Nearly 162 more COVID-19 coronavirus cases and two more deaths related to the virus were confirmed across the region between Monday and Tuesday, reflecting a higher rate of growth in both categories following an opposite trend over the previous 10 days. Five of the new cases between Monday and Tuesday were residents of Potter County. Since the pandemic began, there have been 835 cases and 20 COVID-related deaths in Potter County (see chart above). At the same time, public health officials cautioned that new, more contagious strains of the coronavirus have been detected in a growing number of states. This will likely prolong the pandemic, extending health and safety restrictions and reinforcing the need for preventive measures for several months. The discovery also underscores the urgency of making the FDA-approved vaccine available across the country.
Meanwhile, more Potter County residents have received one or both doses of the coronavirus vaccine in recent days. Some 297 have received both doses and 308 have been given the initial dose. Most of those are front-line health care providers, residents of skilled care homes, emergency responders and residents 65 and older. Supplies of the vaccine remain limited. Qualifying criteria for receiving the vaccine can be found here. Rite Aid Pharmacies in the region have been offering appointment reservations as supplies become available. To access the online reservation form, click here. Pa. Dept. of Health also offers an online Vaccine Provider Map, accessible here, to assist eligible residents with scheduling their shots directly with the provider. A set of frequently asked questions and answers to them can be found here.
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).
