Montco reports 128 daily new COVID-19 cases

NORRISTOWN >> More than 100 Montgomery County residents tested positive for the coronavirus and officials reported another virus-related death, according to the latest daily county data.

The 128 new positive COVID-19 cases, reported on Thursday, brought the county’s total number of positive cases to 47,320 since March 7, 2020, when the first two cases of the virus were identified in the county. Officials said two of the daily new cases were individuals who resided in long-term care facilities.

Officials also reported one more COVID-19 death on Thursday, bringing the county’s death toll to 1,233 since last March. County officials reported more than 30 deaths from the virus during the last week and the individuals ranged in age from 41 to 100.

“That is high, that is an increase in number,” county Commissioners’ Chairwoman Dr. Valerie Arkoosh reacted to the number of weekly deaths. “As we’ve talked about during this entire pandemic, sadly deaths do lag cases. Oftentimes, it’s weeks to a month or even longer before someone passes away from COVID-19. So, it’s not unusual to see an increase like this, given the numbers of cases that we were seeing a few weeks ago.

“But it is a reminder of how serious this situation remains,” added Arkoosh, who as a physician has been at the forefront of the county’s efforts to combat COVID-19 and provide citizens with the latest information regarding the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported on Thursday that 43,710 county residents had received the full two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, during the ongoing Phase 1A of the state’s vaccine distribution program. Another 88,432 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.

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.

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. Callers should let the agent know they would like support in pre-registering for a vaccine appointment.

Currently, the county Office of Public Health operates two vaccination sites.

The county previously opened a vaccination clinic at Norristown High School to serve those who have appointments to receive their second doses of the vaccine.

Those receiving their first dose of the vaccine are currently being served at a clinic hosted by the Montgomery County Community College campus in Whitpain.

Officials said a third vaccination site in Willow Grove might open next week.

County officials added testing is still available for all county residents and those who work in the county and want or need to be tested. The county has established outdoor walkup 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. Same-day 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 Ave. In Willow Grove, a testing site is at First Baptist Church - Crestmont, 1678 Fairview Ave.

- Montgomery County Commissioner Dr. Valerie Arkoosh