NEPA sees 79 new COVID-19 cases, but cases continue downward trend

Joseph Kohut, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·2 min read

May 26—With 79 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Northeast Pennsylvania on Wednesday, the rate that infections and deaths occur locally and statewide over time continued to fall, a review of state Department of Health data shows.

Two-week increases in cases in the seven-county region dropped for a fourth straight day, with 1,427 additional cases reported over 14 days. That is the lowest two-week rise in cases since mid-October — when new infections were rising steadily from summertime lows.

Throughout the region — comprising Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties — the total now stands at 77,378 cases.

The health department said the state case total climbed by 1,127 cases to 1,198,595 Wednesday.

Over the last 14 days, the number of cases has climbed by 19,344. The statewide two-week total has decreased every day since April 20, when the two-week increases in cases was 64,213.

There were two additional deaths reported in Northeast Pennsylvania on Wednesday, bringing the regional total to 1,845. Statewide, 38 additional people died of the virus, bringing the total overall to 27,123.

The number of death statewide also has trended down in recent weeks, as have the number of hospitalizations. The health department said the trend in the 14-day moving average of hospitalized patients per day is also headed down.

Nearly 53% of the state's 18 and older population are fully vaccinated, the department said. Once that figure reaches 70%, the state is set to lift the mask mandate.

In local counties:

Lackawanna added 22 cases for 18,376 total, of which 2,873 were probable. Deaths remained at 471.

Luzerne added 35 cases for 31,706 total, of which 2,570 were probable. One new death raised the total to 809.

Monroe added 10 cases for 14,659 total, of which 455 were probable. One new death raised the total to 316.

Pike cases decreased by two for 3,965 total, of which 422 were probable. Deaths remained at 54.

Susquehanna added two cases for 2,624 total, of which 343 were probable. Deaths remained at 62.

Wayne added five cases for 4,091 total, of which 434 were probable. Deaths remained at 80.

Wyoming added seven cases for 1,957 total, of which 346 were probable. Deaths remained at 53.

Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9100, x5187; @jkohutTT on Twitter.