Newly reported covid cases drop slightly in North Huntingdon-Irwin area for week of April 26, 2021

The number of newly reported covid cases dropped slightly from April 26 to May 3 among residents in the North Huntingdon-Irwin-North Irwin areas, the second consecutive week of declining new coronavirus cases, according to state Health Department data released Monday.

There were 44 new covid cases from April 26 to May 3, four fewer cases than April 19 to 26, based on health department statistics. The increase in newly reported cases fell to 1.3%, from 1.5% the previous seven days. The covid case numbers are tallied from initial covid case in those four ZIP codes since March 2020.

There were 3,203 coronavirus cases as of May 3, and 1,601 probable but not confirmed covid cases, an increase of just 26 from April 26. There have been 12,600 negative test results, an increase of 124 from April 26 among residents in the four ZIP codes. About 35,000 people live in North Huntingdon, Irwin and North Irwin. The ZIP codes, however, also cover parts of Hempfield and Penn Township.

In the North Huntingdon-Irwin-North Irwin 15642 ZIP code, there were 3,092 confirmed cases, an increase of 43 over the past week; 1,564 probable cases, an increase of 24; and 12,208 negative test results, an increase of 117 since April 26. The 15642 ZIP code covers parts of neighboring Penn and Hempfield townships, but not the section of North Huntingdon bordering Trafford and White Oak.

The Westmoreland City 15692 ZIP code had 66 confirmed covid cases and 21 probable cases, one more in each category than on April 26 . There have been 231 negative test results as of May 3, an increase of four since last week.

In the Ardara 15615 ZIP code, there were 28 confirmed cases and eight probable cases, the same as last week; and 80 negative test results, three more than last week.

The Larimer 15647 ZIP code had 17 confirmed cases, the same as last week, and eight probable cases, an increase of one. There were 81 negative test results, same as last week.

At the Norwin School District, a report of six covid cases at the high school in a 14-day period resulted in the closure of the high school one day last week.

To help reduce the spread of covid in the North Huntingdon-Irwin area, Norwin is conducting a vaccine clinic where the initial shot of the Pfizer vaccine will be given to high school students and their family members who are 16 years old or older, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 14 at the high school auxiliary gymnasium, 251 McMahon Dr., North Huntingdon.

Rite Aid personnel will administer the shots and appointments for a second vaccine shot will be made after receiving the first shot.