Northampton County’s infection rate tops state even as numbers dwindle

The state Department of Health reported 2,778 additional coronavirus cases on Friday. The seven-day moving average of newly reported cases was 2,931, down 23% from 3,797 a week ago. The average hasn’t been so low since the first week in November.

To date, there have been 908,773 infections statewide since the start of the pandemic.

While new case reports, deaths and hospitalization have all been dwindling to levels not seen in about three months, Northampton County is in the unenviable position of leading the state in new case rates when adjusted for population.

The county is adding more than 42 cases per day for every 100,000 residents. The next highest rates are held by Northumberland (39.9 per 100,000), Centre (35.6), Montour (34.5) and Lycoming (34.2). Lehigh County is adding an average of 22.5 cases per 100,000 residents.

Northampton’s numbers are being swelled by a reported outbreak in Lehigh University’s student population. Students living on and near the south Bethlehem campus were responsible for almost 3 out 10 new cases reported in the county last week.

Vaccinations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerted the state Health Department that shipments of the expected 183,575 first doses of the Pzifer and Moderna vaccines would be delayed because snow and ice storms are impairing operations for UPS, which has a contract to deliver to the eastern United States. FedEx delivers to the western states.

The CDC orders vaccines from the two manufacturers, which then ship directly to providers like health care networks, pharmacies and city or county health bureaus. The delivery delays are causing some providers to reschedule appointments.

Still, progress is being made. Combined data from the state and Philadelphia health departments show that more than 2.1 million vaccinations have been administered to 1.55 million people throughout the 67 counties. That amounts to 14.8% of the 16-and-over population approved for vaccination. More than 10,000 shots have gone into arms over the last seven days outside of Philadelphia. The city does not show daily vaccinations on its dashboard.

The Lehigh Valley is faring better, with more than 100,000 people — 18.3% of those eligible — having received at least one shot.

Deaths

Overall: 67 compared with 94 on Thursday.

Senior care: 88 compared with nine on Thursday. That brings the total to 12,215, accounting for 52% of the state’s 23,480 deaths.

Hospitalizations

There were 2,061 people hospitalized as of midday Friday compared with 2,124 Thursday. Of those, 266 were on ventilators, and 441 were in ICU beds.

Testing

There were 9,829 test results reported Friday, with 20.5% of them positive, compared with 20.2% on Thursday.

The overall positive test rate is 17.1% since the state’s first cases were reported March 6.

Lehigh Valley

Cases: 199 additional case reports, with 76 in Lehigh County, 123 in Northampton County. That brings the total to 56,005.

Deaths: Four new deaths (one in Lehigh County, and three in Northampton County), compared with eight the day before. That brings the total to 1,369.