Pennsylvania’s latest covid-19 data, released Monday by the state’s Department of Health, carries on the trend of lower numbers — in new cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Over the past two days, the state has recorded 3,176 new cases of coronavirus, an 11% drop from last Monday’s two-day report (3,573) and 56% lower than a month ago (7,221).

The overall decline began about the second week of January and, save for a slight uptick in late January, has steadily continued ever since. On Jan. 11, the state’s seven-day average of new cases hit a high mark of 8,722. Currently, that number sits at 2,413 new cases in the past week — a 72% improvement.

The seven-day new case average in Pennsylvania has not been as low since Nov. 3 (2,346).

Among the state’s newest cases, 2,842 were confirmed through PCR tests, while 35 were listed as probable. Health officials define a probable case as one in which a patient has a positive viral antigen test or covid symptoms with a “high-risk exposure” to someone who has been confirmed to have coronavirus.

Only four counties reported two-day new case counts over 100 and just one posted above 200. The top five are: Philadelphia (267), Allegheny (137), Montgomery (114), Bucks (108) and Delaware (76).

Nine counties reported no new cases in the past two days, including Indiana County; while forty counties posted counts under 10. Two-day new cases counts among other Western Pennsylvania counties are: Westmoreland (31), Butler (20), Washington (12), Lawrence (10), Beaver (7), Fayette (6), Armstrong (5) and Somerset (2).

Hospitalization numbers also continue to decline, with 1,502 patients currently in facilities because of covid-19 — 303 of those are in intense care units and 170 are on ventilators. The last time fewer than 1,500 Pennsylvanians were hospitalized with covid was Nov. 3 (1,417). That’s a drop of 12% in the past week and 48% in the past month.

Health officials reported 39 new covid-related deaths in the past two days, bringing the total lost since the pandemic began a year ago to 24,356. Despite a slight uptick in the past few days, the state’s seven-day death total has dropped 20% in the past week (from 412) and 58% in the past month (784).

Pennsylvania has the fifth most covid-related deaths in the country, behind only California, New York, Texas and Florida.

Officials report there are 2,029,732 state residents who have at least one dose of a covid vaccine; 951,458 of them have both doses.

Despite the declining numbers, state health officials continue to point out that mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home, even if fully vaccinated. They say that consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of covid-19.

Allegheny County

Allegheny County health officials reported Monday there were 278 new cases recorded in the past two days — 31% lower than last week’s 404 reported. The county’s seven-day new case total has dropped to 215, a low not seen since early Nov. 8, when it was 207.

Among the newest cases, 243 were confirmed through 1,414 PCR tests, while 35 were listed as probable.

Officials said three of the latest PCR tests are more than a week old. The dates of the tests range from March 1-7. New cases ranged in age from one month to 91 years with a median age of 40 years.

One new covid-related death was reported during the two-day period. The date of death was Dec. 27 and the person was in their 80s. The death was not associated with a long-term care facility.

Among the new cases — 133 female, 145 male — the age breakdown is:

According to state data, there are 159 Allegheny County residents hospitalized for covid-19 — with 51 of them in ICUs and 19 on ventilators.

According to officials, 231,765 Allegheny County residents have at least one dose of a covid vaccine, while 91,450 are fully covered.

Westmoreland County

In Westmoreland County, health officials reported 53 new covid-19 cases — a low not seen since Oct. 1, when just 39 new cases were reported in the county. The latest two-day total is 42% lower than last week (75) and 61% lower than a month ago (137).

The new case total for the past seven days is down to 55, a low not seen since Oct. 9 (47).

Among the county’s newest cases, 45 were confirmed through PCR tests, while eight were listed as probable.

In Westmoreland County hospitals, 120 residents remain hospitalized for covid-19 — with two of them in ICUs. However, for the first time since Oct. 10, there are no covid patients reported to be on a ventilator.

Officials said there three new covid-related deaths in the past two days for Westmoreland County, bringing the death toll to 683 in the past year.

And on the vaccine front, the state is reporting that 60,738 county residents have at least one dose of a covid vaccine, while 24,934 are fully covered.

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