With Omicron Coming, Allegheny Co. COVID-19 Cases Already Surging

PITTSBURGH, PA — With the first omicron variant confirmed in the United States on Wednesday, Allegheny County is reporting high COVID-19 case and positivity rates even before the variant's inevitable arrival locally.

The county's COVID-19 dashboard is static because it is being updated to reflect state data being sent in a different format. But the county health department reported around 712 reported cases per day based on the most recent reports, with positivity rates at more than 11 percent.

The health department continues to work on an analysis of breakthrough cases that should be available in the near future. But health department director Dr. Debra Bogen said vaccinated persons continue to have greater protection from the virus and the potential for serious illness, hospitalization and death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday confirmed a California resident who had recently traveled to South Africa tested positive for the omicron strain. The individual was fully vaccinated and experienced mild symptoms that are improving.

"There have been a number of questions related to the omicron variant," Bogen said in a news release. "There is a great deal that is unknown at this time. ACHD, like many others, are closely monitoring scientific data and news. We will continue to be vigilant in our own community."

Based on the state’s dashboard, 754,152 county residents have been vaccinated, another 118,161 have been partially vaccinated and 207,145 residents have received boosters.