday, 59 new deaths were reported, bringing the state's total to 9,145 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

There are currently 2,080 people hospitalized in Pennsylvania for the coronavirus; 193 are on a ventilator as of Wednesday.

Coronavirus metrics are up across the board in Pennsylvania and the nation. Locally, counties and cities have recent been reporting their highest levels of new cases since March. Bucks County health officials reported more new coronavirus cases last week than at any time since the pandemic began. Philadelphia is also reporting record case levels. Officials there warned residents and businesses this week of the potential for new restrictions to prevent the virus's spread.

The state's percent positivity rate now stands at 6.9 percent statewide, up from 6.1 percent last week and 5 percent the week before.

Health Secretary Rachel Levine said Monday that she does not believe the coronavirus pandemic has reached its peak in Pennsylvania. As a result of the rise in cases, Levine and other public health experts are asking people to avoid gathering for the upcoming holidays.