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The Wolf administration today released a weekly state update detailing the state’s mitigation efforts based on the COVID-19 early warning surveillance system dashboard, highlighting a seven-day increase in cases of 31,140, a statewide positivity percentage of 10.5%, and 66 counties with substantial transmission status. .
The update includes the following:
The dashboard is designed to provide early warning signs of factors affecting the state’s mitigation efforts. Data available on the Early Warning Surveillance Dashboard includes week-to-week case differences, incidence rates, percent test positivity, and rates of hospitalizations, ventilations, and emergency room visits related to COVID-19. This week’s update compares the period January 15 to January 21 to the previous seven days, January 8 to January 14.
“After six consecutive weeks from all 67 counties reporting the substantial level of transmission, we now have a county moving into the low transmission category – a great sign of progress,” Governor Wolf said. “But we still have work to do and we must not get complacent. I think we can maintain these best public health practices to continue to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities, protect each other and move forward with the deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine.
As of Thursday, January 21, the state saw a seven-day increase of 31,140 cases; the previous seven-day increase was 40,088 cases, or 8,948 fewer new cases in the state in the past week compared to the previous week.
The statewide positivity percentage fell to 10.5% from 12.7% last week. Every county in the state has a worrying positive percentage of over 5%. This includes two counties with a positive percentage of 20% or more, a decrease of two counties from the previous week.
“The Department of Health continues to monitor all cases across Pennsylvania to better prevent epidemics and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but as we continue these efforts, we need residents to wear masks, to distance themselves socially, avoid gatherings and do the right thing. to stop the spread, ”Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam said. “Throughout the pandemic, the Wolf administration has expanded its resources and tools for residents. We encourage Pennsylvanians to download the COVID Alert PA app to receive exposure notification alerts and see data in the palm of your hand, as well as use the latest vaccine eligibility tool as we continue to bring the vaccine into the guns across the state. “
Community transmission
According to data as of Friday, 66 counties were in the substantial level of community transmission, the highest level of transmission.
There are three levels of transmission: low, moderate and heavy. For the week ending January 21, 66 counties were in a significant transmission level. Cameron County is the only county to be in the county’s low transmission level.
Cases in 5-18 year olds
The Department of Health provides weekly data on the number of COVID-19 cases statewide in children aged 5 to 18.
Throughout the pandemic, there have been a total of 67,564 cases of COVID-19 in children aged 5 to 18. Of this total, 4,143 occurred between January 15 and January 21. For the week of January 8 to January 15, there were 5,376 cases of COVID-19 among children aged 5 to 18.
Cases by demographic group are available on the DOH website.
Business visits
The Department of Health provides weekly data on the number of people who responded to case investigators that they have spent time in commercial establishments (restaurants, bars, gyms / fitness centers, barber shops / salons hairdressing) and at mass gatherings 14 days before the onset of symptoms of covid19.
It is important to note that due to the recent number of cases, the ministry is prioritizing the investigation of cases to prevent outbreaks. In addition to the need for people to answer the call, the large number of cases contributes to the low percentages of case investigation data. All of this reinforces the need for Pennsylvanians to take action to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Of the 46,041 cases reported between January 10 and 16 and excluding residents of Philadelphia County and those who responded to the digital case survey, 6.8% (3,138) responded to the whether they spent time in a commercial establishment.
Of those who provided an answer, 0.5%, or 218, answered yes, they visited a commercial establishment 14 days before the onset of symptoms:
- 30 percent (66) of those who said yes said they had eaten out;
- 44 percent (96) of those who said yes said they had visited another business establishment;
- 12 percent (26) of those who said yes said they had been to a bar;
- 10 percent (21) of those who said yes reported going to a gym / fitness center; and
- 11 percent (23) of those who said yes said they had visited a salon / hair salon.
Of the 46,041 cases, 6.9 percent (3,153) answered the question whether they attended a mass rally or other large event. Of the 6.8 percent of cases, 6.9 percent (218) answered yes to whether they had attended a mass gathering or other important event 14 days before the onset of symptoms .
Compared to data released on Jan. 19, this week’s data saw an increase for people who reported going to the gym (10% vs. 4% last week). Data saw a decrease for people who reported going to a restaurant (30% versus 34 percent last week) and going to a bar (12 percent versus 16 percent last week).
The number of those who reported going to another business remained the same compared to last week (44 percent versus 44 percent last week) and going to a salon / hair salon (11 percent versus 15 percent). percent last week).
The number of those who attended a mass rally or other big event fell to 6.9% from 7.4% from last week.
In addition to the traditional case investigation, the Department of Health launched the new Connect & Protect form as a way to carry out a digital case investigation. During the week of January 10-16, 667 forms were completed and returned. Of the 98 percent, or 656, who responded if they spent time in a commercial establishment two days before symptom onset or a positive collection date if asymptomatic, 8.3 percent, or 56 people, the individuals answered yes:
- 61 percent (34) of those who said yes said they had eaten out;
- 5 percent (3) of those who said yes said they had been to another business establishment;
- 9 percent (5) of those who said yes said they had been to a bar;
- 21 percent (12) of those who said yes reported going to a gym / fitness center; and
- 7 percent (4) of those who said yes said they had been to a salon / hair salon.
The figures above highlight commercial settings and mass gatherings as possible sites of transmission. It is important to note that Pennsylvania is currently experiencing widespread community transmission. With less than 10% of respondents asking what types of businesses they have visited or whether they attended a mass rally answering the question, the ministry again reminds Pennsylvanians that it is essential that they answer. over the phone when investigators call and provide complete information. and comprehensive information to these clinical professionals.
Travel recommendations
In November, the Department of Health provided an update to the travel order requiring anyone over the age of 11 visiting another state to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or to go into quarantine of travel for 14 days upon entering Pennsylvania. Travel quarantine guidelines were changed to 10 days on Dec.5 based on new CDC guidelines.
This order does not apply to people moving to and from another state for work or medical treatment, those who have been out of the state for less than 24 hours, or those who are complying with a court order. , including custody of children.
It is important that people understand that this order is in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. A worrying number of recent cases have been linked to travel, and if people are going to travel we need them to take action to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community, and that involves either testing negative or to place himself in quarantine.
Governor Wolf continues to prioritize the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians through the COVID-19 pandemic. Pennsylvanians should continue to take action to prevent the spread of COVID-19, regardless of the county in which they live. This includes wearing a mask or face mask whenever they are in public. COVID-19 has been shown to spread easily in the air, and contagious carriers can be asymptomatic. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to wash their hands, distance themselves, avoid gatherings, and download COVID Alert PA.
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