Person in 30s among 4 new COVID-19 deaths in Allegheny Co.; 199 new cases reported

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — There were 199 new coronavirus cases and four deaths, including one person in their 30s, reported Wednesday in Allegheny County.

According to the Allegheny County Health Department, 137 of the new cases are confirmed and 62 are probable.

The totals were from Sept. 17 to Oct. 27. Only two are from specimens collected more than a week ago, officials said.

Subjects ranged in age from 3 months to 91 years-old.

Of the four deaths, one was a person in their 30s and the others were in their 80s. Two decedents were associated with long-term care facilities.

The health department said it has no additional information about the person in their 30s who died.

The deaths occurred between Oct. 15-17.

Since March 14, there have been 15,300 positive cases of the coronavirus among Allegheny County residents. A total of 1,405 people have been hospitalized and 426 people have died.

Dr. Debra Bogen, health director for Allegheny County, said the high number of new cases today was "

eye popping," and she’s urging people to take precautions.

Bogen said that there are no patterns emerging, such as a specific age group or neighborhood.

She said a number of the new cases appear to be from people who say they have just been out and about, going on with their lives, and she suspects some are letting their guard down when they go out.

Of the 800 new cases last week, 100 individuals went to a restaurant or bar and 60 attended some sort of party.

She also said the county is tracking 23 positive cases connected with two weddings, and seven cases from one private party.

Bogen issued a stern warning.

“As we enter the colder months, flu season and the holidays, we are facing a serious turning point in this pandemic,” she said. “The virus spreads more effectively inside so we must be extra cautious.”

Bogen urges everyone to limit holiday gatherings, wear masks and maintain social distancing.

Cox Media Group