PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - COVID-19 mitigation efforts in Allegheny County appear to be working as numbers of infections are beginning to stabilize, but Allegheny County Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen warns that it could be another year of physical distancing and other mitigation efforts.
On Wednesday, during a weekly update, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said after positivity rates were over 10 percent, rates are now slightly under 6 percent.
Also, after multiple weeks in triple digits, numbers are now back down in the double digits on Wednesday.
Fitzgerald calls the news encouraging but says people should still wear their masks, following social distancing guidelines and for "everyone to do thing as safely as possible to protect the public."
Dr. Debra Bogen says the area is beginning to see signs that the mitigation steps are working.
While it is earlier, she believes Allegheny is moving the right direction.
Daily cases have been under 200 for the past five days.
Bogen adds the number of tests remains "high" with 2,000 tests or more being given daily.
Contact tracing shows that the number of those being infected is going down at bars and restaurants and a steady increase in the number of infections are now happening at private parties.
"I'm so glad that people are getting together, social interaction is very important but that's why we've used the phrase physical distancing and not social distancing in our presentation because we know socializing is important but we need you to stay physically distant while socializing," said Bogen.
When interacting with others not in your household Bogen says stay outside when possible, wash your hands frequently and wear your mask.
Bogen recognized that everyone is tired of the pandemic, but warns we still have a long way to go.
"Unfortunately we likely have at least another year of dealing with this virus," said Bogen.
While vaccine trials are beginning across the country and the Pittsburgh area, it will take time for a vaccine to be approved, manufactured and distributed to a large number of people.
Bogen believes there will still be an increase in the fall with children going back to school and other activities.
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