PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen says Monday's COVID-19 case count of 42 cases is "concerning."
During a media briefing Monday, Bogen says Monday's case count is the highest it has been in over two months.
She adds cases jumped up 134 compared to 56 the previous week.
40 percent of the new cases are among people 25 to 49, 20 percent among those 19-24 and 10 percent among children.
This is a shift in who is getting the virus. Previously older adults were the most affected.
Bogen adds during case investigations it doesn't appear that the uptick in cases is a result of protests, with only a couple of contact tracers reporting people being in large crowds.
In most of the new cases, data shows that most people being infected are going to restaurants, bars and are "out and about in the community."
Bogen says contact tracing is essential in handing a potential surge.
While contact tracing information is not currently known about Monday's 45 new cases, info is available concerning the 37 people diagnosed over the weekend.
Bogen says in half of those 37 cases, around half traveled out of state before testing positive with some traveling by car, bus or plane.
Bogen adds people and businesses need to continue to practice proper safety measures including washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, socially distancing and wear a mask over both your mouth and nose.
Businesses are being asked to have hand sanitizer on hand and if possible provide outside dining options.
"We don't want to close stores and businesses again," said Bogen, adding that taking simple measures can help slow the spread of the virus.
Those going on vacation are also encouraged to safety measures including wearing a mask.
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