Pittsburgh (KDKA) – Allegheny County is now seeing significant coronavirus transmission rates, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
The state’s Early Warning Monitoring System dashboard, updated Friday, says the rate has risen to 138.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in Allegheny County from the latest seven-day data.
The county is considered to have a significant transmission rate that is either more than 100 or its equivalent rate or more than 10 percent in seven days or a proportional transmission rate with a positive rate of 10 percent.
Allegheny County’s most recent positivity rate is 7.7 percent.
The second day in Allegheny County on Saturday saw 370 new cases reported, as the county totaled Rs. 20,000 cases are close.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends school districts in counties with significant transmission rate transitions to virtual education.
At a press conference Thursday, Allegheny County Health Director Dr. Debra Bozen said there are currently no plans to put more restrictions in place, but she opened the door if cases continue to rise at an alarming rate.
She added that the number of cases per week in Allegheny County has tripled in less than a month.
“In the week ending Nov. 201, we had more than 11,600 cases in a week and this week we will easily cross 2,000 cases.”
Bozen is a health official who has expressed concern about the recent rise in coronavirus cases across the state.
Dr. Brian Parker of Allegheny Health Network expressed similar concerns.
“Ten thousand more cases than in the previous seven days in the state,” he said. “Positivity rate [statewide] Is now .6..6 per cent, which is significantly higher than what we came back to in September and early October. “
Parker is one of many in the medical field attributed to the very sharp spike in gatherings over the past few weeks.
“It makes good sense that, right now, we’re looking for about two weeks after Halloween,” he said. “This is Saturday after two weeks and we are seeing a significant increase in cases in our area.”
With the holidays approaching, anxiety is on the rise.
Many federal, state and local health officials are telling people to avoid gathering for the holidays.
Some have started making alternative plans.
“We’re going to Florida to meet my mom, but I don’t know if we’re making it,” said Michael Repino of Hampton. “She was coming for Thanksgiving. He canceled his flight. “
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