Pennsylvania is slowly re-opening, if not exactly returning to normal. Forty-six counties are now in the least-restrictive Green phase, indicating many businesses have opened their doors, though with numerous precautions. Much of the Lehigh Valley remains with the 21 counties still temporarily in the yellow phase.

Governor Tom Wolf said last week we are among a select few states with a steady decline in cases, a positive indicator that the plan is working to balance public health with economic recovery. “Pennsylvania’s measured, phased process to re-open is successful because of its cautious approach that includes factors relying on science, the advice of health experts and that asks everyone to do something as simple as wearing a mask when inside or around others outside the home. We will continue to move forward cautiously.”

A Tableau Public analysis of states using four primary factors: daily tests, daily positive tests, current hospitalizations, and daily deaths shows Pennsylvania with a significant increase in tests accompanied by steep declines in positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths since a peak in mid-April. And while the country as a whole is seeing declines in cases, hospitalizations and deaths, many states are seeing increases that are cause for concern as reopening widens.

A recent study from Cambridge and Greenwich universities in the United Kingdom found mask-wearing will be especially important as a possible second wave of the virus could occur in the fall.

Pennsylvania has urged mask-wearing throughout its response to the pandemic and even as counties reach the green phase of reopening, masks are still required when entering businesses and encouraged for use in any space where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

“With more than half of the state now in the green phase of the process to reopen, it is essential that we continue to take precautions to protect against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said last week. “The commonwealth’s careful, measured approach to reopening is working as we see case counts continue to decline even as many other states see increases. But the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

As of Monday, the state has 78,798 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 6,215 deaths. Lehigh County has 3,890 confirmed and 253 deaths; Northampton County has 3,175 confirmed and 236 deaths; the city of Bethlehem has 1.002 confirmed and 65 deaths.