by PublicSource Reporters
The Allegheny County Health Department [ACHD] confirmed 797 new COVID-19 cases and 10 new deaths reported in the past 24 hours.
The new caseload, announced Tuesday, comes from positive tests from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21. Positive cases include individuals ranging from 1 year old to 98 years old, with a median age of 38.
The ten deaths occurred between Dec. 15 to Dec. 20; one person was in their 50s, six people were in their 80s and three people were in their 90s. Three of the deaths were associated with long-term care facilities, according to ACHD.
To date, ACHD has reported 47,908 cases, 790 deaths and 2,956 past and present hospitalizations due to the virus.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirmed 7,962 new cases and 231 new deaths reported Tuesday.
According to DOH, as of Tuesday, 6,151 individuals are currently hospitalized in Pennsylvania, about 20% of which are in intensive care units, and 772 individuals are using ventilators.
DOH Director of Testing and Contact Tracing Michael Huff said during a press conference Tuesday that he expects testing to become more readily available in the future, with additional sites and more widespread rapid testing.
Huff also said the state is working “very closely” with a vendor that is creating an at-home testing solution. “I would suggest to you that probably in the next two months, you’re going to see some of these kits at the drugstores and other areas. And in the next three to six months, I think they’ll be readily available.” On Dec. 17, the FDA granted emergency use authorization for the first at-home testing kit.
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE AT:
About Post Author
