'Concerning': Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports Big Jump With 45 New Coronavirus Cases, Bringing Countywide Total To 2,220
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Allegheny County Health Department is reporting 45 new Coronavirus cases Monday, but no additional deaths for the second day.
The 45 new cases is the highest one-day spike in Allegheny County since May 7, when 45 were also reported.
The number of cases county-wide stands at 2,220 since March 14. This includes 2,083 confirmed cases and 137 probable cases.
At a press conference Monday afternoon to address the jump in cases, Allegheny County Health Department Director Debra Bogen called the numbers "concerning."
WATCH: County Officials Hold Press Conference
"The number of new cases here the new week more than doubled, from 134 this past week to 56 the week before," says Dr. Bogen.
She reminds people to wear their masks and to wear them properly: your mask should cover your mouth and nose.
Anecdotally, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald says people have not been wearing masks and it seems things have relaxed since most of the southwest region went into the "green" phase of reopening early this month.
He says he even saw a "No Mask Day" post on social media.
"I can't think of anything more irresponsible to put out there," County Executive Rich Fitzgerald says.
Dr. Bogen says about 40 percent of the new cases are among people ages 25 to 49, about 20 percent are among those ages 19 to 24 and about 10 percent are among children. In the past, most cases were in people over 65.
"Now we're seeing primarily cases among younger people, those more likely to be out and about in our community," she went on to say.
However, according to Dr. Bogen, the increase in cases have not been linked to recent protests. She says during the contact tracing process, coronavirus patients are asked if they've been to mass gatherings. And while there appears to be no link to protests a few weeks ago, she says they're continuing to monitor the situation.
Officials report that 365 patients have been or are presently hospitalized among all cases, with one new patient hospitalized since Sunday's report. Of the hospitalized patients, 145 of them have needed care in the ICU, and 70 of them have required treatment with a ventilator.
The death toll remains at 178, with 166 confirmed deaths and 12 that are probable. A probable death is when a person had not had a positive test for COVID-19.
All deaths have been in patients ages 42 to 103. The median age of deceased patients in the county is 84 years of age.
This is the COVID-19 Daily Update for June 22, 2020.
The data reflected in these updates include information reported to the department in the past 24 hours as well as data since March 14 when the first case was reported in the county. pic.twitter.com/buDyhhvok9
— Allegheny County Health Department (@HealthAllegheny) June 22, 2020
Of the 2,220 cases, 296 cases are in healthcare workers. This reflects 13% of the COVID-19 cases in Allegheny County. The Health Department thanks all of our frontline workers for keeping us healthy and safe.
— Allegheny County Health Department (@HealthAllegheny) June 22, 2020
We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, and our thoughts go out to all those who have been impacted by the virus.
— Allegheny County Health Department (@HealthAllegheny) June 22, 2020
The Health Department says 53% of all Coronavirus patients are female, and 47% of them are male.
Of the 2,220 cases, the Health Department says 296 cases are in healthcare workers, which reflects 13% of the COVID-19 cases in Allegheny County.
The highest number of cases remains in the 25-49 age bracket with 34%. The 65 and older age group has the second highest number of cases at 29%, and the 50-64 age group is third at 26%.
Here is the age breakdown:
- 00-04 – 19 (1%)
- 05-12 – 27 (1%)
- 13-18 – 38 (2%)
- 19-24 – 163 (7%)
- 25-49 – 759 (34%)
- 50-64 – 564 (26%)
- 65 + -- 650 (29%)
Health officials say 47,877 individuals have been tested for COVID-19 across the county.
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.
