The Pennsylvania Department of Health today launched an online early warning monitoring dashboard that provides information statewide and county COVID-19 prevalence to track increases in disease in the community on a weekly basis.

“This dashboard provides the entire community with early warning to changes in COVID-19 infection so that we can take action to prevent spread,” Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Recent increases in COVID-19 cases in parts of the state have shown the need for Pennsylvanians to continue to take simple steps to prevent the spread of this virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, maintain social distancing and stay home if you are sick.”

The dashboard shows data points being used to assess the spread of the virus in the state and in each county, including:

• Difference in confirmed cases (last 7 days vs. previous 7 days);

• Incidence rate (last 7 days and previous 7 days) per 100,000 residents;

• PCR positivity rate (last 7 days and previous 7 days);

• Difference in the average daily number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the last 7 days and the previous 7 days;

• Difference in the average daily number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators in the last 7 days and previous 7 days; and

• Percent of hospital emergency department visits in the last 7 days and previous 7 days due to COVID-like-illness (CLI).

The dashboard will be updated on a weekly basis to assist in providing information regarding the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. A standing link to the dashboard appears on the PLAN Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information webpage.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Chills

• Repeating shaking with chills

• Muscle pain

• Headache

• Sore throat

• New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.

• Clean surfaces frequently.

• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.

• If you must go out for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report

• Press releases regarding coronavirus

• Latest information on the coronavirus

• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)

• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)

• Community preparedness and procedures materials

• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts