CDC says COVID-19 rates on the rise in 25 states, including Pa.; no uptick seen at Johnstown hospital

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – COVID-19 cases are on the rise around the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of Aug. 13, the CDC estimated that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 25 states, including Pennsylvania.

Dr. Matthew Perry, the emergency department chairman at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, said the emergency room hasn’t seen many patients with COVID-19 lately. 

“We have not seen an uptick in positive cases,” he said. “Aside from some incidental positives found from time to time, there have been no alarming increases of cases where patients are especially symptomatic. We haven’t seen it trend upwards in the past few years at this time of year, but like anything else, we will wait and see and stay prepared.”

“It is not unusual for there to be fluctuations in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths over time in Pennsylvania and across the nation,” Pennsylvania Department of Health deputy press secretary Neil Ruhland said.

“But due to effective vaccinations and treatments, as well as the evolution of the virus, COVID-19 has become a much less severe illness for most of the population, and the number of hospitalizations and deaths have dropped dramatically since the height of the pandemic.”

An updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected this fall, but the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration have not informed the state Department of Health exactly when it would become available, Ruhland said.

Ruhland said the department advises the public to continue fundamental health and hygiene practices, including hand-washing, staying home when sick, and avoiding contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

“The department also recommends taking COVID tests if you think you have COVID-19 and seeking treatment to reduce the chances of being hospitalized,” he said.

UPMC Somerset officials said COVID-19 is still around, and people are still vulnerable – particularly those with underlying conditions or older adults.

“We’re not doing hospital vaccine clinics like we did early in the pandemic, so we are just advising people to get the vaccine from their provider or pharmacy,” UPMC officials said. “And the usual reminders – if you’re sick, modify your behavior by staying home and away from people.”

Russ O’Reilly is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter @RussellOReilly.