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WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported 60 new cases of COVID-19 in Luzerne County and five new deaths. The death count is at 735.

The new report brings the county’s total cases to 25,033 since the pandemic began last year.

Neighboring Lackawanna County has 14,072 cases and 423 deaths; Monroe County has 9,783 cases and 269 deaths.

The Department of Health confirmed there were 2,577 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 938,411.

Vaccine distribution

This week, a total of 3,699,180 doses will have been allocated through March 6:

— 336,870 first doses will have been allocated this week.

— 189,410 second doses will have been allocated this week.

To date, of the 3,699,180 doses allocated through March 6, we have administered 2,553,518 doses total through March 2:

— First doses, 81 percent (1,761,703 administered of 2,172,935 allocated)

— Second doses, 52 percent (791,815 administered of 1,526,245 allocated)

To see a map of locations where you can get a vaccination go to the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.

A commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination guide explains current process for getting one. Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.

Statewide data

There are 1,670 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 354 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older.

The trend in the 14-day moving average number of hospitalized patients per day is about 4,100 lower than it was at the peak on Dec. 25, 2020. However, the current 14-day average is now also below what it was at the height of the spring peak on May 3, 2020.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of Feb. 19–Feb. 25, stood at 6.3%.

As of Tuesday, March 2, there were 69 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 24,169 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home, even if fully vaccinated. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 111,474 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 636 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 3,906,535 individuals who have tested negative to date.

In licensed nursing and personal care homes, there are 67,031 resident cases of COVID-19, and 13,144 cases among employees, for a total of 80,175 at 1,566 distinct facilities in all 67 counties.

Out of total deaths reported to PA-NEDSS, 12,470 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 24,886 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.