Montco reports 131 new cases, one death

NORRISTOWN » Montgomery County health officials reported more than 100 new positive cases of the coronavirus and one more death from the virus as the 48th week of the pandemic came to a close.

The 131 new positive COVID-19 individuals reported on Friday brought the county’s total number of positive cases to 43,622 since March 7, 2020, when the first two cases of the virus were identified in the county. Officials said one of the new cases was an individual who resided in a long-term care facility. One case was reported among inmates at the county jail in Lower Providence.

Officials also reported one more COVID-19 death in the county on

Friday, bringing the death toll to 1,151 since the virus surfaced in the county last March.

According to the county’s hospitalization data, 280 individuals were hospitalized with COVID-19 at the county’s nine hospitals on Friday and 34 of the patients required ventilators.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported on Friday that 13,580 county residents had received the full two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines through Feb. 4, during the ongoing Phase 1A of the state’s vaccine distribution program. Another 52,336 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 Feb. 4 there were 671,820 first doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines administered as well as 246,390 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.

Two weeks ago, 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.

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.

In the meantime, officials urged residents to abide by all recommended mitigation measures, including mask wearing and social distancing, to help thwart the spread of the virus.