Montco's COVID Cases, Positivity Rate Keep Rising: Latest Numbers

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — The fourth wave of coronavirus continued to make its presence felt in Montgomery County this week, as all key coronavirus metrics tracked by the state Department of Health climbed for the fourth straight week.

That includes the percent positivity rate on all tests, which is now at 8.5 percent. It was at 8.1 percent last week, and just 5.7 percent two weeks ago. This follows the rate of the statewide surge, as Pennsylvania's overall positivity rate climbed from 9.3 to 9.5 percent.

Officials point to new coronavirus variants, like more contagious B.1.1.7 variant out of the United Kingdom, as a key driver of the surge.

>>More Contagious COVID Variants On The Rise In Montco: The Latest

Total cases over the past week climbed to 1,572, from 1,402, while the incidence rate per 100,000 went from 168 to 189.

Healthcare metrics have also deteriorated in the county. The average daily number of COVID-19 hospitalizations is up to 203 from 169. Two other metrics tracked by the state also showed increases: the percentage of emergency room visits due to COVID-19 symptoms is up to 0.9, from 0.8 percent, while the average number of patients on a ventilator per day is 12.7, up from 12.0.

Younger age groups are seeing the chief spike in cases, as many older populations are largely vaccinated. Montgomery County officials have pointed to small gatherings in homes, school sporting events, and the workplace as the key places of transmission.