HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA) – Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, said the state has the power to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
She said power is as simple as wearing a mask, avoiding situations where you can expose yourself to the virus, distance yourself socially, and wash your hands.
“If we make the right decisions, we won’t have to worry about the hospital’s capacity,” said Dr. Levine during a press conference on Monday.
Levine said that Southwest Pennsylvania has seen a significant increase in cases, which is a concern that needs to be closely watched.
“Local officials, like those in Allegheny County, have made mitigation efforts, monitoring the data,” Levine said.
Mitigation efforts such as banning indoor drinking and eating in bars and restaurants across the county. But what if the case count continues to increase?
“We do not plan, at this time, those dramatic measures across the state, the colors, the red, yellow and green schemes. We will look at them very carefully, and we strongly support the actions of Dr. Bogen (Director of the Allegheny County Health Department) in Allegheny County, ”said Dr. Levine.
As for mitigation in surrounding counties, such as Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland, Dr. Levine said that is not necessary at this time.
“We had a phone call with county commissioners to update them on their case counts to discuss specific mitigation measures we were considering. But in the end, looking at the data and discussing things with the governor’s office and putting it all together, we decided to wait, “said Dr. Levine.
If you plan to travel to an access point, Levine recommends quarantining for 14 days.
Dr. Levine said the state currently has more than 600 contact trackers and dozens are in training right now.
Levine said the state Department of Health is offering support to Allegheny County and several contact trackers are working with the Allegheny County Health Department to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
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