The Pennsylvania Department of Health says more than 3 million people in the state have been at least partially vaccinated against the virus by the time 4.7 million doses went to arms.
TO UPDATE: Although it also reported 7,132 new cases of coronavirus and 33 deaths in its coronavirus application on Saturday afternoon, the health department reported Saturday night that a technical problem means that these numbers may be incorrect. Instead, the updated virus numbers will be released on Monday.
Across the state, nearly 25,000 deaths have been linked to the virus, and more than a million people have contracted COVID-19 since the pandemic began more than a year ago.
Last week’s figures increased from early March, but are still well below the peak of Pennsylvania’s second and worst peak, which began after Thanksgiving. For example, the daily peak for new cases was 12,884 on December 5; hospitalizations were 6,346 on December 16.
The number of people vaccinated against the Pennsylvania virus is growing. So far, more than 3 million first shots have been administered, officials said, and 1.6 million people have received a second shot when needed. A Johnson & Johnson vaccine, aimed primarily at teachers, needs only one dose.
- More: graphs, data on coronavirus in Pa.
Of the approximately 254,000 people who had a coronavirus test in the seven days that ended on March 25, 7.6% were positive. This is higher than a week ago, when the positivity rate was 6.5%. Below 5% is the target, showing a limited expansion of the community.
The health department reports that 91% 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.
This story has been updated.
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