by PublicSource Reporters
Allegheny County reached a new milestone Monday, with COVID-19 cases hitting 5,000 infections. The Allegheny County Health Department [ACHD] reported 71 additional infections — the first time in two weeks that new case counts were back down in the double digits.
Health officials warned, however, that a surge in testing has resulted in a lag in test reporting.
“While we are glad to see today’s low number of positive cases, we are not reading anything into a single low number,” health officials said in Monday’s press release. “Testing over the weekend is typically lower, meaning that there is a decrease in cases and tests reported on a Monday.”
Monday’s announcement brings the total number of cases to 5,033 since March 14 when county officials announced the first cases. County health officials also reported eight hospitalizations and no new fatalities. To date, there have been 198 deaths and 470 past and present hospitalizations.
Pennsylvania reported 328 new infections and seven additional fatalities Monday, bringing the statewide case count to 95,742 and 6,911 deaths. Personal care and nursing home residents continue to bear the brunt of the state’s COVID-related fatalities, with residents accounting for 68% of all deaths.
Residents and workers at 750 long-term care facilities in 55 counties account for nearly one in four of all infections.
While each region of the state has seen a significant increase in cases among younger Pennsylvanians — specifically 19 to 24 year olds — Southwestern Pennsylvania, which includes Pittsburgh, has seen the greatest spike in this age group: from roughly 5% of cases in April to nearly 25% so far in July.
Roughly 7,158, or 7.5%, of all infections are among healthcare workers.
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