POTTER COUNTY - COVID-19 coronavirus cases continue to surge across the region. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, there were 10 more positive tests and another fatality in Potter County. Among the positive tests, six were from the Coudersport area and one each from Ulysses, Galeton, Austin and Genesee. Potter County now has an “active” case count in excess of 150, meaning that the victims tested positive over the last 14 days. Approximately 90 of those are residents of the Coudersport area. Also between Tuesday and Wednesday, McKean County had 35 additional cases; Tioga County, 67 new cases and another death; Allegany County, N.Y., 57 more cases and three more fatalities; Cattaraugus County, N.Y., 75 more cases; Lycoming County, 79 more cases and two more fatalities; Cameron County, five more cases and another death; Elk County, 26 more cases and one more fatality; and Clinton County, 41 more cases. Potter County’s overall case count since the virus was detected now stands at 372 with 7 known fatalities.
Meanwhile, the Potter County Commissioners have joined with several agencies in organizing free drive-through COVID-19 coronavirus tests at a Coudersport site for five days, Dec. 27 to Dec. 31. A limited number of walk-ins will also be accommodated. Up to 450 tests will be administered per day for anyone age 3 or older. Additional details will be announced. Three testing sites for the COVID-19 coronavirus remain available in Coudersport. In addition to the testing site at UPMC Cole for physician-referred patients, tests are also being administered at Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 1-800-635-8611 to complete an eligibility assessment) and Rite Aid Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 814-274-0439).
A Pa. Dept. of Health (DOH) report shows that UPMC Cole in Coudersport is currently treating 15 victims of the COVID-19 coronavirus, including one who is in the intensive care unit. Entering Wednesday, all four of the hospital’s ventilators were available.
