Erie County reports 12 new positive cases of COVID-19 for cumulative total of 620; masks are mandatory in all public spaces
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa J. Dixon
mdixon@eriecountypa.gov
814-812-0089
Erie, PA – County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie County Department of Health announce 12 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Erie County as of 12:01 a.m. on July 1.
The total cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Erie County is 620, with 493 recovered cases, 113 active cases, 11,676 negatives and 14 deaths.
Updated data can be found on the chart on the “Positive Cases in Erie County” page on eriecountypa.gov.
Of the cumulative cases, 58% are female and 42% are male. The breakdown of cases by race/ethnicity is as follows:
- 49% White residents
- 35% African American/Black residents
- 4% Asian residents
- 2% Other
- 10% Unknown
Eleven percent of the cases are Hispanic, of any race; 75% are not Hispanic; and 13% are unknown.
The age breakdown of the cumulative cases looks like this:
- 3% are ages 0-4
- 2% are ages 5-9
- 6% are ages 10-18
- 15% are ages 19-24
- 41% are ages 25-49
- 21% are ages 50-64
- 13% are ages 65 and older
Note: Percent values of each breakdown may not total 100 due to rounding.
In addition, Governor Tom Wolf today announced an order signed by Secretary Rachel Levine making masks mandatory in all public spaces across Pennsylvania.
“I understand that people have strong feelings about wearing a mask,” Dahlkemper said. “But the truth is, wearing a mask does, in fact, protect others from your droplets. I think we all want our kids to be able to return to school. We want our businesses to remain open. We want to return to our places of worship. We want this virus to disappear. So, I urge everyone, as we approach the Fourth of July weekend, to wear your mask when you are near anyone who does not live inside your home – even when you are outside.”
Melissa Lyon, director of the Erie County Department of Health, joined the County Executive today to explain that COVID-19 is a “social infection.”
“The virus takes advantage of human socialization,” Lyon said. “The more we socialize, the more we increase our risk of exposure to the virus. So, when you are celebrating the Fourth of July this year, you should choose and plan your social events to be small gatherings. Prepare to wear your mask and request that others do the same. When possible, practice social distancing and prepare to be outside as much as possible.”
Consistent with Wednesday updates, the County Executive reminds everyone to complete the 2020 Census.
Erie County is at 69% completion, and the City of Erie is at 61%. Residents can visit www.census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to complete the census. The U.S. Census Bureau is currently sending information to homes with P.O. Boxes.
All questions related to COVID-19 symptoms and enforcement should be directed to Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700 or ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov.
For more information related to COVID-19 including fact sheets, business resources, family resources, videos, translations, guidance and more, visit eriecountypa.gov and the social media accounts for Erie County, Pa., and Erie County Department of Health.
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