Allegheny County Health Director Says COVID-19 Case Counts Keep Dropping

Pittsburgh PA

20 May, 2021

2:48 PM

Description

May 20 , 2021 PublicSource has been tracking COVID-19's spread on a daily basis since March 2020. More than a year later, in an effort to direct our resources into enterprise reporting on the pandemic and other important issues, we will cover the Allegheny County Health Department's weekly briefing on Wednesdays and update the numbers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We may adjust as the prevalence of the coronavirus ebbs and flows. If you have questions or comments, please email PublicSource's managing editor [email protected]. About 68% of Allegheny County's entire population has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and daily caseloads of the virus continue to follow a steady, several-week-long decline. About 68% of Allegheny County's entire population has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and daily caseloads of the virus continue to follow a steady, several-week-long decline. Daily case counts in the last week have dropped to fewer than 130 new cases reported a day, according to Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen. "For that reason and others, I am hopeful that we can keep the numbers heading in the right direction," Bogen said in a Wednesday press briefing. Across the county, the vast majority of those 65 and older have received at least one vaccine dose, and adoption of the vaccines has improved among younger people. More than half of those 20 to 35 have received at least one vaccine dose, according to Bogen. ACHD will soon begin vaccinating those 12 to 15 years old and will provide free transportation to residents having issues getting to a vaccination clinic. Anyone unable to get to a vaccination site can call the county's 211 number to arrange a ride, Bogen said. Bogen mirrored advice given by the Centers for Disease Control stating that fully vaccinated people can gather without masks or social distancing. Bogen emphasized that "fully vaccinated" means waiting two weeks after a final dose of the vaccine. Recent case investigations trace transmission of the virus to gatherings like sports practices and parties, almost always among those not fully vaccinated, usually without masks and often indoors. Bogen advised residents to remain vigilant while pursuing the most crucial goal of getting as many people vaccinated as possible. "Getting vaccinated is the key to keeping numbers low. It's really that simple," Bogen said. "COVID-19 may never fully go away, but with enough people vaccinated, we can manage small outbreaks, mainly among the unvaccinated, and regain control of our lives." On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. The new masking guidelines have been adopted by Pennsylvania and are immediately in effect. "Today's guidance from the CDC affects only people who are fully vaccinated," Pennsylvania's Acting Secretary Alison Beam said. "This is another incentive to get the vaccine that is now easily and conveniently available. Once 70 percent of Pennsylvanians over 18 are fully vaccinated, we can completely lift the masking order." For more information on the CDC guidance, visit here. The new guidance generated quite a bit of confusion because of caveats and applications as local businesses are scrambling to decide whether to follow the new federal masking protocol. Giant Eagle, for example, said that masks are still required in their stores. "At Giant Eagle, the health and well-being of our Team Members and guests remains our top priority. As we actively evaluate the shifts in state and CDC guidance, we will continue to require anyone working or shopping in our stores to wear a mask or face covering," spokesperson Dick Roberts said in a statement. Port Authority of Allegheny County of Allegheny County also issued a clarifying statement saying "masks are still required to be worn on public transit vehicles." The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh announced on Friday that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask to Masses or any other gatherings on parish property. Resources COVID vaccine resources in the Pittsburgh region Housing and mental health supports amid COVID in Allegheny County Allegheny County's COVID-19 resource page with links to information on vaccines, testing sites and quarantine basics Allegheny County's map of vaccination sites (For more information or help with scheduling an appointment through Allegheny County's Area Agency on Aging, residents can call 412-350-4234.) Pennsylvania's COVID-19 vaccine rollout page This article was produced by PublicSource.org, a nonprofit news organization serving the Pittsburgh region. PublicSource tells stories for a better Pittsburgh. Sign up for their free email newsletters at publicsource.org/newsletters.