By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf
Ahead of expected tightened restrictions in Pennsylvania, as COVID-19 cases continue to spike, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday that he has tested positive for the virus.
Wolf released the following statement, Wednesday afternoon:
“During a routine test yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19. I have no symptoms and am feeling well. I am following CDC and Department of Health guidelines. Frances has been tested and, as we await the result, is quarantining at home with me.
“I am continuing to serve the commonwealth and performing all of my duties remotely, as many are doing during the pandemic.
“As this virus rages, my positive test is a reminder that no one is immune from COVID, that following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee, but it is what we know to be vital to stopping the spread of the disease and so I ask all Pennsylvanians to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, socially distance yourself from those not in your household, and, most of all, take care of each other and stay safe.”
Prior to this announcement, there had been speculation that Wolf would be tightening restrictions on public interactions, as cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the commonwealth have spiked in recent weeks. Many other states have ended indoor dining at restaurants and even issued new “stay at home” orders, while Pennsylvania has only offered advisories for people to stay home as much as possible. It is unclear whether — or if – any new restrictions will come this week.
The State Department of Health (DOH) reported Wednesday that there were 8,703 new cases in the state, with 5,561 people hospitalized because of the virus. DOH reported 220 new deaths reported for a total of 11,762 deaths in the commonwealth from the virus to date.
Chester County is currently averaging about 200 new cases per day with an average of 89 people hospitalized, according to the most recent weekly statistics released by DOH.
