‘None of us know when that surge will occur’: Pa. Health Secretary says state is preparing for peak - PennLive

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said the state still isn’t sure when the peak of the coronavirus is going to take place.

Levine provided an update on the coronavirus and its impact in Pennsylvania during a news conference this afternoon. She said the state is working to mitigate the spread of the virus while also preparing hospitals for an expected surge of new patients with the virus.

“None of us know when that surge will occur,” Levine said.

You can watch the news conference online here.

Pennsylvania reported 1,211 new coronavirus cases today, raising the statewide total to 7,016. At least 90 people have died. Most people who contract coronavirus suffer only minor symptoms, but the state doesn’t track the number of Pennsylvanians who’ve recovered.

Levine said the state has been working with the University of Pittsburgh on models to project the peak of cases statewide. The state is also noting a forecast model developed by the University of Pennsylvania, which has a particular focus on the city of Philadelphia. So far, more than 1,800 cases have been confirmed in Philadelphia. The state is also examining modeling from researchers at the University of Washington.

But Levine has said forecasting the peak of the virus is difficult. She said today that researchers do expect a surge over the next several weeks.

More than 300 health care workers have been diagnosed with the virus, Levine said. And 10 percent of the state’s 695 nursing homes have a patient with the coronavirus.

Mental health

Levine said the state is seeing an increase in calls for mental health services, although she couldn’t provide a specific number.

“This is a very stressful time,” Levine said. “This is stressful for families and parents and children.” She noted it’s also stressful for seniors.

And it’s particularly taxing for the doctors, nurses and others in the health care field treating so many people.

“It’s incredibly stressful for health care personnel,” Levine said.

Levine suggested those who feel as if they need help can text PA to 741-741.

Guidance for parents

Levine, who worked as a pediatrician, offered guidance for parents to help give their kids a sense of normalcy in this unusual time. She said most kids crave a routine and parents should do what they can to help give kids a schedule.

“Our kids take their leads from the adults in their life,” she said, adding that kids follow the actions of their parents.

“Try to set a normal routine for them, even teenagers,” Levine said.

She said getting them up at consistent times and having a routine for homework, meals and bedtime is very beneficial.

“The more that is scheduled, the better it is for children, and teenagers,” she said.

She also suggested scheduling a time during the day for kids to learn more about the virus.

Lehigh Valley

Levine was asked about the spike of cases in the Lehigh Valley, which has been hit particularly hard. She said the growth in cases isn’t just a reflection of more expansive testing. She said the virus is spreading rapidly.

“We have seen widespread community transmission of the virus,” Levine said.

Aggressive measures

Gov. Tom Wolf has taken aggressive steps to stem the spread of the coronavirus. On Wednesday, the governor issued a statewide order for all residents to stay at home except for essential trips.

Earlier, he had ordered schools and non-life-sustaining businesses to close indefinitely.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

More:

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Reports of Pa. price gouging rise into the thousands amid coronavirus pandemic: attorney general

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