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Initial tests since July of residents and staff of 1,400 nursing homes and other assisted living centers, many of whom care for senior citizens and those with chronic illnesses, showed positives for COVID-19 despite no evidence of viral symptoms.
"We know patients are asymptomatic and others that might not have symptoms and then do develop -- sometimes mild, sometimes severe" symptoms, said Dr. Rachel Levine, secretary of the state Department of Health during a news conference Tuesday. Levine was joined by Teresa Miller, secretary of the Department of Human Services at the conference.
The secretaries described baseline universal testing that has been completed and the results indicate a need for constant vigilance and retesting.
Many of these facilities, including in Lycoming and Northumberland counties, account for the most viral-related deaths because many of the residents have chronic illnesses contributing to weakened immune systems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
The universal testing was done at assisted living residences, personal care homes, and private intermediate care facilities, Miller said.
Miller also introduced the work done by medical professionals aligned as a Regional Response Health Collaborative, who are working to prevent and mitigate risk of COVID-19 in the facilities.
Levine said the universal testing is an essential piece of the puzzle to prevent and mitigate future outbreaks of the virus.
She said the National Guard, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and departments of Human Services and Health are involved in the effort to mitigate the spread of the deadly contagion among the most vulnerable population and for those who care for these individuals.
"Most states have found a majority of deaths are among seniors with chronic medical conditions, who are in congregate settings," she said.
"We want to expand testing to minority communities," Levine said. "We have a collective responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and we must be united in that effort," she said.
There were 770 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 134,795. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.
The number of tests administered within the last seven days between Aug. 25 and Monday is 163,092 with 4,551 positive cases. There are 7,691 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 18 new deaths reported, she said.
Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19, Levine said.