PA Reports 5K+ New Coronavirus Cases For Second Day In A Row

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania on Friday once again broke its own record for most new coronavirus cases reported in a single day. The data shows that the fall surge shows no signs of abating.

Cases

State health officials reported Friday there were 5,531 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 254,387. Of those, 70 percent have recovered.

The number of new cases broke a record set just Thursday, when 5,488 new cases were reported.

The single-day record for new cases has been repeatedly broken in recent days, with daily numbers notably higher than they were at the early height of the pandemic back in the spring.

Deaths

There were also 30 new deaths reported Friday, bringing the state's coronavirus death toll to 9,224.

Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations are also up from the day before.

On Thursday, there were 2,196 people in Pennsylvania hospitalized for COVID-19. On Friday, that number grew to 2,314. There are now more people on ventilators; the number of patients on ventilators increased from 207 Thursday to 226 on Friday.

Impacts

The spike in cases is impacting local businesses and schools.

In Philadelphia, officials said Friday they are planning new restrictions in response to the rise in cases. Specific details about the changes in restrictions are still being finalized, officials said in an announcement.

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said earlier this week that all restrictions are under consideration, even a complete lockdown.

In Montgomery County, all public and private schools must go fully virtual for two weeks starting Nov. 23.

That decision came Friday — a day after an emotional three-hour public meeting, during which dozens of commenters expressed their virulent rejection of the proposal. A vote was placed on the agenda for Thursday's meeting, but the Board of Health said they wanted more time to consider public comments.

"Traditional celebrations around Thanksgiving have the potential to dramatically increase cases," Board of Health Chair Michael Laign said.