County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie County Department of Health announce 26 new positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Erie County as of 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 4.
The average number of positive COVID-19 cases every week in June and first three weeks in July had been less than 10. The average number cases in the last week of July was 11. The reported positive COVID-19 case numbers for the past seven days are as follows: July 29 – 12, July 30 – 16, July 31 – 15, Aug. 1 – 22, Aug. 2 – 23, Aug. 3 – 22, and Aug. 4 – 25.
The total cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Erie County since March 2020 is 21,502 with 477 deaths reported in the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System. This information can be found at eriecountypa.gov. Related data is available at the Pennsylvania Department of Health website health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Cases.aspx.
The rising numbers indicate the possibility that the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 has reached Erie County. The Delta variant is considered more transmissible than the common cold and flu and as highly contagious as chickenpox. Infection with the Delta variant produces increased virus amounts in the body compared to other variants in both unvaccinated and vaccinated persons. Vaccination helps the body prevent severe illness and lessens the likelihood of needing hospitalization.
Severe effects of COVID-19 may require hospitalization and may cause death. Nearly all hospitalizations and deaths have been among unvaccinated persons. Long-term effects of COVID-19 can continue for months after being infected and can include, but are not limited to, difficulty breathing, chest or stomach pain, headache, diarrhea and sleep problems.
Masking
The Centers for Disease Control has released guidelines recommending that all people, including those fully vaccinated and those who are immunocompromised, wear masks indoors if they live in areas with “substantial” transmission rates (50 or more cases per 100,000 people) or higher. With a current transmission rate of 40.78 cases per 100,000 people, Erie County is currently categorized as having “moderate” transmission rates (10 to 50 cases per 100,000 people).
Wearing masks help reduce the spread of infectious respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. The public is encouraged to be respectful of the masking decisions of their fellow residents and of the masking requirements of businesses and other venues.
Get vaccinated
To protect the health of all community members in Erie County, all unvaccinated residents are encouraged to get vaccinated for COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines were developed by experts and are safe.
Vaccines for COVID-19 are available for free for residents of Erie County ages 12 years and older. Finding vaccines in nearby locations can be done by:
- texting your ZIP Code to 438829
- visiting vaccines.gov
- calling 1-800-232-0233
A mobile vaccination clinic organized by the Erie County Department of Health is available for free to the residents of Erie County. No insurance is needed and walk-ups are welcome.
- Friday, Aug. 6: 5 to 7 p.m. at Dan Rice Days Festival, Main St. West, Girard
- Saturday, Aug. 14: 1 to 3 p.m. at Erie Pride Picnic, Rotary Pavilion, Presque Isle
Get tested
The public is reminded that unvaccinated community members risk contracting COVID-19 and, if positive for it and even without exhibiting symptoms, can infect their less healthy and under-immunized loved ones.
Unvaccinated community members are reminded to get tested for COVID-19 if exposed to anyone who is positive for COVID-19 or if exhibiting its symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fever or chills, muscle or body aches, vomiting or diarrhea, or loss of taste or smell.
Testing results can help determine appropriate care and treatment if needed. No insurance is needed and walk-ups are welcome at free testing clinics organized by the Erie County Department of Health:
- Saturday, Aug. 7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walmart Corry, 961 E. Columbus Ave., Corry
- Thursday, Aug. 12: 4 to 8 p.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Parish Banquet & Conference Center, 1001 Main St. East, Girard
- Saturday, Aug. 14: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Iroquois High School, 4301 Main St., Erie
Prevent spread
All unvaccinated residents are reminded to wear a mask indoors and outdoors that covers their nose and mouth when near anyone who does not live inside their home, keep a six-foot distance from others, stay home when feeling ill, wash hands frequently, and limit activities outside of their homes.
The community is reminded that public health measures such as isolation and quarantine are necessary to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Individuals who are identified as close contacts of a person with COVID-19 are asked to cooperate with all public health recommendations, including quarantine, so that if they become infected, they will not spread infection to others. Questions related to COVID-19 may be directed to Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700 or ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov.
