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WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported 78 new cases of COVID-19 in Luzerne County and eight more deaths. The death count is now at 706.

The new report brings the county’s total cases to 24,263 since the pandemic began last year.

Neighboring Lackawanna County has 13,386 cases and 402 deaths; Monroe County has 9,273 cases and 259 deaths.

The Department of Health confirmed there were 3,413 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 902,650.

<strong>COVID-19 vaccine distribution</strong>

In Pennsylvania this week, a total of 326,850 doses will have been allocated through Feb. 20:

— 183,575 first doses will have been allocated this week.

— 143,275 second doses will have been allocated this week.

To date, of the 2,766,400 doses allocated through Feb. 20, we have administered 1,749,949 doses total through Feb. 16:

— First doses, 82 percent (1,313,538 administered of 1,610,175 allocated)

— Second doses, 38 percent (436,411 administered of 1,156,225 allocated)

To see a map of locations where you can get a vaccination go to the <a href="https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Vaccine.aspx#map" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pennsylvania Department of Health website</a>.

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.

<strong>Statewide data</strong>

There are 2,356 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 491 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 has increased by nearly 2,300 since the end of September.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of Feb. 5–Feb. 11, stood at 8.0%.

As of 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, there were 193 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 23,319 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 105,497 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 637 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 3,791,021 individuals who have tested negative to date.

In licensed nursing and personal care homes, there are 65,713 resident cases of COVID-19, and 12,729 cases among employees, for a total of 78,442 at 1,556 distinct facilities in all 67 counties.

Out of total deaths reported to PA-NEDSS, 12,118 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 24,257 of our total cases are among health care workers.

78 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County’ death count at 706