COVID-19 Cases Spike In Montco In 1st Week Of December

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Several key coronavirus metrics continued to increase in Montgomery County over the first week of December, reflecting the larger trend of statewide cases and hospitalization rates spiking.

The county's total seven day average of cases increased by 62 over the past week, rising to 232.6, according to county statistics. In addition, the county saw i's 14 day average rise to 203.4, up from 276 the week before.

The positivity rate also increased by nearly one point, from 7.4 to 8.3 percent.

The increases to these three key metrics come amidst much uncertainty over the new omicron variant. The first Pennsylvania case was found in a Northwest Philadelphia resident last week.

"There's still much to learn about the omicron variant making headlines all over the world of late," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said. "However, early reports suggest that getting vaccinated and receiving a booster when eligible can result in a strong level of protection. If you are eligible to receive a booster dose, do not delay."

Arkoosh added that the vaccination rate in the county was continuing to go up, as some 12,000 residents received their first dose in the past week. As of Wednesday, 86.2 percent of all eligible county residents, all individuals 5 and older, had received at least their first shot.

Beyond case counts, other key metrics are also rising in the county, although the numbers are not as stark here as elsewhere. Montgomery County's vaccination rate is markedly higher than the statewide rate, and it's hospitalization rate is also lower.

However, that hospitalization rate is still the highest it's been since mid-May. The most recent statistics, which covered the time period leading up to Wednesday, showed 166 COVID-19 patients hospitalized countywide. May 8 was the last time that number was higher.