County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie County Department of Health announce 142 new positive cases of COVID-19 and five deaths in Erie County as of 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Cases reported from the weekend are as follows:
| Day | Positive cases reported |
| 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 16 | 116 |
| 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 15 | 156 |
The cumulative case count is 28,113. The total deaths due to COVID-19 since March 2020 is 525.
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.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH), between Jan. 1 and Oct. 4, 2021 in Pennsylvania:
- 93% of COVID-19-related deaths were in unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated people.
- 93% of reported hospitalizations with COVID-19 as the primary diagnosis or cause of admission were in unvaccinated, not fully vaccinated, or unknown vaccination status individuals.
- 91% of reported COVID-19 cases were in unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated people.
Information on cases in Erie County and other data such as reports on vaccination demographics can be found at eriecountypa.gov/covid-19. Related data is also available at the PA DOH website health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Cases.aspx. Data on transmission rates can be found in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.
Masking order
Erie County currently has a high rate of transmission according to the CDC. The public is reminded that the CDC guidelines state all people, including those who are fully vaccinated, should wear masks indoors in areas with substantial to high transmission rates of COVID-19.
A universal indoor masking order for all public and private pre-schools, primary and secondary schools in Erie County is in effect until further notice. A copy of the order can be found at eriecountypa.gov/covid-19.
Wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose has been proven to reduce the spread of infectious respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. Studies on the effects of wearing masks have proved that there is no change in oxygen or carbon dioxide levels when people wear cloth and surgical masks while resting and exercising.
Get vaccinated
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.
- Monday, Oct. 18, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network Soup Kitchen, Saint Paul Community Center, 453 W. 16th St., Erie
For schedule of upcoming mobile clinics and other vaccination sites, visit eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine. To request a mobile vaccination clinic for your event or location, please email covidresponse@eriecountypa.gov.
Get tested
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. Rapid testing results are available in 15 minutes at free mobile testing clinics organized by the Erie County Department of Health. No insurance is needed and walk-ups are welcome.
- Thursday, Oct. 21, 5 to 8 p.m. Iroquois High School, 4301 Main St., Erie
For schedule of upcoming mobile testing clinics and other testing sites, visit eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-testing-information.
For guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19 at events and business establishments, contact Erie County Department of Health at covidresponse@eriecountypa.gov. All other questions about COVID-19 can be directed to 814-451-6700 or ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov.
