HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania residents can now use an online tool to get an idea of the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in their community.
The Health Department on Tuesday launched an online early warning dashboard that provides COVID-19 prevalence information across the state and county to track weekly increases in disease in the community.
The dashboard shows various factors that can be used to assess the spread of the virus in the state and in each county, including:
- Difference in confirmed cases (last 7 days versus 7 previous days);
- Incidence rate (last 7 days and 7 days before) per 100,000 residents;
- PCR positivity rate (last 7 days and previous 7 days);
- Difference in the average daily number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the last 7 days and the previous 7 days;
- Difference in the average daily number of patients with COVID-19 in ventilators in the last 7 days and the previous 7 days; and
- Percentage of visits to the hospital emergency department in the last 7 days and 7 days before due to a disease similar to COVID (CLI).
“This dashboard provides the entire community with an early warning about changes in COVID-19 infection so that we can take steps to prevent the spread,” said Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine.
“Recent increases in COVID-19 cases in parts of the state have demonstrated the need for Pennsylvania residents to continue to take simple steps to prevent the spread of this virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, maintain social distance, and stay home if you are sick. “
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