The percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 in three local counties rose for the last week of 2020, according to a report from Gov. Tom Wolf’s office on Monday.
Statewide, the percent positivity for the week of Dec. 25 to 31 was 15%, which showed a small improvement.
Locally, Elk County was the only one under the state’s rate at 14.8%, and the only one to have dropped for that time period. The rate for the week prior in Elk County was 16.3%.
Cameron County had the largest increase, from 15.8% to 20.7% — one of 21 counties in the state with a rate above 20%.
The next highest rate locally was in Potter County, where the percent positivity for the last week of 2020 came in at 19.7%, up from 15.1% for the week prior.
McKean County’s rate was 17.9%, up from 14.5% the week prior.
Each county in Pennsylvania was ranked in the range of substantial risk for transmission, according to Wolf’s office.
“Although the decrease in our statewide positivity rate is small, it is still encouraging,” Wolf said. “The sacrifices Pennsylvanians took over the holidays to celebrate differently than usual and with people inside your household are signs of our continued resilience and drive to fight against COVID-19. We must continue these best practices to stay safe and keep our friends, family and loved ones safe while COVID-19 remains a threat in our communities.”
As of Dec. 31, the state had seen a seven-day case increase of 40,407 cases; the previous seven-day increase was 48,883 cases, indicating 8,476 fewer new cases across the state over the past week compared to the previous week.
“This week we report a significant decrease in individuals responding to our case investigations,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “We continue to urge Pennsylvanians to answer the call and complete the case investigation in order to ensure those they were in close contact with are informed of their exposure. This protects friends, family, loved ones and the health care system. Please answer the call — answer the call when a public health professional is calling, complete the case investigation whether it is over the phone or through the new Connect & Protect Form and answer the call to download the COVID Alert PA free app.”
