by PublicSource Reporters
The Allegheny County Health Department reported 92 new COVID-19 infections Friday and five COVID-related fatalities. The newly reported cases bring the total count since March 14 to 10,641 infections.
The case tally released Friday came from 1,166 tests conducted from Aug. 25 through Sept. 3. The new infections were among patients 2 to 96 years old, with the median age being 36.
Of the fatalities, one individual was in their 60s, two individuals were in their 80s and two individuals were in their 90s. All five deaths were associated with a long-term care facility. To date, the county has had 349 deaths and 1,000 people hospitalized because of the virus.
County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
Racial disparities and one teen’s case
During the Allegheny County Health Department’s board meeting Wednesday, board member Joylette Portlock expressed dismay at the fact that the racial gap between Black and white residents had increased during each of the two major times COVID-19 cases spiked in the county. During the April outbreak, Black residents were twice as likely to have a confirmed COVID-19 case as white residents. And during the July outbreak that disparity had increased: Black residents are now three times as likely to have tested positive for COVID-19.
[A new Keystone Research Center report on Pennsylvania’s economy released Wednesday underscored the disproportionate impact the COVID recession has had on women and communities of color.]
To emphasize the importance of limiting cases even among young people, Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen highlighted one teenager whose infection led to 40 additional infections, including among adults. Bogen also disputed the notion that COVID-19 wasn’t much worse than the flu by comparing a chart that showed expected flu deaths and COVID-19 deaths. The chart showed that there have been 22 times as many COVID-19 deaths this year in Allegheny County, compared to the expected number of flu deaths.
With the upcoming holiday weekend, Bogen urged the public to remain vigilant so as not to repeat the summer surge following the Fourth of July weekend. “COVID-19 is a virus that can spread rapidly if we let down our guard,” Bogen said.
A patient sample that is awaiting testing for the coronavirus. (Photo by Kimberly Rowen/PublicSource)
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Allegheny County reports 92 new COVID-19 infections, five deaths
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