Montco death toll tops 1,000

34 more deaths and 2,357 cases reported

NORRISTOWN » Montgomery County officials and the Office of Public Health Tuesday reported 34 COVID-19 deaths in the county from Dec. 23-29. Over the past week, 2,357 additional people tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the countywide total to 32,441 cases and 1,002 deaths.

Seven of the individuals who died of COVID-19 resided in a long-term care facility. Of the new cases, 96 of the new cases are in longterm care facilities. None of the reported positive COVID-19 cases resulted from antibody testing.

“This week, our Department of Public Safety and Office of Public Health staff administered more than 400 doses of vaccine to our frontline Emergency Medical Services providers,” said county Commissioners’ Chairwoman Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh.

“As we receive additional supply from vaccine manufacturers, we will provide doses to other critical employees, such as home care workers, community-based doctors and providers, grocery store workers, teachers, police officers, and firefighters. In just a few short months, there will be a safe and effective vaccine available for our entire community.

“As a reminder, the safest way to celebrate the winter holidays is with the people you live with. If you gather with others, please remember to choose outdoor or well-ventilated spaces and wear a mask that covers both your mouth and nose. Stay at least 6 feet apart from people you don’t live with, and wash your hands often.”

A full breakdown of all Montgomery County COVID-19

cases can be found on the COVID-19 Data Hub. The Hub hosts the County’s COVID-19 maps, data, and charts that show the number of daily cases and deaths related to COVID-19, including hospitalizations and ventilator use. There is also demographic information on cases by age, gender, and race.

Due to the upcoming holiday schedule the following changes are being made to the COVID-19 testing site schedule:

Thursday, December 31: All sites open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, January 1: All testing sites will be CLOSED

Saturday, January 2: Pottstown location open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Under normal conditions, Montgomery County COVID-19 testing sites are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at six locations across the county weather permitting. Testing is available to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Montgomery County. Appointments can be made on weekdays starting at 7 a.m. online or starting at 8:30 a.m. by calling (610) 9702937. For Saturday testing, appointments can be reserved online only starting at 7 p.m. on Friday.

No-Cost Flu Shots: The Montgomery County Office of Public Health continues to offer appointmentonly flu shots. Flu shots are available at no cost to anyone age 6 months and older who lives, works, or goes to school in Montgomery County. Residents can call (610) 278-5145 to make an appointment at the Norristown Public Health Center, 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown, (Entrance on DeKalb Street).

This week, our Department of Public Safety and Office of Public Health staff administered more than 400 doses of vaccine to our frontline Emergency Medical Services providers.” — County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh

“As a reminder, the safest way to celebrate the winter holidays is with the people you live with. If you gather with others, please remember to choose outdoor or well-ventilated spaces and wear a mask that covers both your mouth and nose. Stay at least 6 feet apart from people you don’t live with, and wash your hands often.” — County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh.