Elk County is the only local county to have seen a drop in the number of new cases of COVID-19, but remains at substantial risk of community transmission, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday.
Statewide, only nine counties reported fewer new confirmed cases over the time period of March 26 to April 1 as compared to the period of March 19 to 25.
Elk County’s percent positivity was 16.3%, and there were 7 fewer confirmed cases during the most recent time period. The incidence rate was 147.1 per 100,000 residents.
McKean County’s percent positivity was 9.2%, and there were 20 more positive cases of COVID-19 identified in the current 7-day period of March 26 to April 1 than in the prior period. The incidence rate was 93.5 per 100,000 residents.
Potter County’s percent positivity was 6.5%, and there were 4 more confirmed cases during the most recent time period. The incidence rate was 48.4 per 100,000 residents.
Cameron County’s percent positivity was 20%, with 2 more confirmed cases during the most recent time frame. The incidence rate was 112.4.
Statewide, there was a seven-day case increase of 17,811, a statewide percent positivity of 9.4% and 45 counties with substantial transmission status.
“While we see a rise in cases across Pennsylvania it remains critical for all Pennsylvanians to do their part and practice proven public health practices to keep each other safe,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a release. “Further, as it becomes your turn to receive the vaccine, we encourage you to find your nearest vaccine provider and get vaccinated.”
The statewide percent-positivity increased to 9.4 percent from 7.6 percent when compared to last week. There are now 10 counties that have a positivity rate lower than 5 percent. There is one county reporting over 20 percent positivity rate.
“Our vaccination efforts have been ramping up as more and more vaccine become available. We cannot state enough that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, they are effective, and you should get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said in a release.
McKean County is listed at moderate risk of community transmission, while Potter and Cameron counties are at low risk, the department’s data showed.
