County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie County Department of Health remind the public that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing masks indoors for all, including for those fully vaccinated and those who are immunocompromised, because of Erie County’s substantial to high transmission rate of COVID-19, which means it has 50 or more positive cases per 100,000 people.
Wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose helps 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.
Two additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported as of Aug. 20, bringing the total deaths to 482. There were 253 positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Erie County from Aug. 9 to 15, which is an increase from the 165 cases reported from Aug. 2 to 8. This week’s reported cases are as follows: Aug. 16: 34, Aug. 17: 34, Aug. 18: 32, Aug. 19: 58 and Aug. 20: 44.
This information and other data such as cumulative cases, total deaths since March 2020 and reports on vaccination data can be found at eriecountypa.gov/covid-19. Related data is also available at the Pennsylvania Department of Health website on health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Cases.aspx. Data on transmission rates can be found in the CDC website covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.
Get vaccinated
Vaccination helps the body prevent severe illness and lessens the likelihood of needing hospitalization. Nearly all hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 have been among unvaccinated persons.
All unvaccinated residents are encouraged to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines were developed by experts and are safe. Free vaccines are available 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 free mobile vaccination clinic organized by the Erie County Department of Health is available to the residents of Erie County. No insurance is needed and walk-ups are welcome. For the schedule of upcoming mobile clinics and other free clinics, visit eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine.
Get tested
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. For schedule of upcoming mobile clinics and other free clinics, visit eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-testing-information.
Questions about COVID-19 may be directed to Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700 or ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov.
