2 more covid-19 cases reported in Westmoreland County, no new deaths

Westmoreland County on Sunday reported two additional coronavirus cases and no new deaths, according to state health officials.

That brings the total number of cases to 449. The total number of deaths remains at 38.

Close to 9,500 people have tested negative for the virus.

Neither the state nor coroner reported any additional deaths. Coroner Ken Bacha’s death total remains at 32. The coroner’s website hasn’t been updated since May 7. A note on the website says it will only be updated when a new case is reported to the office.

According to Bacha, those who died include 15 men and 17 women between the ages of 61 and 109, with the average age being 83. All were white.

Bacha said 25 of the deaths were confirmed by positive testing while seven were presumed by symptoms and weren’t tested.

Westmoreland County will join several other counties, including Allegheny County, in the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s three-phase re-opening plan on Friday, June 5.

“As Pennsylvania continues to move forward in the process to reopen, we need to remember that the threat from covid-19 has not gone away,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a Sunday statement. “As counties move into the yellow and green phases, we must take personal responsibility to protect others. Wearing a mask, continuing to maintain social distancing, and washing your hands frequently are all steps we can take to help protect others, including our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our health care system.”

Close to 72,000 covid-19 cases have been reported statewide, and 5,555 people have died from the virus.

More than 383,000 people have tested negative.

Of the total cases, ​67% have recovered.