State reports most cases since May

Pennsylvania’s one-day total of confirmed coronavirus cases broke 1,000 on Friday.

HARRISBURG, PA. » Pennsylvania on Friday reported its highest one-day total of confirmed coronavirus cases since May, breaking 1,000, although some of the test results, 175, were reported on a delay.

Another 32 coronavirus-related deaths were reported, as well, bringing the state’s total to 6,880.

Of the positive tests, about 360, or more than one-third, came from Philadelphia and Allegheny County, where health officials blame rising case counts on residents traveling to beach towns and socializing in bars and restaurants, particularly in establishments where masks weren’t being worn.

The statewide total of cases is nearly 94,000, according to Department of Health data, and 77% of those are thought to have recovered.

As more people are tested, an increase in the raw number of positive tests is to be expected. But if the virus is being brought under control, then the percentage of positive results relative to the total number of tests should be coming down.

Pennsylvania’s sevenday positivity rate is 5.3%, according to an Associated Press analysis, and has grown from 4.4% two weeks ago.

Friday was the first time in two months that Pennsylvania reported at least 1,000 new infections. The Health Department reported 1,295 new cases on May 10. At that time, the state was conducting far fewer tests, and the positive rate was much higher — nearly 17%.

JACK HANRAHAN — ERIE TIMES-NEWS VIA AP Monique Jones, left, of Erie, receives a face mask Friday from Rajahnee Hollamon, a member of the Blue Coats, in the 900 block of East Eighth Street in Erie. A group of volunteers was canvassing the neighborhood to educate residents about COVID-19.