Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 505 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 85,496

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 28, that there are 505 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 85,496. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,606 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 3 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are up ten cases since Friday at 648. 628 confirmed cases and 20 probables. 6060 people have tested negative and the county stands at 78.

“As nearly the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19,” 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. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Mask wearing is required in all businesses in all phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 633 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 657,486 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;
• Nearly 7% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• Nearly 25% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 28% 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 17,677 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,212 cases among employees, for a total of 20,889 at 687 distinct facilities in 51 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,528 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,484 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 yellow or green phase of reopening.

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.

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
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All 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.

 

Governor Tom Wolf today commended the Allegheny County Executive and Health Department for the additional mitigations the county is putting in place in response to significant COVID-19 case increases over the past few days, emphasizing that the situation in Allegheny County is a reminder for the entire state to follow mask-wearing and other mitigation requirements. The majority of new cases in Allegheny County are in people age 19-49 with an average age of 27.

“I commend Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Health Department Director Dr. Debra Brogan for the decision to shut down bars and restaurants for on-premises alcohol sales in Allegheny County effective June 30. This was the right move to work to stop the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in its tracks and to remind all residents and businesses that the best defense we have in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping Pennsylvanians safe is to continue to follow the mask-wearing requirement, practice social distancing, and follow safety guidelines even and especially during the green phase of reopening. We cannot become complacent in practicing the measures we know can protect everyone from the spread of this very contagious virus.

“It is my hope that swift action on the part of the county results in swift containment and the return to an increased commitment to protect all residents, especially those most vulnerable to COVID-19, and that this action sets an example for the rest of the state to continue to follow mitigation efforts put in place to protect lives and livelihoods.

“Mitigation efforts statewide include the requirement to wear a mask when in businesses, following occupancy limits in all businesses and gatherings, practicing social distancing, hand washing and sanitizing surfaces – these simple practices can make a huge difference in protecting ourselves, our seniors, our neighbors and our communities. Even if you believe you will not get sick, you can, and you can spread the virus to someone who may not be able to recover as easily.”

Hamlin caps marathon day of racing at Pocono with 4th win
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Denny Hamlin held off Kevin Harvick on Sunday night to win the second Cup race of the weekend at Pocono Raceway and flip the result of the opener. Hamlin raced to his fourth victory of the season — and sixth at Pocono — to cap a wild, marathon day of racing at the track, with three NASCAR races and Cup finish in the dark. Pocono doesn’t have lights — but the pit road numbers were lit up and glowed as Hamlin took the checkered flag for Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin has 41 career victories to move to 19th on NASCAR’s career list.

Trump denies briefing about reported bounties on US troops
By ZEKE MILLER, JAMES LAPORTA and DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House plans to brief select members of Congress after news reports citing U.S. intelligence that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing American troops in Afghanistan. The intelligence on bounties was reported initially by The New York Times and then was confirmed by The Associated Press. President Donald Trump denies being briefed and says he was told Sunday night the intelligence wasn’t considered credible. Intelligence officials tell the AP that Trump was briefed on the matter earlier this year. A top House Republican, Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, has called for the White House to share more information with Congress.

The 95th Annual San Rocco Celebration has been cancelled for 2020. You can read the press release below sent to Beaver County Radio by the event organizers:

For the past 95 years, we have come together to celebrate the San Rocco Festa
with our family, friends, and neighbors. After careful consideration, the San
Rocco Cultural Committee Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to
cancel the 2020 San Rocco Festa due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, we
will be focusing this year on the most important parts of our celebration: the San
Rocco Mass and spending more time with close family. “This decision was not
made lightly, but complying with social distancing guidelines and state mandates
for large gatherings, and an overriding concern for the
safety of our many volunteers, workers, vendors,
entertainers, and patrons left us with no choice,” said Dr.
Fred Persi, Committee President. He adds, “In 2019, the 3-
day event drew over 7,000 attendees. We fully expect to
return next August with renewed purpose to bring our
sense of community to even larger crowds.” All activities at
the Center Township Municipal Park previously scheduled
for August 14, 15, and 16 have been canceled, along with
the traditional procession through Aliquippa.
This year the Committee plans to honor the tradition by celebrating a mass on
August 16, the Festa Day of San Rocco, at St. Titus Church, Aliquippa. “We are
working with church officials to determine participation restrictions, but at
minimum, hope to stream the ceremony live,” added board member Gary
Tranelli. More details will be forthcoming and can be found on the website
www.sanrocco.org.

Suspect arrested in 2013 picnic shooting that killed child
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Authorities in western Pennsylvania say a man has been charged with criminal homicide and other counts in a triple shooting that killed a year-old boy in Pittsburgh more than seven years ago. The now-22-year-old Wilkinsburg man, who was a teenager at the time of the May 2013 shooting, was arrested Saturday on homicide, conspiracy, aggravated assault and weapon charges. Police say 25 to 30 people were at a picnic in the East Hills neighborhood when three people got out of a vehicle across the street and opened fire. Fifteen-month-old Marcus White Jr. was killed and two of his aunts were wounded.

In a year that has forced many to stay at home, and caused less travel, it may seem appropriate to some to use their home for the sake of travel. That, of course, is only possible with a trailer or RV. Thankfully for those who desire to travel while staying home, Hufnagel & Majors in Harmony Township is the place to get a trailer/RV and the accessories to go with it.

The Beaver County Radio Prize Van made the trip up north to Hufnagel & Majors, just north of Zelienople on Route 19 (Exit 88 on Interstate 79). The Personality Prize Wheel needed some fresh air after a few months off, and there were some lucky winners that got prizes from Fun Fore All in Cranberry & A-Rocket Fireworks in Aliquippa! All the while Beaver County was providing the tunes and fun in Harmony Township with the weather cooperating.

Check out the photos below, and check out Hufnagel & Majors for the latest ways to enjoy the great outdoors this summer!

Crash on Pennsylvania Turnpike kills ATV rider
FINLEYVILLE, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say a crash involving a sport utility vehicle and an all-terrain vehicle on a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in western Pennsylvania claimed the life of the ATV rider. The Washington County coroner’s office said 21-year-old Tyler Gereshenski of Finleyville was riding on the southbound lanes of Route 43 of the turnpike in Union Township when a southbound SUV struck the ATV. Officials say a passing motorist reported the crash at about 12:15 a.m. Saturday. Gereshenski was wearing a helmet. State police are investigating.

Mississippi gov: I’d sign bill to remove flag’s rebel emblem
By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS Associated Press
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi lawmakers could vote to remove the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag. They are meeting this weekend. The symbol has come under criticism amid nationwide protests against racial injustice. Lawmakers could adopt a new Mississippi flag without Confederate imagery. Or they could kick the issue to a statewide election, giving voters choices that might or might not include the current banner. Mississippi has used the same flag for more than 125 years. Religious, education, sports and business leaders are pushing legislators to remove the Confederate symbol. Republican Gov. said Saturday that he will sign a bill to change the flag.