Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 45 New Coronavirus Cases And 5 More Deaths
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Allegheny County Health Department is reporting 45 new Coronavirus cases Wednesday, and five additional death.
The number of cases county-wide stands at 2,284 since March 14. This includes 2,146 confirmed cases and 138 probable cases.
The county said this rise in cases is concerning. County officials stress they want to keep the economy open, but in order to do that they say everyone must cooperate by wearing a mask, social distancing and washing their hands.
So where's the spike coming from?
"Some have been from travel, some have been probably from bars. Again it's not like people can say 'this particular event' and we haven't seen a hot spot," said Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen.
Dr. Bogen said she is still not sure where some of the other cases have come from.
Will this spike mean tighter restrictions for businesses?
"I think you will see as these numbers go up and get reports from folks reporting things about certain establishments that there will probably be some guidance, informational sessions, things like that," said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.
From a state level, Governor Tom Wolf said he's hopeful the state won't have to go through another shutdown, and if there's a second wave, the state is in a better position.
"We are doing everything we can to avoid that from happening. We are in a much better place now with the expanded ability to test," said Gov. Wolf.
Doctors with UPMC said they are seeing a lot of good things happening, including a low number of hospitalizations from COVID-19. Those have been on a downward trend for weeks.
Right now, UPMC is at the lowest level of COVID patients in more than two months. Doctors said the rise in overall case counts is mostly showing mild illnesses.
"What's most important now is we need to change our mindset and focus on -- not just or exclusively on -- the number of cases, but the severity of illness. We shouldn't just be counting those who have diagnosed infection," said Dr. Donald Yealy with UPMC.
As for hospitalizations, Dr. Bogen wants to reiterate that hospitalization numbers tend to lag a week behind.
She said the state continues to increase its contact tracing and testing efforts and encourages people to get tested if they have symptoms.
Officials report that 372 patients have been or are presently hospitalized among all cases, with two more patients hospitalized since Tuesday's report. Of the hospitalized patients, 146 of them have needed care in the ICU, and 72 of them have required treatment with a ventilator.
The death toll has risen to 184, with 172 confirmed deaths and 12 that are probable. A probable death is when a person had not had a positive test for COVID-19.
Deaths have been in individuals ranging in age from 23-103. The youngest patients being 23 and 42 years of age. The median age of those who have died is 84.
For information relative to number of cases by date the test was taken and deaths by date of death and municipality, visit the county's dashboard at https://t.co/xgXnleyiAB.
— Allegheny County Health Department (@HealthAllegheny) June 24, 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 24, 2020
The Health Department says 53% of all Coronavirus patients are female, and 47% of them are male.
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 25%.
Here is the age breakdown:
- 00-04 – 20 (1%)
- 05-12 – 28 (1%)
- 13-18 – 39 (2%)
- 19-24 – 175 (7%)
- 25-49 – 788 (34%)
- 50-64 – 573 (25%)
- 65 + -- 661 (29%)
Health officials say 49,432 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.
