Downward

state data.

Gov. Tom Wolf said the state’s COVID-19 dashboard is designed to provide early warning signs of factors that affect the state’s mitigation efforts.

The statewide percentpositivity rate as of Jan. 21 was 10.5 percent, down from the 12.8 percent positivity rate recorded the previous week, according to the dashboard.

As of Jan. 21, the state recorded a seven-day increase of 31,140 cases of the virus. The previous seven-day increase was 40,088 cases, indicating 8,948 fewer new cases across the state over the past week compared to the previous week.

According to state health officials, 66 counties currently remain in the substantial level of community transmission, the highest level of transmission. Cameron County is the only county to move to the low level of community transmission.

“After six straight weeks of all 67 counties reporting in the substantial level of transmission, we now have one county moving into the low level of transmission category – a great sign of progress,” Wolf said on Monday. “But there is still more work for us to do and we must not become complacent.

“I believe we can keep up these best public health practices to continue to bring the transmission of COVID-19 down in our communities, keep each other safe, and move forward with rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Wolf added.

To flatten the surge of COVID-19 cases, state and local health officials continue to urge residents to wear a mask, to avoid social gatherings, to abide by handwashing recommendations,

to fully cooperate if they receive a call from a contact tracer, and to download the free COVID Alert PA app onto their phone.

COVID Alert PA is a free mobile app, offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, that uses Bluetooth low energy technology and the Exposure Notification System, created jointly by Google and Apple, to notify and give public health guidance to anyone who may have been in close contact with a person who also has the app and has tested positive for COVID-19.

“The department of health continues to monitor all cases across Pennsylvania to best prevent outbreaks and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but while we continue these efforts, we need residents to wear a mask, social distance, avoid gatherings and do the right thing to

stop the spread,” state Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said on Monday.

“Throughout the pandemic, the Wolf administration has expanded resources and tools for residents. We encourage Pennsylvanians to download the COVID Alert PA app to receive exposure notification alerts and see

data in the palm of your hand as well as using the newest vaccine eligibility tool as we continue to get vaccine into arms across the state,” Beam added.

Additional information about vaccine eligibility can be found at www. pa.gov and clicking on “Getting the COVID Vaccine.”

“I believe we can keep up these best public health practices to continue to bring the transmission of COVID-19 down in our communities, keep each other safe, and move forward with rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.” — Gov.Tom Wolf