Montco reports two deaths, 494 positive cases

NORRISTOWN » Nearly 500 individuals tested positive for the coronavirus and two more people died from the virus in Montgomery County during the most recent two-day period ending Friday.

The total 494 new COVID-19 positive cases, reported on Jan. 28 and Jan. 29, brought the county’s total number of cases to 42,401 since March 7, 2020, when the first two cases of the virus were identified in the county. Officials said 15 of the new cases were individuals who resided in long-term care facilities.

The two COVID-19 deaths reported during the two-day period brought the countywide death toll to 1,136 since March.

Earlier this week, county health officials identified the county’s first documented case of a more contagious coronavirus variant that was first identified in the United Kingdom. A 30-year-old bartender at a bar and restaurant tested positive for the U.K. variant, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported on Friday that 10,274 county residents had received the full two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines through Jan. 28, during the ongoing Phase 1A of the state’s vaccine distribution program. Another 43,048 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. 28 there were 546,600 first doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines administered as well as 173,328 full doses.

County officials said this week that COVID-19 vaccines continue to be in extremely limited supply and urged residents to have patience as the vaccine rollout continues.

Last week, state health officials expanded coronavirus 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.

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

With the expanded definitions for the 1A group, county officials estimated that approximately 250,000 additional people qualify for vaccination in Montgomery County as part of Phase 1A.

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.

“I want to remind everyone that wherever you receive your first dose of vaccine that is where you need to go to get your second dose. So, for individuals that have gone to pharmacies or health systems in other counties or in other states, you must plan to return there for your second dose, we won’t have a second dose for you,” county Commissioners’ Chairwoman Dr. Valerie Arkoosh explained during a news briefing this week.

Arkoosh added residents should not forward appointment links that come to them to other family members or friends.

“If you receive an appointment link, that link is only meant for you. It’s based on your eligibility and if it is your first or second dose. Because of the scarcity of the vaccine and you forward that link to someone who’s not eligible they will be turned away at the vaccination site if they’re not in the eligible group,” Arkoosh said.

In the meantime, officials urged residents to abide by all recommended mitigation measures to help thwart the spread of the virus.

“While we await the arrival of enough vaccine in our community to be able to vaccinate everyone who would like to be vaccinated we must think about those three W’s – wear our masks, wash our hands and watch our distance,” Arkoosh said.

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. This Saturday, Jan. 30, the Ardmore testing site will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For Saturday testing, appointments can be reserved online only starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29.

In Willow Grove, a testing site is at First Baptist Church - Crestmont, 1678 Fairview Ave.