Pennsylvania counts 479 new covid-19 cases Sunday

The Pennsylvania Department of Health Sunday confirmed an additional 479 positive cases of covid-19, bringing the statewide total to 89,854.

Officials said they recorded an increase of four new deaths due to the virus, bringing the total number of deaths statewide to 6,753.

Meanwhile, 734,846 Pennsylvanians across the state now have tested negative for the virus to date.

The statewide daily report of new cases represented a marked decline from Saturday when officials reported 634 new cases of covid-19.

But Western Pennsylvania remains hard hit. More than a quarter of Sunday’s new cases — 26.5% — came from Allegheny County, which reported 127 new cases Sunday.

As new cases began to spike in Western Pennsylvania Wednesday, Gov. Tom Wolf issued an order requiring Pennsylvanians to wear masks in all public places and outside when social distancing is not possible.

Officials said the practice is critical to preventing the spread of the virus.

“As the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against covid-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings this holiday weekend,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away and we are seeing cases rise, especially in Southwest Pennsylvania.”