North Huntingdon-Irwin area covid cases up slightly, as of April 5, 2021

There was a 2.8% increase in the number of new confirmed coronavirus cases from March 29 to April 5 in the four ZIP codes covering most of the Irwin, North Huntingdon and North Irwin area, based on data released Monday by the state Department of Health.

The 81 new confirmed cases raise the total number of virus cases to 2,978, up from 2,897 as of March 29. The percentage increase was the highest weekly spike since the week of Feb. 8 to 16, when it was 2.2%, based on health department statistics.

There were 1,430 probable cases of covid in the three municipalities as of April 5, an increase of 41 from the previous week. There were 12,091 negative test results, 162 more than on Mach 29. All the case counts are based on a running tally since the first cases were recorded in the region in March 20.

In the North Huntingdon-Irwin-North Irwin 15642 ZIP code, there were 2,868 confirmed cases, an increase of 45 cases; 1,399 probable cases, an increase of 40, and 11719 negative test results, an increase of 57. The 15642 ZIP code covers parts of sections of neighboring Penn Township and Hempfield Township, but not sections of North Huntingdon bordering Trafford or White Oak.

There were 65 confirmed covid cases, 19 probable cases and 221 negative test results in the Westmoreland City 15692 ZIP code, all of which are only a slight increase.

In the Ardara 15615 ZIP code, there were 28 confirmed and seven probable cases, which is no change from the March 29 tally. There were 74 negative test results, up just two cases.

The Larimer 15647 ZIP code had 17 new confirmed and five probable cases, unchanged from March 29. There were 77 negative test results, one more than March 29.