One death related to the coronavirus reported in Fayette County
One death related to COVID-19 has been reported in Fayette County, according to the state Department of Health.
It was among 11 deaths reported across the state on Wednesday, bringing the total number of deaths in Pennsylvania to 74.聽
The DOH does not release any information about those who have died from the virus, and all deaths are counted by the county of residence.
The daily numbers released by the DOH showed Fayette County’s positive case count at 14.聽The county’s first COVID-19 case was identified on March 22.
Uniontown Hospital Community Relations Director Josh Krysak said the county’s first death is a “sobering reminder of the significance of our actions, and the severity of the battle we are facing.”
“We have been preparing at the hospital, every day, every hour, to meet the needs of our community and to handle and care for patients should a surge result from the spread of COVID-19,” Krysak said. “We want the community to know that we will be here for them through this, and also to take all of the warnings and precautions to heart.”
He emphasized the importance of social distancing, good hand hygiene and vigilance in community efforts to limit the spread of the virus.
Last week, the hospital set up off-site testing in the parking lot of the former Kmart in South Union Township, and has set up a triage trailer at its emergency department to handle patients who may need to report to the facility for emergent care related to the virus.
In other areas, Greene County’s number of positive cases remained at nine, Washington County reported two additional cases, bringing its total to 35, and Westmoreland County saw its total rise by 11 to 72 cases. Allegheny County’s totals rose from 325 to 356.
Across the state, nearly 1,000 new cases were reported overnight, bringing the total number of cases in Pennsylvania to 5,805 from 4,843 on Tuesday.
For more information on the state’s case totals and other data, visit health.pa.gov.
At 3 p.m., Gov. Tom Wolf and state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine will host a virtual press conference.
It can be viewed at the following addresses:聽
governor.pa.gov/live/
facebook.com/governorwolf/
facebook.com/pennsylvaniadepartmentofhealth/
pacast.com/live/doh