(WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com) — The Center for Disease Control and Prevention now considers Erie County to be at a high risk for community transmission.

At the high risk level, the CDC recommends staying up to date with vaccines and boosters, wearing a mask indoors in public, if at high-risk for severe illness or have a weak immune system then consider rapid testing before gathering and avoiding non-essential indoor gatherings, get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed, wear a mask if you have symptoms, stay home while waiting for test results, and maintain improved ventilation in indoor spaces when possible.

Much of the Northeast of the United States currently is at the “high risk” level.

The Erie County Department of Health is reporting a daily average of 111 COVID-19 cases, out of 777 total cases, along with one new death for the week of May 16 to May 22.

There are now 799 total deaths reported in the county since March 2020.

As of May 22, among the total reported in deaths in Erie County, the breakdown by vaccination status and age range is as follows:

Reported DeathsAges 0-49Ages 50-64Ages 65 & olderSub-totalPercentage breakdown
Not vaccinated319153365582%
Partially vaccinated0328314%
Fully vaccinated without a booster216739111%
Additional dose0319223%
Total799100%

During the week of May 16 to May 22 — 237 people were vaccinated, bringing the total number of vaccinated people in the county to 182,430 with the following breakdown:

 Number of personsOf eligible populationOf total population
Partially vaccinated23,6179.3%8.8%
Fully vaccinated158,81362.3%58.9%
Received first booster80,14631.5%29.7%
Received second booster12,3634.9%4.6%

Find vaccines near you

  • text ZIP Code to 438829
  • visit vaccines.gov
  • call 1-800-232-0233

Get Vaccinated

For list of local vaccination sites, visit eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine

Get Tested

For list of local sites offering free testing, visit eriecountypa.gov/covid-19/covid-19-testing-information

Community Levels

According to the CDC Data Tracker that shows COVID-19 Community Levels, Erie County currently has a low level of community transmission.

At this level, recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19 include:

  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, for 5 years and older, including those who are pregnant and plan on becoming pregnant. This means getting all recommended primary doses and booster doses when eligible.
  • Anyone may choose to mask at any time, regardless of vaccination status.
  • If you are (or live, work or have contact with someone who is) at high risk for severe illness or have a weak immune system, consult your healthcare provider about masking and other precautions.
  • Get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19.
  • Wear a mask if you have symptoms, positive test results, or have been exposed to COVID-19.
  • Stay home while waiting for test results. If you have positive test results, even if you don’t have symptoms, stay home and apart from others in your home and, if possible, use a separate bathroom; inform your close contacts to stay home and get tested.
  • Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible.

According to the health department, the benefit of vaccination is that it helps the body prevent severe illness and lessens the likelihood of needing hospitalization.

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If you have concerns or questions about vaccines, ask healthcare professionals or contact the Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700.