The state’s rate of positive tests for COVID-19 continues to decline, and for the first time in seven weeks, not all state counties show a substantial spread of the virus, Governor Tom Wolf’s government said on Monday.
The state’s positive test rate for coronavirus fell to 10.5% during the week of January 15-21, from 12.7% in the previous week. The positive test rate dropped to six consecutive weeks after reaching a 16.2% increase in December.
While the rate is falling, health officials have said that a 5% positive test rate is a worrying sign of community spread.
The Wolf administration said there is now substantial transmission of COVID-19 in 66 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. The state had seen a substantial spread of the coronavirus across all counties in Pennsylvania in the previous six weeks, so that streak ended.
One county – Cameron County – is experiencing low transmission of the virus. The Wolf administration uses three categories to measure the spread of COVID-19: low, moderate and substantial.
“After six consecutive weeks of all 67 counties reporting on the substantial level of transmission, we now have a county moving into the low-level transmission category – a big sign of progress,” Wolf said in a statement.
“But there is still more work to do and we must not become complacent,” he said. “I believe that we can maintain these best public health practices to continue to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities, keep each other safe and move forward with the launch of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is reporting fewer new infections and hospitalizations in recent weeks. About 3,900 patients with COVID-19 are being treated in hospitals, below the peak of more than 6,300 in December.
The state has seen an increase in COVID-19-related deaths in recent weeks. Last week, the health department reported that the number of deaths from coronavirus has exceeded 20,000. It took eight months for the state to see 10,000 deaths, but less than two months for that number to double.
- COVID-19 hospitalizations in Pennsylvania continue to fall, although the state reports another 138 deaths
State officials asked school officials to consider the extent of the spread of COVID-19 by the community when determining whether students should be at school or be educated remotely. Earlier this month, the Wolf administration said it was recommending that school districts focus on returning elementary students to classrooms, even in counties with a substantial spread of the virus. The state advises high schools and high schools to continue with remote instruction in counties with substantial distribution.
Still, local school leaders continue to decide whether schools should teach face-to-face classes, remotely or with a combination of face-to-face and virtual classes. State guidelines are recommendations only.
Last week, Wolf said he is appointing Alison Beam, his deputy chief of staff, to succeed Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine. President Joe Biden appointed Levine to be his assistant health secretary.
Beam’s top priority will be to oversee the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Pennsylvania, an effort that has received growing criticism.
Wolf’s administration expanded eligibility for vaccines last week, allowing people over 65 and younger with high-risk conditions to receive the vaccines. But many had trouble finding vaccines, as demand far exceeded the supply available. More healthcare systems, pharmacies and supermarkets are starting to obtain limited supplies of vaccines, but state officials are asking for patience from Pennsylvania residents.
The governor also appointed Dr. Wendy Braund as Interim General Physician, replacing Levine in that position. She has served as COVID-19 Response Director for the state health department.
More than 807,000 people in Pennsylvania have contracted the coronavirus and more than 20,600 deaths have been linked to COVID-19, according to the state health department.
Most infected people recover after dealing with relatively mild symptoms and many never get sick. But health experts warn that the coronavirus poses a risk to everyone, especially the elderly and those with medical problems.
Even as the state works to increase the distribution of vaccines, health officials emphasize the importance of wearing a mask and practicing social detachment.
More from PennLive
New choice for Pa. Health secretary attracts praise, hopes for a “new perspective” in the fight against COVID-19