The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed as of Christmas, that there were 7,581 additional positive cases of COVID-19, and as of Saturday there were 7,174 additional positive cases bringing the statewide total to 605,141.

There are 5,925 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, nearly double the peak in the spring. Of that number, 1,196 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older.

The trend in the 14-day moving average of number of hospitalized patients per day has increased by nearly 5,600 since the end of September.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of Dec. 11 - Dec. 17 stood at 15.8%.

As of 11:59 p.m., Thursday, there were 139 new deaths reported and as of 11:59 p.m., Friday, there were 26 new deaths reported for a total of 14,883 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Carbon County has 140 new cases, bringing the total to 2,573. One more death was reported for a total of 90.

Lehigh County has 19,280 cases to date, a two-day increase of 709. Eleven new deaths were reported for a total of 479.

In Luzerne County, there are 16,437 cases, reflecting a two-day increase of 564. Seventeen new deaths were reported, bringing the total to date to 435.

Monroe County added 195 new cases, for a total of 5,747. There are four new deaths, bringing the total to 193 to date.

In Northampton County, 1,145 new cases were reported, bringing the running total to 15,779. There are 410 deaths, an increase of seven.

Schuylkill County has 7,381 cases, an increase of 525 cases over two days. There are 235 deaths, an increase of four.