Erie, PA — Erie County Department of Health provides a public health update on COVID-19 in the county. In the past week, Jan. 14 Monday to 20 Sunday,
· There were 394 cases reported, with a daily average of 56 cases.
· There were 13 deaths reported, with dates of deaths from Dec. 25, 2021 to Feb. 10, 2022, increasing the total deaths to 766.
· Among the reported 13 deaths, 7 were unvaccinated.
The number of persons vaccinated in that time period was 381. This increases the total number of persons vaccinated to 179,064 with the following breakdown:
| Number of persons | Of eligible population | Of total population | |
| Partially vaccinated | 24,656 | 9.7% | 9.1% |
| Fully vaccinated | 154,408 | 60.6% | 57.2% |
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
Importance of testing
Erie County Department of Health recommends community members, vaccinated or unvaccinated, who have attended social gatherings this past weekend to get tested for COVID-19 if they have been exposed to anyone who has COVID-19 or if they have 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.
Community members using home testing kits who have questions or need guidance can call 814-451-6700.
For list of local sites offering free testing, 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 available.
· Feb. 24, Thursday, 3 to 6 p.m. at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church Gymnasium, 8880 Main St., McKean
· Feb. 28, Monday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie
Things to know:
o No insurance is needed. Testing for ages 2 years and older. Indoors.
o 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.
o 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.
