594 new cases of COVID-19 over 3 days
Nearly 600 Montgomery County residents tested positive for the coronavirus and three more people died from the virus during the most recent three-day period, according to the latest county data.
The 594 daily new positive COVID-19 cases, reported in the county during the three-day period Saturday through Monday, brought the county’s total number of positive cases to 50,697 since March 7, 2020, when the first two cases of the virus were identified in the county, according to the county’s COVID-19 dashboard. Three of the daily new cases were individuals who resided in longterm care facilities.
Officials also reported three additional COVID-19 deaths during the threeday period, bringing the county’s death toll to 1,260 since the pandemic began a year ago.
There were 167 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the county’s nine hospitals on Monday, up from 135 a week ago. Eleven of the current patients required respirators, according to the latest hospitalization data.
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported on Monday that 94,306 county residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, receiving either the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine or both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, during the ongoing Phase 1A of the state’s vaccine distribution program. Another 148,169 county residents have received a first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, according to state data.
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses to achieve optimum protection.
Appointments are required to receive the vaccine. All those eligible for the vaccine in Phase 1A can pre-register to receive the vaccine through the county Office of Public Health. The pre-registration link can be found at www.montcopa.org/COVID-19 under the green vaccination information button.
Residents who don’t have internet access can call the county’s COVID-19 hotline at (833) 875-3967 to connect with a volunteer who can assist them in pre-registering for a vaccine.
The county Office of Public Health previously opened vaccination clinics at Norristown High School, at the Montgomery County Community College campus in Whitpain and at the Parkside Shopping Center, in the former Petco location, in Willow Grove.
Additionally, health officials, in coordination with the county Department of Public Safety, established a mobile vaccination program to take vaccine to the county’s most vulnerable elderly residents who would otherwise not be able to visit a mass vaccination site. The program, under the direction of Dr. Alvin Wang, is currently serving elderly individuals who live in congregate senior housing.
Officials said testing is still available for all county residents and those who work in the county and want or need to be tested. The county established outdoor walk-up testing sites in Pottstown, Norristown, Lansdale, Willow Grove, Ardmore and Green Lane to accommodate those who want to be tested.
The six county-run sites provide self-administered tests at no cost, although insurance will be billed if you have it. The sites do require an appointment for testing.
The six sites are open Monday through Friday, weather permitting and at varying hours. Sameday appointments can be made weekdays starting at 7 a.m. by visiting www.montcopa.org/COVID-19 and clicking on the county testing information button. Residents can also register for a test at any of the six sites by calling 610970-2937 beginning at 8:30 a.m. daily.
In Pottstown, the testing site is located at the county’s Office of Public Health Pottstown Health Center at 364 King St.
In Norristown, a testing site is located on the parking lot of the Delaware Valley Community Health Norristown Regional Health Center at 1401 DeKalb St.
In Lansdale, a testing site is located at 421 Main St. Another testing site is located at Deep Creek and Snyder roads in the Green Lane Park area.
In Ardmore, a testing site is located at 114 W. Lancaster Ave. In Willow Grove, a testing site is at First Baptist Church - Crestmont, 1678 Fairview Ave.