Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 667 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 88,741

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., July 3, that there are 667 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 88,741. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,746 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 34 new deaths reported.

Locally in Beaver County we have increased to 706 positive cases of COVID-19, up 18 from yesterday. 686 confirmed cases with 20 probables. 6,433 people have tested Negative, and the county reports 79 deaths. Full county-by-county data can be found here.

“As the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings this holiday weekend,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away and we are seeing cases rise, especially in Southwest Pennsylvania.”

Cases in Allegheny County increased 166 cases overnight. Yesterday Allegheny Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen announced that additional mitigation measures are being taken in Allegheny County to further stem the spread of coronavirus cases. The new order calls for a one-week closure of bars, restaurants and casinos and the cancellation of all activities or events over 25 people for that same one-week time period. Food establishments may still offer take-out and delivery during that time period. The order took effect at 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 3. In addition to the order, Dr. Bogen also recommended a voluntary stay-at-home protocol for residents of the county.

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 634 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 715,403 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
• 1% are ages 5-12;
• 2% are ages 13-18;
• 7% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• 24% are ages 50-64; and
• 27% are ages 65 or older.

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.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,888 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,323 cases among employees, for a total of 21,211 at 706 distinct facilities in 52 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,583 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,745 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the green phase of reopening.

(AP)- A white couple face criminal charges after one of them was captured on video pulling a handgun on a Black woman and her daughters in a restaurant parking lot in Michigan. Oakland County prosecutors say Jillian and Eric Wuestenberg were arrested after Wednesday night’s confrontation and charged Thursday with felonious assault. The sheriff’s office says they were later arraigned and are free on a $50,000 personal bond. The sheriff says that as a condition of the bond, they must turn over all firearms, not engage in “assaultive behavior” and not leave Michigan. They’re next scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause hearing on July 14.

(Sandy Giordano/Beaver County Radio News)

Aliquippa Police are asking residents to refrain from setting off fireworks in city roadways and in the area of occupied residences. According to posting on the city website, police will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for fireworks being discharged at night. The posting also states there have been complaints about fireworks between 11 p.m. and midnight. Police will be increasing patrols, according to the posting.

Ambridge Police stated they are enforcing the no fireworks policy within the borough.

In Hopewell Township have to have a permit, asnd you must apply 15 days in advance of an event. An ordinance was adopted on December 13, 2010.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The title sponsor of the Washington Redskins’ stadium wants the NFL team to change its name. In a statement today, FedEx said they “have communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name”. The company paid the team $205 million in 1999 for the naming rights to FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. In addition to the stadium name and sponsorship agreement, FedEx CEO Frederik Smith is a minority owner. Majority owner Daniel Snyder has shown no indications he’ll change the name since buying the team in 1999.

On Thursday night, Nike appeared to remove all Redskins gear from its online store. The other 31 NFL teams were listed and a search for “Redskins” came up with no results. Nike did not immediately respond to an email message seeking comment.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump will begin his Independence Day weekend on Friday with a patriotic display of fireworks at Mount Rushmore before a crowd of thousands. But even in a part of the country where many remain supportive of the president, the event has drawn controversy and protests. Trump is expected to speak at the event, which has issued 7,500 tickets to watch fireworks that he has previewed as a “display like few people have seen.” But questions about coronavirus precautions, protests from Native American groups and concerns over wildfires from the fireworks will also greet the president.

HEMPFIELD, Pa. (AP) — A man who says he fatally beat his 92-year-old father in their home because he believed his father was a vampire has been sentenced to 10 to 30 years in prison. Douglas Novak pleaded guilty but mentally ill last November to murder, arson, reckless endangerment and risking a catastrophe charges. Authorities have said he fatally beat Frank Novak with the wooden arm of a dining room chair. Novak’s lawyer said Thursday that his client was off his medication when he attacked his father. But prosecutors say Novak told police he beat his father because the older man was hiding his phone.

Hugh Downs, genial presence on TV news and game shows, dies
By DAVID BAUDER AP Media Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Hugh Downs, a genial and near-constant presence on television from the 1950s through the 1990s, has died. His family said Downs died of natural causes Wednesday night in Scottsdale, Arizona. Downs was a host of the ‘Today” show on NBC, worked on the “Tonight” show when Jack Paar was in charge, and hosted the long-running game show “Concentration.” He co-hosted the ABC newsmagazine ’20/20’ with Barbara Walters. Until surpassed by Regis Philbin, he had the Guinness Book of World Records mark for most hours logged on television. Downs also hosted the PBS series “Over Easy” and “Live from Lincoln Center.”

‘Truly alarming’: Officials voice concern over virus spike
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania reported its highest one-day total of confirmed coronavirus cases since May. Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh and 1.2 million residents, also reported its highest one-day total of positive tests that officials called a larger increase than expected. Thursday’s rising figures, and rising rate of positive tests, come as health officials in Philadelphia and Allegheny County point to people socializing in bars and returning from beach vacations and coronavirus hot spots. Pennsylvania reported more than 830 new positive cases of COVID-19. It also reported another 25 coronavirus-related deaths. Allegheny County reported more than 230 more new positive tests. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman called the figure “truly alarming.”