109 new covid-19 cases reported in Allegheny County, no deaths

Allegheny County health officials reported 109 new cases of covid-19 on Tuesday, along with seven hospitalizations but no new deaths.

The figures reported Tuesday were the highest daily number of cases the county has recorded since the beginning of the pandemic. It is the first time the county’s daily number has been in the triple digits, officials said.

In all, the county has reported 2,760 cases and 186 deaths since March 14. There have been 393 hospitalizations.

In the newest cases, health officials said people with the coronavirus ranged in age from 10 to 86, with the median age being 26. About 65% of the people hospitalized have been over 60.

Black individuals make up about 24% of cases, 19% of deaths and about 30% of hospitalizations, despite making up only 13% of the county’s population.

Positive cases of the coronavirus have been rising in Allegheny County for the past week or so, which health officials attribute to increased travel and socializing in public places like bars and restaurants since the green phase of reopening began June 5.

Allegheny County Director of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said Sunday that hospitalizations may rise in the coming weeks. Hospitalizations tend to lag behind new cases, she said. On Sunday afternoon, Allegheny County officials ordered all bars and restaurants to halt on-premises alcohol consumption, effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The spike also is partially explained by an overall increase in testing. According to county data, the percentage of positive tests coming back has also gradually increased in the past two weeks.