Indiana County reported 94 new cases Oct. 20-26, compared to 99 the previous week, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. On average for seven days – 13.4 cases per day. During the period from September 29 to October, 386 cases were registered. 26. The daily average of 13.4 cases per day improved from 24.5 cases per day last month and was down from 37.0 cases per day in October 2021. Statewide, 13,783 cases have been reported, up from 10,843 cases reported last week.
The PA Department of Health reported four hospitalized patients with COVID on Wednesday, none of them in intensive care, down from the eight patients with COVID reported a week ago. No deaths have been reported in Indiana County, bringing the total to 382.
Effluent monitoring for the week of October 23-29 indicates a decrease in the presence of COVID-19.
A CDC report dated October 27 indicates that the level of risk to the community in the region has improved. The risk level for Indiana County and most counties in the region is listed as low. The exception is Elk County, where the risk has increased to medium.
VACCINES GIVEN
Last week, 674 bivalent boosters were administered, for a total of 4,915 bivalent boosters administered since September 2, 2022. Bivalent boosters protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.
Although the third booster (bivalent) is increasing, this increase is among those who are fully vaccinated. For several months, no increase in the number of fully vaccinated and vaccinated young population has been observed. Only 45.4 percent of the Indiana County population is fully vaccinated; At the age of 5-19, 23.1 percent were vaccinated. Young adults data for October show that 0-19 year olds received no vaccinations, while 20-24 year olds received 13 vaccinations.
Stopping the pandemic requires using all available tools. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Other steps, such as wearing masks and social distancing, help reduce the chance of contracting the virus or spreading it to others.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES — AFTER EXPOSURE TO COVID-19
Start precautionary measures immediately
Wear a mask as soon as you know you have been exposed.
Start the countdown from day one
Day 0 is the day you last had contact with someone with COVID-19
Day 1 is the first full day after the last exposure.
Continue the precautions for 10 full days
You can still develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after being infected. Wear a high-quality mask or respirator whenever you are around others in your home or in public. Watch for symptoms: fever (100.4°F or higher), cough, shortness of breath, other symptoms of COVID-19.
If you develop symptoms: Isolate yourself immediately, get tested and stay at home until you know the result.
Get tested at least five full days after your last contact.
Get tested even if you have no symptoms.
If the test is negative: Continue to take precautions until day 10.
Wear a high-quality mask when around other people at home and in public.
If the test is positive: Isolate immediately
Wear a high-quality mask when around other people at home and in public.
Source: This report was compiled by Ron Riley for The Indiana Gazette based on data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.
https://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-county-covid-19-report/article_5a9b053f-c656-5fa6-8efa-dfb531ead15b.html