Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Confirms 35 New Coronavirus Cases, County-Wide Total Now 325
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Allegheny County Health Department says there are 35 new cases of COVID-19 in the county, bringing the total to 325 active cases.
Of those patients, 51 have been or are hospitalized.
The death toll remains at two. Both of those patients were adults.
The department continues to trace the contacts of people who have confirmed COVID-19 and is recommending self-quarantine when needed. We strongly urge all people in Allegheny County to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus in our community.
— Allegheny County Health Department (@HealthAllegheny) March 31, 2020
The Health Department says: "We strongly urge all people in Allegheny County to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus in our community."
For the patients who have tested positive, health officials continue contact tracing. Those people found to be in contact with the patient are then contacted and instructed on what precautions they should take.
The majority of cases in the county remain in the 25-49 age group.
Here is the county's age breakdown:
- 00-04 – 1 (less than 1%)
- 05-12 – 1 (less than 1%)
- 13-18 – 5 (2%)
- 19-24 – 33 (10%)
- 25-49 – 140 (43%)
- 50-64 – 92 (28%)
- 65+ -- 53 (16%)
Health officials also say there are more coronavirus cases in women in the county than men. That's 165 cases in women and 160 in men.
At a Tuesday afternoon press conference, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald says they've heard from residents that people are continuing to hold porch parties or play basketball outdoors. He says these types of activities will not help stop the spread of COVID-19.
He believes this is a marathon not a sprint, so does Dr. Debra Bogen with the health department. She says even though 500 people are getting tested daily, there are hundreds more undetected cases in the community. Unfortunately, there is no way to track those cases yet.
Dr. Bogen says the number of cases and deaths could be frightening if we start to see a surge, so the department is working with other county agencies to create a plan which includes bringing in extra healthcare workers.
"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assessed the use of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh as an alternate care site if needed. The county has equipment including oxygen delivery systems and transportation if needed," said Dr. Bogen.
When asked about projections of how many people will contract this virus released by the health department several weeks ago, Dr. Bogen says right now it's unknown. She says she has seen projections as low as 40 percent of the world population and as high as 70 percent.
More information on the Coronavirus pandemic:
- CDC Coronavirus Information
- CDC Global Map of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
- Pennsylvania Department of Health Information
- Allegheny County Health Department Information
Stay with KDKA for the latest on the developing story.
