November 30, 2020
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging residents across the commonwealth to download the “COVID Alert PA” app to aid in contact tracing efforts.
During a conference call with reporters today, Rachel Levine, MD, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health, said the state has reached “a concerning milestone,” with more than 4,400 COVID-19 hospitalizations. The positivity rate has climbed to nearly 12 percent, as well.
Secretary Levine urged residents to aid the state’s contract efforts through the COVID Alert PA app. Launched during September, the confidential app uses Bluetooth technology to let residents know that they have been exposed to the virus. Its key features include:
Secretary Levine said the coming months will represent the toughest challenge before potential COVID-19 vaccines are ready for distribution. Pending government approval approval, vaccine immunization could begin as early as late spring or summer, she said.
“We all need to stand united,” Secretary Levine said. “We need to stay home and prevent the spread of this virus.”
HAP continues to monitor the spread of the virus and urges the general public to take the proper precautions during the holiday season. Last week, more than 400 clinical leaders from Pennsylvania’s hospitals and health systems signed a call to action urging residents to:
For more information, contact Laura Stevens Kent, HAP’s senior vice president, strategic integration, or Rachel Moore, HAP’s director, media relations.
Tags: Public Health | Emergency Preparedness | COVID-19
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