Information courtesy of Potter County Today
COVID-19 coronavirus cases continue to be diagnosed in Potter County, despite the fact that few people are being tested. There were 15 new cases confirmed among county residents over the past week (March 26-April 2), according to the Pa. Dept. of Health. DOH cautions that although the figures suggest that the spread of the infection has slowed, COVID remains a major risk to public health. The virus’s latest variant, BA.2, has gained ground in the U.S. since February and is expected to become the dominant variant here in the coming weeks. At the same time, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized a fourth Pfizer and Moderna dose for people age 50 and older. Public health officials are encouraging those who are eligible to sign up for the booster shot. UPMC Cole offers the vaccine to eligible individuals at its outpatient offices. Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy in Coudersport administers the vaccine by appointment; call 814-274-8660. Rite Aid pharmacies continue to book appointments. To access the online reservation form, click here.
Another 15 vaccinations were administered in Potter County over the past week. The county’s vaccination rate for those age 5 and older remains at 47 percent, with 1,240 people receiving only an initial dose and 6,045 receiving one of more booster shots. Overall there have been 3,177 cases and 91 COVID-related deaths in Potter County.
DOH advises those who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection to be tested. Among these are fever, chills, muscle pain or body aches, headaches or confusion, difficulty staying awake or waking up, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion or runny nose, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Testing is available at local pharmacies and at UPMC Cole. At-home test kits can be ordered online at covidtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
