Erie County issued the following announcement on Sept. 15.
County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and the Erie County Department of Health held a press briefing to provide public health updates on COVID-19 in Erie County. Guests included Melissa Lyon, director of Erie County Department of Health. Watch the press briefing here.
There are 111 new positive cases of COVID-19 and six deaths in Erie County as of 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 14, bringing the cumulative case count to 23,864. The total deaths due to COVID-19 since March 2020 is 503.
This information and other data such as reports on vaccination demographics can be found at eriecountypa.gov/covid-19. Related data is also available at the Pennsylvania Department of Health website health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Cases.aspx. Data on transmission rates can be found in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.
Masking order
Erie County currently has a high rate of transmission according to the CDC. The public is reminded that the CDC guidelines state all people, including those who are fully vaccinated, should wear masks indoors in areas with substantial to high transmission rates of COVID-19.
A universal indoor masking order for all public and private pre-schools, primary and secondary schools in Erie County is in effect until further notice. A copy of the order can be found at eriecountypa.gov/covid-19.
Wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose has been proven to reduce the spread of infectious respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. Studies on the effects of wearing masks have proved that there is no change in oxygen or carbon dioxide levels when people wear cloth and surgical masks while resting and exercising.
Get vaccinated
Vaccination helps the body prevent severe illness and lessens the likelihood of needing hospitalization. Nearly all hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 have been among unvaccinated persons.
All unvaccinated residents are encouraged to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines were developed by experts and are safe. Free vaccines are available for residents of Erie County ages 12 years and older. Finding vaccines in nearby locations can be done by:
- texting your ZIP Code to 438829
- visiting vaccines.gov
- calling 1-800-232-0233
- Friday, Sept. 17, 5 to 7 p.m. at Erie’s Wild Rib Cook Off and Music Festival (Erie Ribfest), Perry Square Park, State St., Erie
- Saturday, Sept. 18, 1 to 3 p.m. at Albion Area Fair, Albion Boro Park, Albion
Get tested
Community members are reminded to get tested for COVID-19 if exposed to anyone who is positive for COVID-19 or if exhibiting its symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fever or chills, muscle or body aches, vomiting or diarrhea, or loss of taste or smell.
Testing results can help determine appropriate care and treatment if needed. No insurance is needed and walk-ups are welcome at free testing clinics organized by the Erie County Department of Health.
- Thursday, Sept. 16, 5 to 7 p.m. at Greene Township Municipal Building, 9333 Tate Rd., Erie
- Monday, Sept. 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Mercyhurst University North East Campus, 16 W. Division St., North East
- Thursday, Sept. 23, 5 to 7 p.m. at Walmart West Ridge Rd., 5350 W. Ridge Rd., Erie
- Monday, Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Northwestern Food Pantry, 1 Robb and Powell Ave., Albion
- Thursday Sept. 30, 5 to 7 p.m. at Walmart Corry, 961 E. Columbus Ave., Corry
Questions about COVID-19 may be directed to Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700 or ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov.
Original source can be found here.
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