The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Saturday reported that there are 843 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 132,834. Philadelphia is reporting an increase of 109 cases.

There are 7,671 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 16 new deaths reported. Beginning today, the department will begin publishing COVID-19 case counts using the updated standardized case definition for COVID-19 from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. This revised case definition updates criteria for case identification and case classification based on the continued evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It updates probable case classifications and adds suspect case classifications. The definition for confirmed cases using a positive PCR test has not changed. Viral antigen tests, which identify people who are likely currently infected, will now be considered a probable case, even if the individual has no symptoms or exposure history. Persons with a positive antibody (serology) test, moving forward, will no longer be considered a probable case. However, cases previously counted as probable cases, using the prior national case definition, will remain counted as probable cases.

There are 654 patients who are considered probable cases. This includes 8 who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 20,979 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,478 cases among employees, for a total of 25,457 at 925 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,186 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 9,565 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Locally, Carbon County remains level at 420 positives and 28 deaths.

Lehigh County has 5,184 cases, an increase of 19 cases. There are 343 deaths.

Luzerne County has 3,768 cases, an increase of 15 cases. There are 188 deaths.

Monroe County is reporting two new cases, bringing the total to 1,713. There are 127 deaths.

Northampton has 4,112 cases, an increase of 30. There are 300 deaths.

Schuylkill County has five new cases, bringing the total to 988 cases, with 51 deaths.