Erie County Update: May 6, 2020

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In her daily address, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper reported that there were two new cases of COVID-19 in our area. Both of these individuals are in their 20s and reside in Zone 1 (the City of Erie). This brings the county total to 95 cumulative positive cases, with 2,367 negatives. So far, there have been two deaths of Erie County residents due to COVID-19. There have been 78 cases who have recovered, for a current active case total of 17.

Some of the breakdowns, per the lab-confirmed cases, show the following: 

Sex

46% male

54% female

Age

3% Age 4 or younger

1% Age 5 - 9

4% Age 10 - 18

15% Age 19 - 24

36% Age 25 - 49 

26% Age 50 - 64

15% Age 65 or older

Race

74% Caucasian/White (because of the NEDS classification within this category, 19% of this group are Hispanic/Latinx)

21% African-American/Black

3% Asian

2% Multi-racial

Crawford County has 20 positive cases (up one), while McKean County remains at six (no change since April 29), and Warren County at one (no change since April 3). 

Chautauqua County remains at 37 cases and four deaths (no change since yesterday). Ashtabula County now has 160 cases (up 11) and 17 deaths (up one).

Statewide, there were 888 additional positive cases, for a total of 51,845 total cases. So far, there have been 3,106 deaths statewide, and 204,495patients who have tested negative to date. 

Receiving additional guidelines from the state, Dahlkemper noted that the following industries may recommence operations on May 8, while following social distancing and masking protocol: 

• Most retail stores

• Dog groomers

• Funeral homes – no more than 25 people

• Malls:

• stores with external entrances are permitted to operate at 50% capacity (i.e. no stores at the Millcreek Mall with an interior-only entrance)

• someone must be monitoring at the door

• all must wear masks

• everyone must keep 6 feet apart

• No interior stores are permitted to operate.

• Residential properties may be offered for short-term rental

All organized outdoor sports are not permitted (such as little leagues, etc.). Garage sales will be permitted, though "event" type sales, and large neighborhood sales should be avoided.

President Judge John J. Trucilla of the Erie County Court of Common Pleas passed on information that the June jury trial term will be canceled. All non-jury trials will resume starting June 1.

Dahlkemper noted that the interior concourses of the Millcreek Mall were viewed by PA state government as too difficult to control.