County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie County Department of Health announce 147 new positive cases of COVID-19 in Erie County as of 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 28, which brings the cumulative case count to 29,432. The total deaths due to COVID-19 since March 2020 is 538.
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 Pennsylvania Department of Health website health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Cases.aspx.
Benefit of vaccination
The benefit of vaccination is that it helps the body prevent severe illness and lessens the likelihood of needing hospitalization. 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.
- Saturday, Oct. 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Trunk or Treat Event, Mercyhurst Preparatory School, 538 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie
Schedule of upcoming mobile clinics and other vaccination sites can be found at eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine. To request a mobile vaccination clinic for your event or location, please email covidresponse@eriecountypa.gov.
Health educators can answer questions about COVID-19 vaccines at an information table on Saturday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Martin Luther King Center, 312 Chestnut St, Erie.
Importance of getting 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.
- Monday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Raymond Blasco Memorial Library Branch-Erie County Public Library, 160 E. Front St., Erie
- Thursday, Nov. 4, 5 to 8 p.m. at Iroquois Avenue Branch-Erie County Public Library, 4212 Iroquois Ave., Erie
Schedule of upcoming mobile testing clinics and other testing sites can be found at eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-testing-information.
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. Data on transmission rates can be found at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.
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.
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.
