HARRISBURG, Pa. - The number of new cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania has jumped by an additional 1,706, along with 49 new deaths. 

The state now has 29,441 cases of the virus, including 756 deaths. 

Among those deaths is the first recorded in Mercer county, where there are now 56 cases overall. 

In Lawrence county, the number of cases has increased to 59, with five deaths. 

Pennsylvania health secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said in a news release that most of those hospitalized or who've died from the virus are 65 or older. 

Levine said in the release that it is important residents continue to follow strict social distancing guidelines, such as wearing masks in public and avoiding leaving home for anything that isn't essential.