HARRISBURG, Pa. | Allegheny County and Philadelphia reported the largest jumps in new positive COVID-19 cases, according to state officials.
And as Pennsylvania approached 100,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus on Friday, various professional, semi-professional, amateur and university sports teams submitted plans to the state Department of Health to have fans in the stands, the agency said.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported another 1,032 positive cases Friday, bringing the state total to 99,478. Allegheny County reported an increase of 240 cases and Philadelphia an increase of 163 cases.
State officials reported 19 new deaths attributed to COVID-19 for a total of 6,992 statewide.
Daily Case Map of PA Coronavirus
As of Friday, Berks County reported 4,781 positive cases, Lehigh County 4,519, Monroe County 1,488 and Northampton County 3,614.
County specific information and state maps are available on the COVID-19 Data Panel.
“As the state has implemented new mitigation efforts to offset the increases in recent cases, we must renew our commitment to protect against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and following the requirements set forth in the bar and restaurant orders. , meetings and telecommuting, “said Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine in a prepared statement. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful and measured approach. However, we know that the virus has not disappeared as we see cases increase, so we must work together to stop another increase. “
As for the fans in the stands, the Wolf administration declined to reveal which organizations, teams or universities have submitted plans, or if they have approved any. But he said he continues to discourage viewers or fans from attending games to prevent transmission of the virus.
College and professional sports remain subject to the Pennsylvania state-mandated limit of less than 250 people on-site for games and practices, meaning the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Penn State football games cannot have fans in the stands.
However, the Health Department said “several” teams had submitted plans to the agency under a provision of their health orders that allowed them to obtain approval to exceed that limit.
Penn State declined to say whether it had submitted a plan.
Penn State Athletics said it is working with various governing bodies on stage “for a possible return this fall consistent with physical distancing, wearing masks and other preventive safety steps.” Her statement continued: “While we are optimistic, it is too early to project, and any potential scenario would need to comply with local and state public health guidance based on the conditions of development of the virus in our community and elsewhere.”
Messages were left with the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.
PA coronavirus by county map
Health authorities in the Pittsburgh area, the epicenter of the pandemic in Pennsylvania, relaxed restrictions on indoor food on Friday to align it with those of the state.
The Allegheny County Health Department had banned indoor dining and alcohol consumption in bars and restaurants in response to a sharp increase in coronavirus cases. Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen revised her order on Friday to allow indoor table service, but said customers should leave the indoor and outdoor seating areas before 11 pm
The new order was due to take effect at 5 p.m. Friday.
Allegheny reported another large increase in new virus infections on Friday, saying that 240 more people had tested positive between June 29 and July 16.
Citing the ongoing outbreak in southwestern Pennsylvania and the disease model showing the rise in infections elsewhere, Governor Tom Wolf’s administration re-imposed some pandemic restrictions across the state this week, closed nightclubs, closed bars unless They also offer meals and reduce occupancy in bars and restaurants.
.
