In his daily video briefing Friday, Governor Tom Wolf offered words of encouragement, explained the state’s efforts toward relief for residents and businesses, and as always, reminded everyone that the best recourse is to stay home and safe.

“When I was first elected in 2015… nobody could have foreseen what I’ve asked of you this past month. There is no higher service than helping each other survive. I’m asking you to stay the course,” Wolf said.

He added that though Pennsylvania is ranked fifth in the nation for confirmed cases, it has not suffered the explosive growth seen in nearby states, thanks to the broad efforts of all residents.

Wolf said plans for a phased re-opening are in the works, and details will be revealed this week. However, he outlined a number of ways his administration has worked to mitigate the financial damage of the coronavirus, such as tax and fee extensions, offering free meals to the needy, deferred payments on loans and introducing small business and hospital loan programs.

But Wolf reminds everyone that this situation will not resolve itself in one day. “The state can’t re-open at the touch of a button.” In particular, he said we don’t yet know the long-term ramifications to individual health, and there must be a data-driven plan to assist people with continued health needs – such as those who contracted the virus – in the future, and that they won’t be excluded from care because of that particular pre-existing condition.

As of Monday, the state has 32,284 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,112 deaths. Lehigh County has 2,203 confirmed and 32 deaths; Northampton County has 1,441 confirmed and 36 deaths; the city of Bethlehem has 356 confirmed, 36 hospitalized and 2 deaths.