Allegheny County leader concerned over grim COVID-19 data

PITTSBURGH — The director of the health department said she is concerned after seeing the latest local COVID-19 data.

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Dr. Debra Bogen said Allegheny County is trending in the wrong direction even though vaccine is readily available.

The number of hospitalizations and deaths are up. Bogen said nearly all cases appear to be from the delta variant of the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.

Allegheny County now averages 650 new cases a day. The positive test rate has jumped to 13.4 percent, nearly as high as the peak last winter.

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The latest variant of the virus, omicron, has yet to be detected in the region.

“We don’t have any cases of omicron here in Allegheny County that we’re aware of,” Bogen said, “but really it’s just a matter of time.”

Bogen stressed that getting vaccinated is crucial. Anyone eligible for a booster is encouraged to get it, she added.

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