Allegheny Co. officials looking at changing event limits, outdoor dining as COVID-19 cases continue spike
PITTSBURGH — After a second straight day of over 200 COVID-19 cases reported in Allegheny County, leaders held a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
Dr. Debra Bogen with the Allegheny County Health Department said at the news conference that her agency is looking at modifying the orders limiting the number of people allowed at one event. She said the agency will also look at changing the outdoor dining requirements for bars and restaurants. That order, or any changes, could come by Wednesday afternoon.
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Bogen said Allegheny County has had more new cases in the past two weeks than in the previous two months combined. Cases have been in the triple digits for eight days and have exceeded 200 cases three times.
She said that the county has to balance the risks of infection and the risks of the mitigation strategies themselves, including discontinuing on-site alcohol consumption and in-person dining.
This is the July 7, 2020 COVID-19 Update.
Today’s report of 3,979 cases includes 204 new cases, 6 new deaths & 7 new hospitalizations out of 2,404 test results. The newest cases range from 1 month-98 years old with the median age being 30. pic.twitter.com/BbXtBU5mtL
— Allegheny County Health Department (@HealthAllegheny) July 7, 2020
Bogen said two weeks ago, the rate of positive infection in people being tested was around 2-3%. Now, it is around 8-10% she said. She added that while the hospitalization rate has remained low, there has still been a steady increase.
She said she agreed with Gov. Wolf’s comments on mandatory mask wearing until a vaccine can be widely distributed.
The Allegheny County Health Department can trace about 8 cases per day with their current staff and her staff can reach about 15 people per day. Bogen said a case investigation is not undertaken until the numbers are confirmed in the state system.
Gov. Wolf: “Allegheny Co. is a big area of concern”
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