The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Saturday reported 16,967 new cases of coronavirus, covering a two-day period due to the holiday.
Across Pennsylvania, 657,292 people have contracted COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic nearly a year ago.
Overall, 16,239 deaths were linked to the virus, including 261 reported Thursday and Friday, the health department said.
Nearly a third of all COVID-19 deaths so far in the state occurred in December alone.
Can’t see the chart? Click here.
The number of hospitalizations has also increased dramatically in recent weeks. According to the Department of Health, 5,624 COVID-19 patients are being admitted to the hospital. Of these, 1,172 are in intensive care units.
A temporary strike of indoor eateries, youth sports, indoor gyms and casinos ends Monday.
Tests have increased since the spring, but also the percentage of these tests is positive. Of those who had a test in seven days to 31 December, 15% were positive. Just over 5% show a significant spread in the community of COVID-19.
- More: Graphs, data on coronavirus in Pa.
The state said most of the patients admitted to the hospital, and most of those who died, were 65 years or older. Nursing homes have struggled with the spread of the virus.
Can’t see the chart? Click here.
According to the Department of Health, 67% of those who contracted the coronavirus recovered. The state believes that patients recovered when they were 30 days past the point of infection or the onset of symptoms. About 3.3 million people underwent negative tests.
Vaccinations against coronavirus have begun, and health workers are getting the first shots.
The state health department has expanded a dashboard documenting how many COVID-19 vaccines have been administered.
More:
Hospitals prepare for a surge in COVID-19 cases, deaths after the holidays
US reaches 20 million mark in coronavirus cases
Report the documents have poor response to the coronavirus in the home of veterans in Pa