At a time when we are all hoping to see COVID decrease, the opposite is happening in Adams County. The “fourth wave” of coronavirus is upon us, bringing a dramatic increase of cases. The county’s positivity rate is at 10.1 percent, an increase of over 60 percent since last week and the per capita rate has jumped to 155.3, an increase of over 50 percent in the past 7 days. Hospitalizations have also increased and there have been 4 new deaths this week.
In the race to get vaccines out before the fourth wave gets worse, the PA Department of Health announced today that all Phase 1B occupation categories will become eligible over the next weeks and all adults will become eligible for a vaccination by April 19.
The state said the plan exceeds President Joe Biden’s demand of opening immunization appointments to all adults by May 1.
Firefighters, police officers, grocery store employees, and food and agriculture workers became eligible today to schedule their first vaccine, and the rest of the Phase 1B occupations can sign up starting April 5.
“It is important to remember that eligibility does not guarantee an immediate vaccination appointment,” said acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam. “Vaccine providers are ready and eager to get a shot in the arm of every person who wants one while we continue to aggressively advocate for more vaccine.”
Currently, vaccines are available at CVS pharmacies, at Adams-Cumberland Pharmacies, and at the mass vaccination site coordinated by Wellspan at the EMS Center east of town. EMS appointments are made on a rolling, daily basis. Please register here.
People without internet access can contact the Health Hotline by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).
According to the state, over 10,000 people have already been vaccinated in the county.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.