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Department of Health

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Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine announced the launch of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, which is now available on the department’s website. The dashboard includes information on the number of vaccinations administered by county as well as demographic information about the people being vaccinated.

“Each day, more and more Pennsylvanians are getting vaccinated against COVID-19, which means we are another step closer to beating this virus,” Dr. Levine said. “The COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard will help us visualize how many individuals have received the vaccine to date and help us work to vaccinate everyone who wishes to receive a vaccination.”

The data on the dashboard comes from vaccine providers who are reporting information relating to the individuals to whom they administer the COVID-19 vaccine. That information is reported into the Pennsylvania Statewide Immunization Information System (PA-SIIS).

Currently, 142 hospitals, health systems, federally qualified health centers, and pharmacies have received the COVID-19 vaccine with 58 locations expected to receive doses this week. Some of these facilities have previously received the vaccine, and some are receiving the vaccine for the first time. The department also announced this week that, through the Federal Pharmacy Partnership (FPP), 126 skilled nursing facilities across the commonwealth will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine will be available in a phased approach. Due to the limited supply of vaccine, the first phase is expected to take several months. Initial administration of doses will align with the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). ACIP recommended that vaccine administration be prioritized for health-care workers, residents, and staff in long-term care facilities.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a nationwide playbook that the department used to develop and still uses to update the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan.

More information about the COVID-19 vaccine can be found here.

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, and Graphics

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.

MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson

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Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has a website that is dedicated strictly to the COVID-19 vaccine. Members are encouraged to save this page due to the valuable and important information regarding the vaccine that is posted there on a regular basis. This information includes a number of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s), a link to the COVID-19 vaccine provider locations, and much more.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Health, along with Apple and Google, has launched an exposure notification app called COVID Alert PA. It is available to download for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The app is an effective tool, but the commonwealth needs your help getting it in the hands of Pennsylvanians. We need help getting the word out – and downloads up.

Can you help us? We have an extensive catalog of marketing materials, including posters, social media posts, press releases, and other customizable content. You can find downloadable marketing materials on the Community Resources webpage.

COVID Alert PA is a free mobile app that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology and the Exposure Notification System developed by Apple and Google. Features include:

  • Interactive COVID-19 symptom checker;
  • Opt-in for alerts concerning potential exposure to the virus;
  • Updates on the latest public health data about COVID -19; and
  • Language options available in English, Spanish, German, and traditional Chinese.

COVID Alert PA protects both privacy and personal information. The app does not use GPS, location services, or any movement or geographical information. It will never collect, transmit, or store personal information. It is completely anonymous.

Thank you in advance for helping to get the word out to your employees, customers, family, friends, and neighbors.

Thank you for your support!  

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Record High Testing of Over 49,500 PCR Tests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2020

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 6, that there were 3,384 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 223,950. This is the highest daily increase of cases.

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

The number of tests administered within the last seven days between October 30 and November 5 is 301,056 with 17,690 positive cases. There were 49,528 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m. on November 5. This is a record high number of PCR test results reported to the department.

There are 8,975 deaths attributed to COVID-19 with an increase of 38 new deaths reported. 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 4,743 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,408,366 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;
  • Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
  • Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
  • Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
  • Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
  • Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
  • Nearly 21% are ages 65 or older.

There are 1,599 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 351 patients are in the intensive care unit. Most of the patients hospitalized are age 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients aged 65 or older. More data is available here.

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 providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics. Increases among 19 to 24-year-olds from April through November are available below:

  • NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 20 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;
  • SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 10 percent of cases so far in November;
  • NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 10 percent of cases so far in November; and
  • SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 9 percent of cases so far in November.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 27,104 resident cases of COVID-19 and 5,810 cases among employees for a total of 32,914 cases at 1,106 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,903 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,811 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon on November 5:

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, and Graphics

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.

MEDIA CONTACT: Nate Wardle

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