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PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Is a spike in new coronavirus cases ahead in Allegheny County? It is known when large groups gather at events like protests, the risk of infection goes up.
Dr. Debra Bogen, Allegheny County Health Department Director says her department is prepared.
“We have a lot of ability to increase the numbers of case investigators and contact tracers to address any rise that we see and so we’re not making any specific changes as a result of the protests,” Bogen said during a weekly COVID-19 update streamed on Facebook and You Tube.
Dr. Bogen says so far, no significant increases in new cases since the area entered the yellow phase of the pandemic recovery plan.
Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald from what he saw, most protesters have been wearing masks.
As of Thursday morning, COVID-19 cases remain relatively low in the county with the number of deaths declining significantly.
The number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus is at 1,952.
The number of people who have died as a result of COVID-19 is 152. One death has been reported this week and one was reported last week.
Those who are protesting are asked in many cases to bring a mask and hand sanitizer and to stay home if you feel symptoms.
The county moves into the green phase on Friday, allowing restaurants, salons, barbershops, gyms and other businesses operate at 50 percent capacity.
Employees are still encouraged to work from home if possible.
When you go out, you are asked to still wear a mask in public, practice social distancing and stay home when you feel ill.
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