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Officials warning of spring surge as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

PITTSBURGH — For many, it feels like a page is turning in terms of the weather and the pandemic. More and more people are getting vaccinated and the temperatures are warming up. But new data examined by 11 Investigates shows we could be in the early stages of a spring surge in COVID-19 cases.

“I think people are just tired,” said retired nurse Mary Brunner. “I believe it’s going to come back with a vengeance.”

Brunner worries about the surge. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, counties in our area are seeing major increases in cases. On Tuesday, Allegheny County reported its highest one-day total since mid-January. The same day, Butler County reported 75 new cases and Washington County had 85, the highest totals for each county in nearly two months.

“Do you believe this is the beginning of a spring surge?” asked 11 Investigates’ Aaron Martin.

“Well it’s clearly the beginning of an increase not only in people who have contracted the infection, but are coming to the hospital seeking care,” said UPMC chief medical officer Dr. Don Yealy. “We’re not at the goal line, but we’re at the 10-yard line and it’s time to get the ball over.”

While well over 4 million Pennsylvanians are now vaccinated, the rise in cases is a reminder that we’re not out of the woods yet.

“We all want to gather with friends and family,” said Allegheny County Health Department director Dr. Debra Bogen. “Given the rise in cases and variants in our community, I ask that we all continue to limit gatherings.”