EXCLUSIVE: Sec. Levine responds to News Talk 104.1 on obstacles to tracking recovered COVID-19 cases and masks

During a Wednesday evening press conference, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine answered questions, several of which were posed by News Talk 104.1.

Responses were provided Thursday from the Department of Health press office.

Question: Sec. Levine, what is the biggest obstacle to tracking recovered cases in PA?

In terms of recoveries, recovered individuals is not something being reported to the department by hospitals. In the midst of the many facets of the work that our hospitals are doing, reporting recoveries is not one of them at this time.

We will be working to determine how we can receive that data in the future, especially as we start to see antibody testing become more prevalent.

Question: Sec. Levine, is it true that wearing a mask when human to human contact could occur, will this become the new normal, going forward?

As we enter through the Governor’s rolled out phases, we will continue to adhere to guidelines from the department and the CDC. If it is still prudent to wear a mask, even for areas in the green stage, then that is what we will be encouraging residents to do.

Stay tuned to News talk 104.1 & 1600 WEJS and talkwilliamsport.com for developments on this story.