45 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Saturday; 4 more deaths

William O'Boyle, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
·3 min read

Feb. 27—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Saturday reported 45 new cases of COVID-19 in Luzerne County and four new deaths. The death count is now at 729.

The new report brings the county's total cases to 24,849 since the pandemic began last year.

Neighboring Lackawanna County has 13,888 cases and 418 deaths; Monroe County has 9,631 cases and 266 deaths.

The Department of Health confirmed there were 3,361 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 929,697.

Vaccine distribution

This week, a total of 3,172,900 doses will have been allocated through Feb. 27:

— 225,890 first doses will have been allocated this week.

— 180,610 second doses will have been allocated this week.

To date, of the 3,172,900 doses allocated through Feb. 27, we have administered 2,307,725 doses total through Feb. 26:

— First doses, 88 percent (1,621,102 administered of 1,836,065 allocated)

— Second doses, 51 percent (686,623 administered of 1,336,835 allocated)

To see a map of locations where you can get a vaccination go to the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.

A commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination guide explains current process for getting one. Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.

Statewide data

There are 1,897 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 403 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older.

The trend in the 14-day moving average number of hospitalized patients per day is about 3,900 lower than it was at the peak on December 25, 2020. However, the current 14-day average is just below what it was at the height of the spring peak on May 3, 2020.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of Feb. 12 — Feb. 18, stood at 6.5%.

As of 11:59 p.m. Friday, there were 132 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 24,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home, even if fully vaccinated. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 110,412 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 636 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 3,876,216 individuals who have tested negative to date.

In licensed nursing and personal care homes, there are 66,835 resident cases of COVID-19, and 13,059 cases among employees, for a total of 79,894 at 1,567 distinct facilities in all 67 counties.

Out of total deaths reported to PA-NEDSS, 12,435 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 24,770 of our total cases are among health care workers.

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