omicron variant

While case numbers dipped this week in Allegheny County, hospitalization and wastewater data indicate that transmission in on the upswing.

Allegheny County officials reflected on the pandemic and response from residents at the last regular press briefing for the foreseeable future.

COVID-19 cases in Allegheny County are still on the decline. About 3,800 infections were reported for the week ending Feb. 5.

The region is experiencing a decline in cases, but health officials caution it’s important to continue to mask and test to help the trend continue.

Allegheny County health officials warned Tuesday of the high community spread of COVID-19. The omicron variant is likely to blame, according to the health department.

The specimens were collected earlier this month and confirmed to be omicron yesterday and today. Health officials have predicted the variant will mean a COVID-19 surge is on the way.

As omicron advances, medical experts urge people to get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

Pennsylvania is asking the federal government to send health care workers to bolster hospitals and nursing homes that are increasingly under strain from persistent staffing shortages and the latest COVID-19 surge.

Omicron variant of COVID-19 is not yet in Allegheny County, where case numbers continue to grow due to the delta variant.

Health officials are reporting the first confirmed case of the omicron variant in Pennsylvania, a man in his 30s from Philadelphia.