Erie County Department of Health regrets to inform the public that there has been one reported death of a minor in Erie County due to COVID-19. Date of death was in within the last two weeks of December 2021 to the first week of January 2022. Age is in the adolescent range. Other identifying details will be kept confidential to protect the individual’s identity.
“Every life lost prematurely to COVID-19 is a tragedy for our community, but it is heartbreaking that it has happened among the youth,” said Erin Mrenak, Interim Director. “On behalf of everyone at the Erie County Department of Health, we offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of this individual. We grieve with them.”
“The Erie County Department of Health encourages all Erie County residents to use the tools available to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the most important of which is vaccination. The benefit of vaccination is that, in case of an infection, it helps the body prevent severe illness and lessens the likelihood of needing hospitalization or dying.”
Protecting the vulnerable
“Just like diseases such as chicken pox and measles, the severe illness that can be caused by COVID-19 can be prevented with vaccines,” said Charlotte Berringer, Director of Community Health Services. “We rarely hear about the severe effects from chicken pox and measles these days because immunizations providing protection from those diseases have kept us safer and healthy. When we are vaccinated, for the huge majority of the time, we are also kept safe from the severe illness that COVID-19 can cause.”
“The Erie County Department of Health’s aim is to prevent injury, disease and premature death in the community. We ask the Erie County community to support these goals. Keeping ourselves and our loved ones healthy and safe from this vaccine-preventable disease is a continuing effort.”
“There is still a large number of the population who are not eligible for vaccination, including all children four years old and younger. Therefore, they remain vulnerable to this disease. We invite and encourage everyone in Erie County to work together to help protect the vulnerable in our community.”
Recent data
In the past week, Jan. 10 Monday to 16 Sunday,
- There were 3,777 cases reported, with a daily average of 540 cases.
- There were 10 deaths reported, with dates of deaths from Dec. 17 to Jan. 12, in increasing the total deaths to 695.
- Among the reported 10 deaths, 9 were unvaccinated.
The number of persons vaccinated in that time period was 1,443. This increases the total number of persons vaccinated to 176,122 with the following breakdown:
| Number of persons | Of eligible population | Of total population | |
| Partially vaccinated | 24,957 | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Fully vaccinated | 151,165 | 59.3% | 56.0% |
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/.
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 and planning on becoming pregnant. 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.
A free mobile vaccination and booster 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.
- Do NOT call the fire department for details. Call 814-451-6700 for questions.
- Jan. 21, Friday, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Northwestern High School, 200 Harthan Way, Albion.
- Vaccination and waiting is indoors.
- This clinic can vaccinate 5 years and older.
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.
A free mobile rapid antigen testing clinic organized by the Erie County Department of Health is held at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie. Call 814-451-7600 for details.
- Jan. 20, Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Jan. 24, Monday, 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. Persons 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.
- 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.
