Pennsylvania reports 1K new virus cases, 1st time since May

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — New confirmed coronavirus infections in Pennsylvania hit their highest one-day mark since May on Friday, with state officials blaming the rising numbers on crowded bars where people aren't wearing masks and on out-of-state travel to virus hot spots.

Pennsylvania reported more than 1,000 new coronavirus infections for the first time since May 10. That's partly due to a reporting delay, because about 175 of those cases arose from private lab results reported together in one batch, according to the state Health Department.

Health officials reported another 32 coronavirus-related deaths, raising the statewide toll to 6,880.

State health officials warned in a health alert to hospitals, doctors offices and other heath care providers that increasing numbers of young people are contracting the virus. The Health Department also said that local outbreaks are being traced to out-of-state travel and to parties, restaurants, bars and other social gatherings.

“Risky behavior such as going out without a mask and congregating at a bar or in a crowded setting where social distancing isn’t being practiced are leading to spikes in cases and higher percent-positive rates,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a news release Friday.

Of the latest batch of positive test results, about 360, or more than one-third, came from Philadelphia and Allegheny County, where health officials also attribute rising infection rates to residents traveling to beach towns and socializing in bars and restaurants, particularly in establishments where masks weren’t being worn.

With Pennsylvania officials trying to keep a lid on the virus, the largest state-owned university, West Chester University outside Philadelphia, has become sufficiently alarmed by sharply rising COVID-19 numbers...