County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie County Department of Health announce 101 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Erie County as of 11:59 p.m. on November 15. Over the weekend, 149 positive cases were reported as of 11:59 p.m. on November 13, and 135 cases were reported as of 11:59 p.m. on November14.
The total cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Erie County is 3,463, with 2,401 recovered cases, 1,003 active cases and 59 deaths (reported in NEDSS).
This information can be found on the chart on the “Positive Cases in Erie County” page at eriecountypa.gov.
“The three-day total of 385 new cases in Erie County in alarming,” said Melissa Lyon, director of the Erie County Department of Health. “The number of new cases per day have overwhelmed the public health capacity. The disease investigators are prioritizing case investigations based upon the vulnerability. Cases associated with long-term care facilities and persons 65 years of age or older are categorized as highest priority for investigation. The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Western Regional Contract Tracing Coalition has been assisting with the contact tracing in Erie County. The community spread of COVID-19 in Erie County is substantial. It is imperative that Erie County residents begin to think about changing their social activities. I am urging everyone to keep your social gatherings very small, to 10 people or fewer, and preferably not socialize with people you do not live with.”
Director Lyon also provides an update on influenza cases: “There are currently no reported cases of influenza. While that is encouraging, I am concerned that once influenza and COVID-19 are co-circulating in the community our disease burden in the community will worsen and potentially overwhelm the healthcare systems. If you have not received a flu shot, I urge you to get one today!”
The next press briefing will take place Wednesday, November 18, at 3 p.m. The County Executive is also providing updates on Mondays and Fridays via Facebook.
All residents are encouraged to enter the “Masks of Erie County” design-a-mask challenge until December 1. Learn more at eriecountypa.gov. All questions related to COVID-19 should be directed to Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700 or ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov.
