The Pennsylvania Department of Health provided an update Monday on efforts to mitigate the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Pennsylvania.

Since the update, the state has begun to increase its capacity to test cases at the state lab in Exton from 25 to 150 per day. The increased capacity is another indicator of the state’s preparedness to expedite testing of cases deemed necessary due to symptoms of individuals and at the direction of their health care providers.

A Montgomery County resident is a presumed positive case for COVID-19. Pennsylvania now has seven presumptive positive cases of coronavirus, five in Montgomery County, one in Delaware County and one in Wayne County.

This individual, an adult, is in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in critical condition, where they are being cared for under proper precautions to protect other patients and hospital staff. They tested presumptive positive after known international exposure.

Governor Tom Wolf signed an emergency disaster declaration to ensure state agencies involved in the response have the expedited resources they need to continue to focus on the virus and its possible spread.

Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Individuals most at risk for severe symptoms include elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Pennsylvanians are reminded to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.

• Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas.

• Contain if you are sick, you should stay home until you are feeling better.

“The department expects cases to continue to be confirmed in the upcoming days and weeks but wants everyone to take action to help prevent the spread of the virus,” says Pa. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. “The department also said due to the rapidly changing nature of the spread of COVID-19 around the world, it is important for families to be prepared.

“Further spread of this virus throughout the nation will likely occur. We want individuals who have potential exposure and symptoms to call us at 1-877-724-3258,” she adds. “We encourage people to prepare for potential life disruptions. The same family emergency plans and kits that we use to prepare for flu or norovirus, and even snowstorms and floods, are important now. As this situation evolves, we will continually update Pennsylvanians through our website, health.pa.gov, our Facebook page and our Twitter account.”

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