Allegheny Co. Prioritizes COVID-19 Testing

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PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - While daily COVID-19 cases in Allegheny County remain relatively high, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald is hopeful that the numbers has stabilized and will start to go down over the next couple of days.

Over the last week the county has averaged 200 cases a day, and younger people are the main reason for the surge and continue to include those who have traveled out of state, visited a bar or restaurant or attended a private party.

Allegheny County Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen says that since the beginning of July, the county has performed over 20,000 tests and five days with over 2,000 tests given.

Even with the increase in testing, people are reporting trouble trying obtain a test. Dr. Bogen says tests need to be prioritized, a reverse from a couple weeks ago.

People should seek testing from most important to lowest:

  • The exhibit symptoms of COVID-19
  • If you are in close contact with a positive case (within at least six feet for 15 minutes
  • Healthcare workers and first responders who have had a known contact with someone with COVID-19
  • Adults without symptoms who cannot quarantine for 14 days who suspect they’ve had an exposure

Dr. Bogen says an increase in cases has resulted in them having to change their policy that everyone can get tested.

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