Erie County Department of Health provides a public health update on COVID-19 in the county. In the past week, Jan. 17 Monday to 23 Sunday,
- There were 1,896 cases reported, with a daily average of 271 cases.
- There were 6 deaths reported, with dates of deaths from Nov. 3, 2021 to Jan. 10, 2022, increasing the total deaths to 701.
- Among the reported 6 deaths, 4 were unvaccinated.
The number of persons vaccinated in that time period was 887. This increases the total number of persons vaccinated to 177,009 with the following breakdown:
| Number of persons | Of eligible population | Of total population | |
| Partially vaccinated | 25,096 | 9.9% | 9.3% |
| Fully vaccinated | 151,913 | 59.6% | 56.3% |
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 or planning on becoming 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 and booster clinic organized by the Erie County Department of Health is available. No insurance is needed. For 5 years and older. Pfizer-BioNTech and Modern available. Johnson and Johnson available while supplies last. These clinics will be indoors.
- Jan. 25, Tuesday, 4 to 6 p.m. at Federated Church, 11995 E. Main St., East Springfield
- Jan. 28, Friday, 2 to 4 p.m. at Corry Area Free Clinic, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 201 E. South St., Corry
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. 27, Thursday, 3 to 6 p.m.
- Jan. 31, 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.
- 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.
