Cameron and Potter counties were both listed in the low level of community transmission for COVID-19 based on the past week’s numbers, while Elk and McKean counties remain in the moderate level.
Three local counties’ percent positivity for COVID-19 improved over the time period of Feb. 26 to March 4, while McKean County’s rate remained the same.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Cameron County’s percent positivity was 1.6%, second only to Union County, with a rate of 1.5%. Cameron County also had two fewer new cases of COVID-19 during this time frame than in the previous one. The incidence rate was 22.5 per 100,000 people during this time period.
Elk County’s rate was 4.1%, down from 4.3% during the prior time period of Feb. 19 to 25. There were three fewer cases of COVID-19 during this time period as well. The incidence rate was 43.5 per 100,000 people.
McKean County’s percent positivity remained the same, at 4.9%. There was one fewer new case of COVID-19 during this time frame, and the incidence rate was 59.1 per 100,000 people.
Potter County’s rate was 5.6%, down from 9.4%. There were 13 fewer new cases, and the incidence rate was 30.3 per 100,000 residents.
“We continue to ask all Pennsylvanians to stay the course to unite against this virus,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “As we have passed one year since the first case of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania and are rolling out our vaccination plan, practicing the proven health practices such as social distancing, washing hands frequently and wearing a mask continue to be important steps to mitigating the spread of the virus.”
As of Thursday, March 4, the state has seen a seven-day case increase of 13,275 cases; the previous seven-day increase was 13,294 cases, indicating 19 fewer new cases across the state over the past week compared to the previous week.
The statewide percent-positivity went down to 5.7% from 6.5% last week. There are now 22 counties that have a positivity rate lower than 5 percent. There are no counties reporting over 20 percent positivity rate.
“Thank you to all our fellow Pennsylvanians who practice safe and healthy practices and answer the call when public health professionals call to perform a case investigation or contact tracing – these practices truly help us unite and fight COVID-19 across the state,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “We are moving in the right direction thanks to the commitment of our fellow Pennsylvanians.”
