Erie County data shows an increase in positive COVID-19 cases in younger people.

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The Erie County Department of Health released data that shows a rise in positive coronavirus cases in younger people, according to a press release emailed to me. The increase is in people ages 20 to 29 and 30 to 39.

“For all confirmed cases, the percentage of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 who in their 20s and 30s is about 30%. However, for last week’s data, 54% of new cases – more than half – are seen in those age groups, with nearly one-third of all new cases being in the 20 to 29 age category. We are also seeing more young adults who are hospitalized. Younger adults may be less likely to have severe symptoms, and more likely to go out to crowded locations and large gatherings where one infected person could unknowingly spread COVID-19 to dozens of others. That’s a dangerous combination." ~ Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein via a press release

As many other states, including Georgia and Texas are rolling-back their re-openings due to increased cases of COVID-19, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz warned that significant increases here in WNY could also affect our ability to stay in Phase 4.

“If this trend continues, it could have dire impacts on our positivity rates and hospitalization numbers, and affect our ability to stay in Phase 4 of NY Forward and open schools. Younger adults are not invincible and could pass on the disease to others who are more at-risk for being hospitalized or even dying from contracting COVID-19. COVID-19 is still in our community, and we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and each other from this disease.” ~ Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz via a press release

The Erie County Department of Health recommends the following safety protocols:
-Wear a mask if you can't socially distance at least 6-feet
-Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap
-Keep surfaces and objects disinfected
-Stay away from crowds

Call (716) 858-2929 to schedule a COVID-19 test or visit www.erie.gov/covidtestsites.

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