Deaths

COVID-19 deaths reported during the three-day period brought the countywide death toll to 1,117 since March.

According to the county’s latest data, as of Monday, there were 272 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 at the county’s nine hospitals, down from 324 patients a week ago. Officials said 25 of the current COVID-19 patients required ventilators.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported on Monday that 7,118 county residents had received the full two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines through Jan. 24, during the ongoing Phase 1A of the state’s vaccine distribution program. Another 33,465 residents had received the first dose

of the vaccine, according to state data.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses to achieve optimum protection.

Statewide, officials reported that through Jan. 24 there were 451,467 first doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines administered as well as 114,376 full doses.

Three weeks ago, the Montgomery County Office of Public Health began vaccinating, at a public vaccination clinic hosted by the Montgomery County Community College campus in Whitpain, those eligible in Phase 1A of the state’s vaccination plan. At the clinic, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., officials are administering an average of about 1,000 doses each day.

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 health department. The pre-registration link can be found at www.montcopa.org/COVID-19 under the green vaccination information button.

Due to the limited supply of vaccine available at this time, only eligible people will be scheduled for appointments during the next several weeks.

Last week, state health officials expanded COVID-19 vaccination protocols, opening the door for everyone 65 years and older, and those 16 to 64 with specific underlying medical conditions, to receive the vaccine.

According to the county’s web site, those underlying medical conditions for individuals 16 to 64 include: cancer; chronic kidney disease; COPD; heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery

disease or cardiomyopathies; weakened immune system from solid organ transplant or blood or bone marrow transplant or HIV; obesity; Down Syndrome; pregnancy; sickle cell disease; smoking; or Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Those categories were added to Phase 1A of the state’s phased vaccination program. Phase 1A previously included only healthcare workers and those residing in long-term care facilities, a process that continues. The vaccination at long-term care facilities is being completed through a federal partnership with CVS and Walgreens pharmacies.

County officials said the expanded definitions for the 1A group added approximately 250,000 county residents who now qualify for vaccination as part of Phase 1A. However, the supply of

vaccine is still limited.

In the meantime, officials urged residents to abide by all handwashing, mask wearing and social distancing recommendations to help thwart the spread of the virus.

Testing continues to be available for all county residents and those who work in the county and want or need to be tested. The county has 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. 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 610-970-2937 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 Avenue. In Willow Grove, a testing site is at First Baptist Church - Crestmont, 1678 Fairview Ave.