Allegheny County data shows parties becoming a growing source of coronavirus

While Allegheny County bars and restaurants are still linked to the most covid-19 cases, case investigations show a growing number of infected individuals have reported attending private parties and other large gatherings.

Dr. Debra Bogen, director of Allegheny County’s Health Department said Wednesday parties, weddings, funerals, religious services and gyms are appearing more often as infection sources.

When an individual is infected with covid-19, case investigators ask what activities or public places they recently visited.

Since late June, bars and restaurants have been the most commonly reported activity among infected individuals. That hasn’t changed, but the number of reported bar and restaurant visits has decreased significantly since July 4. At Wednesday’s press briefing, Bogen said so far, the county’s new Covid Field Response Team has found most bars and restaurants complying with health and safety guidelines.

In the week between June 28 and July 4, 221 infected individuals reported visiting a bar or restaurant. Two weeks later, between July 12 and 18, the number had dropped to 127.

In the same period, people reported going to parties at a growing rate. Between June 28 and July 4, 45 people reported going to parties, while 72 people said they attended parties between July 12 and 18. More infected people have reported going to weddings and funerals since late June, as well.

Bogen first reported an increase in cases linked to private parties last week, when she said the county was seeing more reports of birthday parties, bridal showers and graduation celebrations. She encouraged people to continue gathering, but carefully.

“I urge you to practice covid safety precautions like wearing masks, washing hands and keeping at least six feet away from others, no matter what the event or wherever you’re around other people,” Bogen said.

Gyms and fitness centers also are being linked to more cases — 21 infected individuals reported going to a facility between July 12 and 18. Bogen reminded listeners that mask-wearing is required at all times inside gyms, and asked gyms to prioritize outdoor activities whenever possible.

The county has recorded travel to 17 states among infected individuals since mid-June. Florida, Maryland and Ohio are among states most commonly reported.

Bogen stressed that while tracking an individual’s travel and activities is important for contact tracing and for inferring the sources of infection, the data isn’t definitive.

“The data we collect through case investigation tell us where people who have tested positive have gone, but doesn’t tell us where people were infected with the virus,” she said.