More than 7,000 new COVID cases reported in PA
Washington County reported three new COVID-19 deaths Thursday as the virus continued to surge locally and statewide.
The virus has claimed 56 lives in the county. There have been 17 deaths reported in Fayette County, and one in Greene County, though no new deaths were noted Thursday by the state Department of Health.
The DOH reported the state once again shattered its record for new daily cases.
“We are in for a very challenging time,” state Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said Thursday.
The state announced 7,126 new cases Thursday and 116 additional deaths linked to the virus.
Fayette County added 45 new cases to its total of 1,547, while Greene County’s case count increased by 22, bringing its total to 529.
Washington County added 153 new virus cases, taking its total to 3,493.
The previous statewide record for new cases was set Wednesday when 6,339 of them were announced.
Levine spoke Thursday about the pending COVID-19 vaccines, which should be available in their first phase of release in about a month.
She said she is “comfortable with the process” and believes they will be safe and effective.
“It will not be a cure,” said Levine, while predicting face mask mandates will survive into late 2021.