County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie County Department of Health announce 123 new positive cases of COVID-19 and four additional deaths have been reported in Erie County as of 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 5.
The total cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Erie County since March is 12,431, with 298 total deaths reported in NEDSS. Updated data can be found on the chart on the “Positive Cases in Erie County” page on eriecountypa.gov. As of this morning, there were 115 total hospitalizations and 12 people on ventilators in Erie County.
Of the cumulative cases, 55% are female and 45% are male.
The breakdown of cumulative cases by race/ethnicity is as follows:
- 50% White residents
- 7% African American/Black residents
- 3% Asian residents
- 1% Other
- 39% Unknown
Three percent of the cases are Hispanic, of any race; 37% are not Hispanic; and 61% are unknown.
The age breakdown of the cumulative cases looks like this:
- 1% are ages 0-4
- 1% are ages 5-9
- 7% are ages 10-18
- 12% are ages 19-24
- 36% are ages 25-49
- 22% are ages 50-64
- 20% are ages 65 and older
Note: Percent values of each breakdown may not total 100 due to rounding.
The age, race and gender report, a seven-day daily case count breakdown and zone map data, the map of cumulative cases by zone, and the wastewater report can be found on eriecountypa.gov. (Refresh each page to see most recent update.)
Charlotte Berringer, director of community health services at the Erie County Department of Health, and Dr. Howard A. Nadworny, infectious disease physician and a consultant for the Erie County Department of Health, shared updates on the COVID-19 vaccine and the second strain during today’s press briefing.
Erie County is following the guidance put forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. These are the phases/prioritization:
- Phase 1: Potentially Limited Doses Available
- Those most essential in sustaining the ongoing COVID-19 response;
- Those at greatest risk of severe illness and death, and their caregivers;
- Those most essential to maintaining core societal functions;
- Healthcare personnel likely to be exposed to or treat people with COVID-19; and
- Other essential workers.
- Further sub-prioritization in phase 1 will occur:
- Phase 1A – Healthcare personnel, long-term care facilities, and EMS
- Phase 1B – Critical/Essential workers, those with high-risk conditions, etc., as defined in the PA Dept. of Health Vaccine Plan
- Phase 2: Larger Number of Doses Available
- Those in high-risk settings or with high-risk conditions that were not previously vaccinated
- Critical workers not previously vaccinated
- Phase 3: Sufficient Supply
- General Population
At this point, Erie County is in Phase 1A, and only healthcare providers have received vaccine in Erie County. Due to supply being low, it is expected to be months before the general population will be able to receive vaccine. Erie County is working with local and state partners to ensure effective and efficient distribution of vaccine in Erie County to the best of their ability, but this process remains fluid and changes in guidance can occur without notice.
More vaccine information can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC.
All residents are reminded to wear a mask over their nose and mouth when near anyone who does not live inside their home, keep a 6-foot distance from others, stay home as much as possible – and definitely when feeling ill, wash hands frequently, and limit activities outside of their homes.
The next press briefing will take place Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to take the safe choices pledge 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.
