634 new cases reported in Pa.

The Pennsylvania Health Department reported 634 new cases of the coronavirus Saturday.

To date, there have been 89,375 infections statewide since the start of the pandemic.

“Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach,” Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in Saturday’s report.

“However, the virus has not gone away and we are seeing cases rise, especially in southwest Pennsylvania.”

The state reported three new deaths, compared with 34 the day before. That brings the total to 6,749. One new death was in a nursing or personal care facility, bringing the total to 4,592.

Around noon Saturday, 589 people were hospitalized, compared with 598 the day before.

10,653 tests were taken, with 608 positive results, for a positive test rate of 5.7%, compared with 4.6% the day before. There have been 725,448 negative tests.

The Lehigh Valley had 16 new cases (11 in Lehigh County, five in Northampton County), compared with 29 the day before. That brings the total to 7,766.

No new deaths were reported in the region, compared with four the day before, with the total remaining at 579 — 307 deaths in Lehigh County and 272 in Northampton.

In Allegheny County, where the state Health Department flagged an alarming spike in cases this week, 150 more positive cases of the virus were reported Saturday, 16 fewer than on the previous day and 87 fewer than two days previously.

The spike prompted Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen to call for a one-week closure of bars, restaurants and casinos and the cancellation of activities involving more than 25 people.

— Ryan Kneller and Jesse Musto