600 new coronavirus cases, 22 deaths reported in Pa.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday reported 600 new coronavirus cases and 22 new deaths.

That brings the state’s total case count to 84,370, with 6,597 deaths.

It is the largest, single-day increase since June 12, part of a jump that’s been ongoing for about two weeks.

Pennsylvania Department of Health spokesman Nate Wardle said an increase is to be expected as businesses reopen and testing increases — especially in nursing homes.

“Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach,” he said in a statement. “However, the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently.”

The state considers 632 patients as probable cases, but they are not confirmed.

More than half of coronavirus cases in the state are in patients age 50 or older, with the most severe cases in patients over the age of 65, according to the Department of Health.

Nursing and personal care homes account for 17,527 cases among residents and 3,162 among employees. There have been 4,518 coronavirus deaths in nursing and personal care homes, about 68.3% of the state’s deaths. The virus has been found in 678 nursing facilities.

Health care workers account for 6,395 coronavirus cases.

More than 634,700 people statewide have tested negative for the virus. Of those with the virus, 78% have recovered.

All of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have had confirmed cases and all are now in either the yellow or green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s three-tiered reopening plan.