Nearly 1,000 Admitted to ICU Overnight for COVID-19, Excess of 15,000 New Cases Reported

Pennsylvania hospitals admitted nearly 1,000 patients to their intensive care unit overnight due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Your Content was told over 7,000 new cases of the virus surfaced after Thanksgiving.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 27, that there were 7,360 new cases, in addition to 8,425 new cases reported Thursday, November 26 for a two-day total of 15,785 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 343,614. 

There are 4,087 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 877 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 available here.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of November 13 – November 19 stood at 11.1%.

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

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between November 20 and November 26 is 464,069 with 38,851 positive cases. There were 58,103 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 25 and 57,971 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 26.  

As of 11:59 p.m., Wednesday November 25, there were 118 new deaths and as of 11:59 p.m., Thursday November 26, there were 21 new deaths reported for a total of 10,234 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 15,869 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 643 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure. 

There are 2,786,075 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 3% are ages 5-12;
• Nearly 6% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 13% are ages 19-24; 
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49; 
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 20% are ages 65 or older.

The department has seen significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providersabout the changing COVID-19 case demographics. Increases among 19 to 24-year-olds from April to present in November are available below:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 16 percent of cases so far in November;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 13 percent of cases so far in November;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 11 percent of cases so far in November;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 11 percent of cases so far in November.  
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 10 percent of cases so far in November;
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 8 percent of cases so far in November

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 33,947 resident cases of COVID-19, and 6,553 cases among employees, for a total of 40,500 at 1,249 distinct facilities in63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 6,459 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 14,336 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Nov. 25:

• Announced use of Wireless Alert Emergency system for COVID-19 messaging.
• Signed bills, Gov. Wolf vetoed bill that puts public health at risk.
• Signed renewal of COVID-19 disaster declaration.
• Provided Pennsylvania State Police enforcement data.

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

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.

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

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

oAll 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 www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.