61 new coronavirus cases reported in Allegheny County, highest in 2 months

Allegheny County health officials reported 61 new cases of covid-19 Friday, a record high for daily cases in nearly two months. One new hospitalization and two deaths were also reported.

The new cases reported Friday in Allegheny County represent the highest daily number since April 23.

The new cases ranged in age from 4 months to 97 years old with a median age of 31 years old, county officials said. Two-thirds of the new cases were among those aged 19 to 49 years old.

People contacted by the health officials reported traveling throughout the country. Myrtle Beach, S.C., Houston, Nashville, and cities in Florida such as Miami, Tampa and Naples came up more than once.

Some people also told health officials they had been to bars and restaurants around the country. Some cases involved local bars and restaurants.

Small numbers of people have reported visiting church, family gatherings, their children’s’ games or activities, and protests, officials said.

“The department has not identified any apparent clusters in the travel destinations or activities,” Allegheny County Health Department Director Debra Bogen said in a statement Friday. “What neither health department investigators nor covid-positive residents know is exactly where or when people contracted the virus. They don’t know if they were exposed before a vacation, while on vacation, or after returning home. They don’t know if they were exposed at a bar or restaurant, or if they were exposed before or after going out.”

This week was marked with several days of high case counts. Monday and Wednesday each saw 45 new cases. Officials reported 19 cases Tuesday, and 37 on Thursday.

Friday’s numbers bring the total number of covid-19 cases to 2,382 in the county. There have been 379 hospitalizations and 186 deaths.

Those over the age of 49 account for the highest number of cases, more than 50%, but cases among young people are rising across the country. In Allegheny County, cases among people between the ages of 20 and 49 make up for more than 40%.

County officials have attributed the rise in cases to people moving about and traveling. People also have lowered their guard after the state eased lockdown restrictions, they said.