Allegheny County adds 172 covid-19 cases, with 4 new hospitalizations

For the third straight day, Allegheny County health officials announced less than 200 new cases.

Monday’s report of 172 new cases brings the total in Allegheny County to 6,435.

Officials reported four new hospitalizations and no new deaths. So far, 512 residents have been hospitalized, while 208 have died.

The county’s latest batch of 2,173 cases come from tests conducted from July 3-19. Of the positives, 171 of them have been confirmed, with one probable. In the newest cases, ages range from 2 to 97 years old, with the median age being 42.

To date, 89,895 people tested have been found to be negative for coronavirus.

While today’s new case count was an increase from Saturday and Sunday’s new numbers, it remained below 200. For four out of the past five days, the number of new cases added in Allegheny County has been under 200; with Friday’s report adding 240 cases.

The number is larger than one week ago. On July 13, the county reported only 71 new cases. However, at the time, health officials cautioned against the low number, saying testing over the weekend is typically lower, leading to a decrease in cases.

Allegheny County’s 172 new case count was, by far, the largest increase in the state. Philadelphia County reported 86 new cases, while the next highest counts came from Delaware County with 40 new cases and Montgomery and Bucks counties, which each posted 34 new cases. Westmoreland County added 21 new cases.

As of Monday, Allegheny County estimates that more than 3,400 residents who have tested positive for covid-19 have recovered.

According to the county’s covid-19 website, “Recovery is a calculation from the CDC … based on one of two conditions: 32 days have passed after a person was hospitalized for covid-19 and not deceased or 14 days have passed after a person tested positive … and they were not hospitalized.”

In Allegheny County, there have been outcomes in 3,612 cases — 3,404 are assumed to have recovered, while 208 have died. Using the county’s numbers, there’s a 94.24% recovery rate, with a 5.76% fatality rate. There are 2,823 unresolved cases.

At the Allegheny County Jail, 32 inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus since March 13, the county reports. Of those, four remain in the facility and 28 have either recovered or been released.

A total of 255 inmates have been tested, with 223 testing negative for a 12.5% positivity rate. There have been no hospitalizations of inmates.

To date, nine staff members at the jail have tested positive, with seven having recovered. In all, 66 staff members have tested negative with 7 tests pending, for a 15.3% positivity rate.

Allegheny County Treatment Alternative (ACTA), a 50-bed drug and alcohol inpatient facility, reports that 11 residents and five staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus.

County health officials have said the large volume of new cases has created issues with results. On its website, the health department has posted a what-to-expect information sheet for those being tested and those who have been in contact with them.

Health officials continue to urge residents to wear masks, wash their hands and maintain physical distance from others to keep the community safe.