Health officials: 40% of Allegheny County's covid cases came in November

Forty percent of Allegheny County’s nearly 30,000 covid-19 cases came in November.

The case numbers increased despite Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen’s “stern warning” two weeks ago for people to avoid large Thanksgiving gatherings. Her announcement piggybacked on a statewide halt to alcohol sales at bars and restaurants on the night before Thanksgiving.

Bogen noted the 12,608 November case total during a virtual press conference Wednesday.

Over the last week, the county has averaged more than 600 cases per day.

“I am truly worried for the next couple of weeks,” she said.

She said she’ll continue to be concerned through early next year until people get vaccinated.

“We’re heading in the right direction. We’ve got to keep vigilant for just a little more time,” Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said, likening this stage of the pandemic to a football team’s drive in the red zone for a touchdown.

While vaccinations are closer to becoming reality, it’s important for people to remain focused on preventing spread and/or exposure to the virus by wearing masks, avoiding large or indoor gatherings and leaving home only when necessary, Bogen said.

“The numbers haven’t really dropped,” Bogen said.

She and other officials have weighed the toll of further restrictions against the toll covid-19 is taking and opted to ask people to comply with the guidelines health professionals advise.

“There isn’t one simple solution or answer,” she said.

The region’s health care systems have the capacity to handle increases in patients and there are plans in place to deal with further increases, if needed, Fitzgerald said.

The biggest problem is staffing, both Fitzgerald and Bogen said.

Bogen expects case numbers to keep increasing through the holiday season.

People can’t let their guard down, Fitzgerald said.

“The virus doesn’t take a day off,” he said. “We’ve really got to follow the advice given to us: Wear our masks, keep distance, avoid engaging in gatherings.”

Bogen encouraged people to get flu vaccinations. So far, the county has had 23 flu cases reported.

“It is not too late,” she said of a flu vaccination.