Jul 16, 2020 2 min read

Washington County had one new COVID-19 death Thursday, taking the total number of virus deaths there to seven, the state Health Department said.

The county also added 24 new cases of the novel coronavirus, taking its total to 518. Greene County saw two new cases with a total of 77 since the pandemic arrived in Pennsylvania in March.

The death took place during a surge in virus cases in Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh region, a situation that prompted Gov. Tom Wolf to close bars Thursday that don’t sell food and take other steps to slow the spread of the disease.

“It’s terrible,” Washington County Commission Chairwoman Diana Irey Vaughan said, reacting to the new virus death.

“Our hearts break for the family who lost an individual to the virus,” Irey Vaughan said.

She said she urges residents to wear face masks to protect the community from COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania added 781 new cases of the virus Thursday and 16 new deaths.

“As the state has put in place new mitigation efforts to offset recent case increases, we must renew our commitment to protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings and telework,” state Health Secretary Rachel Levine said.

Meanwhile, Wolf announced $50 million in new funding Thursday, money that will be used as hazard pay for frontline workers during the pandemic.

The money will provide up to $1,200 to a worker, including those at grocery stores, who earn less than $20 an hour.

Employers can apply through July 31 for the money for up to 300 workers.

Eligible applicants may apply for the grants at the state Department of Community and Economic Development at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us. Program inquiries may be directed to 717-787-6245 or ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov.