26 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported in Erie County as of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

The average number of coronavirus cases every week in June and first three weeks in July had been less than 10. However, the average number cases in the last week of July was 11.

Here are the number of coronavirus cases reported each of the last seven days:

  • July 29 – 12
  • July 30 – 16
  • July 31 – 15
  • Aug. 1 – 22
  • Aug. 2 – 23
  • Aug. 3 – 22
  • Aug. 4 – 25

Total cumulative cases of coronavirus in Erie County since March 2020 is 21,502. There have been 477 deaths reported in the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS).

Erie County currently has a transmission rate of 40.78 cases per 100,000 people, which is ranked as “moderate” (10 to 50 cases per 100,000 people) by the CDC. County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper said she expects Erie County to reach the "substantial" range (50 or more cases per 100,000 people) this weekend.

Rising coronavirus case numbers suggest the highly infectious Delta variant has reached Erie County, according to officials. The Delta variant is more transmissible than the common cold and flu and as highly contagious as chickenpox. A person who is infected with the Delta variant produces increased virus amounts in the body compared to other variants regardless of whether the person is vaccinated or not.

Vaccines for COVID-19 are available for free for Erie County residents ages 12 years and older. Finding vaccines in nearby locations can be done by:

  • texting your ZIP Code to 438829
  • visiting vaccines.gov
  • calling 1-800-232-0233

The Erie County Department of Health is coordinating mobile vaccination clinics that are free to Erie County residents. No insurance is needed, and walk-ups are welcome.

  • Friday, Aug. 6: 5 to 7 p.m. at Dan Rice Days Festival, Main St. West, Girard
  • Saturday, Aug. 14: 1 to 3 p.m. at Erie Pride Picnic, Rotary Pavilion, Presque Isle

The Health Department has also organized these free coronavirus testing clinics:

  • Saturday, Aug. 7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walmart Corry, 961 E. Columbus Ave., Corry
  • Thursday, Aug. 12: 4 to 8 p.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Parish Banquet & Conference Center, 1001 Main St. East, Girard
  • Saturday, Aug. 14: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Iroquois High School, 4301 Main St., Erie