Erie County Department of Health provides a public health update on COVID-19 in the county. In the past week, Jan. 3 Monday to 9 Sunday,
- The daily average number of reported cases is 609 from a total of 4,266 cases.
- There were 16 deaths reported, with dates of deaths from Dec. 10 to 29, increasing the total deaths to 685.
- Among the reported deaths, 11 were unvaccinated.
The number of persons vaccinated in that time period was 1,735, increasing the total number of persons vaccinated to 174,679 with the following breakdown:
| Number of persons | Of eligible population | Of total population | |
| Partially vaccinated | 24,245 | 9.5% | 9.0% |
| Fully vaccinated | 150,434 | 59.1% | 55.8% |
Daily case counts in Erie County and other data such as reports on vaccination demographics can be found at the Erie County Government website https://eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/positive-cases-in-erie-county/. Latest recommendations and related data is also available at the websites of
- Pennsylvania Department of Health health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Cases.aspx
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view
Benefit of vaccination
Erie County Department of Health highly recommends vaccination and boosters against COVID-19 for all eligible residents of Erie County 5 years and older, including for those who are pregnant. The benefit of vaccination is that it helps the body prevent severe illness and lessens the likelihood of needing hospitalization. If having concerns or questions about vaccines, approach healthcare professionals or contact the Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700 for facts and answers.
Free vaccines are available for residents of Erie County ages 5 years and older. For list of local vaccination sites, visit eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine. Call ahead to confirm schedules.
Not all locations can offer COVD-19 vaccines to children 5 to 11 years old. Call ahead to check availability. To find vaccines in other nearby locations
- text ZIP Code to 438829
- visit vaccines.gov
- call 1-800-232-0233
A free mobile vaccination clinic organized by the Erie County Department of Health is available. No insurance is needed. For 12 years and older unless stated otherwise.
- Jan. 19, Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mill Village Fire Department, 14408 N. Main St., Waterford. Drive-thru clinic. Registration and waiting is outdoors inside vehicles. Call 814-451-6700 for details.
Importance of testing
Unvaccinated or vaccinated, testing is recommended if exposed to anyone who has COVID-19 or if exhibiting symptoms such as sore throat, 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 list of local testing sites, visit eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-testing-information. Call ahead to confirm schedules.
Rapid antigen testing is offered at free mobile testing clinics organized by the Erie County Department of Health at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie. Call 814-451-7600 for details.
- Jan. 12, Wednesday, 3 to 6 p.m.
- Jan. 18, Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Things to know:
- Testing and waiting line will be indoors. Venue can provide adequate ventilation and social distancing is implemented, including in the waiting line.
- No insurance is needed. Testing for ages 2 years and older.
- Test results will be relayed via phone starting in 3 to 4 hours. An email result will be sent starting the next working day. Thank you for understanding that this process may take longer depending on number of persons tested at each clinic.
- The Information Sheet and Consent Form can be downloaded from eriecountypa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/COVID-Testing-Info-Sheet-and-Consent-Form.pdf, printed and filled out in advance before going to the clinic.
Preventing spread of COVID-19
To prevent the spread of infection to others, community members should stay home while waiting for test results. Those whose test results are positive, even if they do not have symptoms, should stay home; stay apart from others in their homes and, if possible, use a separate bathroom; inform their close contacts to stay home and get tested. For guidance on quarantine and isolation, call the Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700.
Erie County currently has a high rate of transmission, according to the CDC. CDC guidelines recommend all people, including those who are fully vaccinated, should wear masks indoors in areas with substantial to high transmission rates of COVID-19.
For guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19 at events and business establishments, contact the Erie County Department of Health at covidresponse@eriecountypa.gov. For other health-related questions about COVID-19, contact 814-451-6700 or ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov.
