Potter County’s rate of COVID-19 is rising at an alarming rate, with Friday’s data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health showing a percent positivity of 28.9%.
The data showed a rise in 57 cases over the most recent 7-day period, and an average increase of 2.5 hospitalizations each day to 8.1.
Nate Wardle, spokesman for the health department, said, “Potter County’s percent positivity is the second highest in the state, and is certainly of concern. The incident rate is also high, at 661.8 cases per 100,000 residents.”
Wardle said the mitigation efforts in place help, and people need to take note.
“We know that there have been some challenges in parts of the state in terms of following mitigation efforts,” he said. “However, it is essential that people follow these steps. This is how we will protect our hospitals and health system from being overrun.
“We need people to wash their hands, to wear a mask, to stay home, to avoid gatherings, to download the COVID Alert PA app and to answer the phone when contacted by a case investigator or contact tracer,” Wardle said. “What each individual does will play a role in stopping the spread of COVID-19.”
Commissioner Paul Heimel said Friday afternoon that the board of commissioners have been concerned about the virus since the pandemic was declared.
“We’ve restricted access to county buildings, implemented health and safety measures and taken other steps to protect the public and our employees while still maintaining county operations,” he said, explaining some steps that have been taken. “Emergency Management Coordinator Glenn Dunn has spearheaded the acquisition and distribution of personal protection equipment and other supplies.”
He said the board is working on bringing more testing to the county.
“Most recently, we have been laying the groundwork for a free drive-through COVID-19 coronavirus public testing site for five days, Dec. 27 to Dec. 31, probably in Coudersport. Up to 450 tests will be administered per day for anyone age 3 or older,” Heimel said.
The commissioners have been consistently encouraging the public to take seriously the mitigation recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Pa. Dept. of Health. “They are the experts when it comes to prevention,” Heimel said.
“One of the reasons we have seen such a spike in COVID-19 cases locally is because many people have not taken the pandemic seriously,” he added.
“A county government has no jurisdiction in terms of regulations or enforcement, so all we can do is urge people to behave responsibly. Businesses, churches, government agencies, school administrators and community organizations all have an obligation to put in place health and safety provisions in public settings.”
Heimel continued, “It’s important to point out that, while we focus on some of the causes of the increase in COVID cases, many of our citizens have behaved responsibly. It has not always been easy and many sacrifices have been made. They are to be commended for doing the right thing.”
