Erie County issued the following announcement on Dec. 3.
County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and the Erie County Department of Health (ECDH) encourage all eligible Erie County residents 18 years and older who have already been vaccinated to obtain a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All eligible children 5 to 11 years old should be given the COVID-19 vaccine.
“If you have concerns, doubts or questions about vaccination, approach a healthcare provider for information,” said Melissa Lyon, Director of ECDH. “As we all move indoors for the colder weather and with the year-end holidays coming, it is likely that infections may increase. The Erie County Department of Health’s aim is to prevent injury, illness, disease and premature death in the community. We ask the Erie County community to support these goals. Keeping ourselves and our loved ones healthy and safe from this vaccine-preventable disease is a continuing effort.”
The benefit of vaccination is that it helps the body prevent severe illness and lessens the likelihood of needing hospitalization. Free vaccines are available for residents of Erie County ages 5 years and older. To find vaccines in nearby locations:
- text ZIP Code to 438829
- visit vaccines.gov
- call 1-800-232-0233
New cases
There were 269 new cases of COVID-19 reported on Dec. 2, bringing the total case count to 36,544. Total deaths due to COVID-19 is 593.
Information on cases in Erie County 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.
Importance of testing and quarantine
Testing for COVID-19 is recommended if exposed to anyone who has 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.
Rapid testing results are available in 15 minutes at free mobile testing clinics organized by the Erie County Department of Health. No insurance is needed. To follow up results from this clinic, email zheeter@lecom.edu.
- Monday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Parish Banquet & Conference Center, 1001 Main St. East, Girard
- Thursday, Dec. 9, 4 to 7 p.m. at Greene Township Municipal Building, 9333 Tate Rd., Erie
Even if not exhibiting symptoms, community members who have COVID-19 and those identified as close contacts of a person with COVID-19 should cooperate with all public health recommendations, including quarantine, to prevent the spread of infection to others. For guidance on quarantine, call the Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700.
Masking order
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.
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.
Erie County currently has a high rate of transmission according to the CDC. CDC guidelines recommend all people, including those who are fully vaccinated, should wear masks indoors in areas with substantial to high transmission rates of COVID-19. Data on transmission rates can be found at the CDC website covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.
For guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19 at events and business establishments, contact Erie County Department of Health at covidresponse@eriecountypa.gov. All other questions about COVID-19 can be directed to 814-451-6700 or ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov.
Original source can be found here.
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