How Much Is COVID Spreading In Montco With Delta, Omicron?

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County continued to see several key COVID-19 metrics steadily rise leading into the holiday week, as the contagious omicron variant establishes itself as the dominant variant in the region.

The 14-day daily average of new cases is at its highest point since the fall of 2020, as that rate sits at 394 as of Tuesday. The number, which has been steadily climbing since early November, was as low as 115 just seven weeks ago.

Both state and local officials continue to urge residents to get vaccinated and get their booster shot as the first defense against preventing further spread of the virus.

"As we move into the winter months and through the remainder of the holiday season, continuing to increase our vaccination rate—and having those who are eligible get their boosters—will be key to suppressing outbreaks of COVID-19," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh.

The positivity rate on all tests is now at around 11 percent, which is also the highest mark since Jan. 2021. However, the overall number of tests administered is also the highest since then.

Average daily hospitalizations in the county increased from 177 to 225, according to the most recently available data, which covers the week ending Dec. 23. Statewide, hospitalizations remain high through Dec. 28, but have actually decreased marginally (0.4 percent) across the board.

Other metrics remain roughly even: the average daily number of patients on ventilators went up from 17 to 18, while the percentage of emergency room visits due to COVID-19 symptoms fell from 1.8 to 1.6 percent.