PITTSBURGH (100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) Almost a year and a half ago, the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Pennsylvania.
Now, on June 25, Gov. Tom Wolf has announced that 75% of the state’s population over the age of 18 has received at least their first dose of the COVID vaccine.
“Together, Pennsylvanians have hit a significant milestone in our fight against COVID-19,” said Gov. Wolf. “Now, three out of four Pennsylvania adults have done their part in keeping themselves and their loved ones safe by getting at least one COVID-19 vaccination. We should be proud of how far we have come, as data shows us that with increased vaccination rates, we see a decline in COVID-19 cases.”
When President Joe Biden took office, he set a goal that 70% of Americans would have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine by the 4th of July.
Pennsylvania has crushed that goal over a week away from Independence Day and moving up to eighth in the nation in rate of vaccination.
59.5% of PA residents are fully vaccinated.
Earlier Friday, the State Health Department upheld their prediction that the statewide mask mandate would be lifted by June 28.
Despite the great numbers boasted by the state, Gov. Wolf still urges safety and the importance of receiving both doses of the vaccine.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we must continue to inform all eligible Pennsylvanians about the effectiveness of the available vaccines and the importance of getting their second dose. They remain our best defense against this deadly virus and the potential threat of the delta variant.”