Wolf tests positive for COVID-19

Gov. Tom Wolf, who days ago raised alarm about the pandemic’s escalation in Pennsylvania, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Wolf, 72, is asymptomatic and found out he was infected following a routine test Tuesday, according to his office.

In a statement, he said that he is “feeling well” and quarantining at home with his wife, Frances, who has since been tested and is waiting for her result. Wolf said he continues to perform his jobs as governor remotely.

“As this virus rages, my positive test is a reminder that no one is immune from COVID, that following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee,” he said in the statement.

“I ask all Pennsylvanians to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, socially distance yourself from those not in your household, and, most of all, take care of each other and stay safe,” Wolf continued.

Mayor Jim Kenney is also self-quarantining this week after being exposed to someone with the virus.

Earlier this week, Wolf warned that hospitals in the state could soon be overrun, saying that the COVID-19 situation has become “even more dire” in recent weeks.

“Right now, we all need to take a hard look at our choices and our actions and take every precaution to protect our neighbors, families and friends,” he said during a virtual press briefing Monday.

More than 5,800 people with COVID-19 are hospitalized across the state, including 901 in Philadelphia.

At city hospitals, 11.2% of intensive care unit beds and 8.6% of adult surgical beds are open, according to a state dashboard. Meanwhile, Delaware County is down to 10 ICU beds, about 10% of its total.

Pennsylvania recorded 220 new virus-related deaths Wednesday, while officials in Philadelphia reported one additional fatality.

There were 971 confirmed cases and 41 probable cases in the city and, statewide, there were 8,703 new infections.