Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 162 additional cases brought total to 2,218

A significant increase of 162 additional cases of COVID-19 brought the total number in the state to 2,2218. Health officials reported Friday 637 cases in Philadelphia. Two more deaths have been reported in Philadelphia and Delaware County. The number of coronavirus cases jumped by 162 on Friday in the city.

Two more death were reported in Philadelphia and Delaware County.

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine attributed the increase to an inconsistent attitude towards the critical situation created by the pandemic. “Our notable increase in cases over the past few days indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously.”

Levine also stressed the importance of following the recommendations on staying at home. “Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe. We have seen case counts continue to increase and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home.”

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Delaware County also reported two new deaths — a 70-year-old woman from Ridley Township and a 63-year-old man from Middletown Township. The county death toll now stands at four. Twenty-two people total have died so far from the virus in Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley informed that there are now coronavirus cases in every Philadelphia zip code. “This virus is everywhere in Philadelphia,” Farley said.

As the number of Covid-19 cases increases, the authorities’ responses are attempting to stop its escalation with all available strategies. During Friday’s briefing, Mayor Jim Kenney announced the city reached an agreement with Temple University to use the Liacouras Center and other Temple facilities as hospital space.

This comes after the city ended negotiations with the owner of the Hahnemann Hospital building.

Farley has asked those who traveled to the New York City metropolitan area recently to self-quarantine for 14 days due to the number of cases they have.

There are more than 20 testing sites in Philadelphia, including hospitals now testing for the coronavirus. But health officials still warn test kits are limited.