Bradford and Tioga counties in Northern Tier of Pennsyvania remain on the state’s list of counties with “substantial transmission status” or high positivity rates of COVID-19 testing results, according to weekly data released Monday by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
“It is quite clear that COVID-19 cases are occurring throughout our communities,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “We need all Pennsylvanians to take a stand and answer the call to protect one another. We need Pennsylvanians to be united in wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing our hands and avoiding gatherings. It is only by working together that Pennsylvanians can prevent the spread of the virus.”
Bradford County had a positivity rate of 12.1 percent — the sixth highest rate in the state, as of November 5. Tioga’s rate was 7.8 percent — among the highest 20 rates among Pennsylvania’s counties. Bedford County — about 100 miles west of Harrisburg with a population of 49,700 people — had the highest positivity rate at 17.8 percent; the overall positive test rate for Pennsylvania was 6.9 percent.
In all, Bradford County has accumulated a total of 1,048 cases since mid-March. Tioga’s total is 317 confirmed cases.
The level of community transmission identifies the current level of community transmission of COVID-19 (low, moderate, or substantial) in each of Pennsylvania’s counties. The information may be used as a basis for Pre-K to 12 schools to determine instructional models during COVID-19, according to the state health department.
