2 more presumed cases of coronavirus in Pennsylvania brings state total to 6, Department of Health says
Sam RulandUPDATE:Pa. up to 10 coronavirus cases, and the latest patient is in critical condition
Previously: Pennsylvania is up to six coronavirus presumptive cases, including two additional cases announced late Sunday afternoon in Montgomery County, according to the Department of Health.
"These two individuals, both adults, have mild symptoms and are isolated at home," according to a DOH news release. "They tested presumptive positive after known international exposure."
This brings the total of Pennsylvania presumptive positive cases to six.
Presumptive positive means the tests have been confirmed at a state lab, but not by the CDC.
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State Health Secretary Rachel Levine said in a news conference on Friday, that she was not aware of any tests performed at the state level that were later found by the CDC to be incorrect.
The first two presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in the state were announced Friday. Those COVID-19 patients were listed to be adults from Delaware County and Wayne County. Officials said the patients appear to have contracted the virus outside of Pennsylvania. They have mild symptoms are in isolation at home.
Governor Tom Wolf announced two additional presumptive cases on Saturday afternoon, also from Montgomery County. Both individuals have mild symptoms, are in isolation at home, and were exposed to an area of the U.S. where the virus is present.
More:2 more presumed cases of coronavirus in Pennsylvania brings state total to 4, Gov. Tom Wolf says
Keep up to date on coronavirus
The state Department of Health has established a section of its website for updates and guidance on dealing with the spread of the coronavirus.
Live updates:An interactive map of active coronavirus cases
“As this situation evolves, we will continually update Pennsylvanians through our website, health.pa.gov, our Facebook page and our Twitter account,” Levine said in a news release Friday. “It’s important to remember that the most accurate and timely information regarding this outbreak is available through the Department of Health.”
What should someone do if they think they have symptoms?
If someone believes they could have the virus, or are showing certain symptoms, Levine advised they contact their healthcare provider for an evaluation immediately.
The provider then would then need to call the state department of health, and if it seems appropriate, collect a specimen using a nasal swab and send it to the state lab.
A lab in Exton is able to quickly assess whether a sample is positive for COVID-19, and the patient does not need to pay for that test, Levine said. Tests are forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for verification.
Depending on when state officials receive the specimen, they can have results within the same day, Levine said.
No one should be denied a test for COVID-19 because of the cost.