The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 16,967 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, covering a two-day holiday period.
Across Pennsylvania, 657,292 people have contracted COVID-19 since the pandemic began almost a year ago.
Across the state, 16,239 deaths in total were related to the virus, including 261 reported Thursday and Friday, the health department said.
Almost a third of all COVID-19 deaths so far in the state have occurred in December alone.
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The number of hospitalizations has also increased dramatically in recent weeks. According to the health department, 5,624 patients with COVID-19 are hospitalized. Of these, 1,172 are in intensive care units.
The temporary closure of restaurants, youth sports, gyms and covered casinos ends on Monday.
Tests have increased since spring, but so has the percentage of positive tests. Of those who took a test in seven days until December 31, 15% were positive. Anything above 5% shows a significant spread of COVID-19 by the community.
- More: Graphs, data on coronavirus in Pa.
Most hospitalized patients, and the majority of those who died, are 65 or older, the state said. Nursing homes have struggled with the spread of the virus.
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The health department reports that 67% of people who contracted the coronavirus have recovered. The state considers that patients have recovered after 30 days have passed since the point of infection or the onset of symptoms. About 3.3 million people have had negative tests.
Coronavirus vaccinations started, with healthcare professionals receiving their first injections.
The state health department has implemented a panel that documents how many COVID-19 vaccines have been administered.
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