The fall resurgence of COVID-19 is here, and Elk and McKean counties are on the list of counties at moderate risk for community spread of the highly contagious virus.
On Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Rachel Levine asked Pennsylvanians to unite against the virus and try to keep everyone safe.
“The fall resurgence is here,” Wolf said. “And while we must always take this deadly virus seriously, now is the time for all of us to double down on our efforts to keep ourselves and those around us safe. We’ve seen what happens when masks aren’t worn and social distancing isn’t practiced — people get sick, so we need to stay vigilant and work together to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Levine said the health department is prepared for the resurgence and is working to track influenza cases as well.
“Our data, including case counts, hospitalizations and percent positivity reflect the fall resurgence occurring,” Levine said. “The department and the Wolf Administration are working continuously to ensure we are prepared for this resurgence and to protect Pennsylvanians. We all must unite to protect ourselves and loved ones from COVID-19 by washing our hands, wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and downloading the COVID Alert PA app.”
As of last Thursday, according to the health department, Pennsylvania had a seven-day increase of 8,723. The prior seven-day increase was 7,398 cases, indicating a 1,325-case increase across the state over the past week.
The statewide percent-positivity went up to 4.3% from 3.9% last week, too, the health department indicated. Counties of concern include Elk, with 7.9% positivity, according to the data, along with Huntingdon at 9.9%, Westmoreland at 8.9%, Bradford at 8.3%; Lackawanna, Lebanon and Perry, all at 8.2%; Susquehanna at 7.1%, Bedford at 6.8%, Berks at 6.5%, Lawrence, 6.4%, Luzerne 6%, Schuylkill, 5.9%, Dauphin, 5.7%, Armstrong and Centre, both at 5.6%, Tioga at 5.5%, Carbon and Indiana both at 5.1%, and Montour and Blair, both at 5%.
On the list of community transmission data, Elk and McKean counties were listed in the “moderate risk” category. Cameron and Potter remain in the “low risk” category.
The health department reported some data gathered by contact tracers, who asked people who tested positive about where they had been.
“Of the 8,580 confirmed cases reported between Oct. 4 and 10, 33 percent (2,820) provided an answer to the question as to whether they spent time at a business establishment. Of those who did provide an answer, 17.2 percent, or 484, answered yes, they visited a business establishment 14 days prior to onset of symptoms:
• 50 percent (243) of those who said yes reported going to a restaurant;
• 26 percent (125) of those who said yes reported going to some other business establishment;
• 14.3 percent (69) of those who said yes reported going to a bar;
• 13 percent (64) of those who said yes reported going to a gym/fitness center; and
• 8 percent (38) of those who said yes reported going to a salon/barbershop.
“Of the 8,580 confirmed cases, 33 percent (2,822) answered the question as to whether they attended a mass gathering or other large event. Of the 33 percent, 16.3 percent (424) answered yes to whether they attended a mass gathering or other large event 14 days prior to onset of symptoms,” read data from the governor’s office.
“COVID is tough, but together, Pennsylvanians are tougher,” Wolf said in a statement Monday. “The last seven and a half months have shown us that when we unite, we can defeat this virus. Pennsylvanians came together to stop COVID in its tracks and we can do it again and stop this fall resurgence in its tracks if we stand united against COVID.
“You matter, and so do your actions. When we make good choices and follow health and safety measures, we see results. Let’s work together to stop the spread.”
