15 new local cases as Valley enters green phase

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

As the counties that encompass the Mon Valley move into the green phase today, there were just 15 new cases and no new deaths reported overnight due to COVID-19. 

The green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay-at-home and business closure orders to allow the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health.

While this phase will facilitate a return to a “new normal,” it will be equally important to continue to monitor public health indicators and adjust orders and restrictions as necessary to ensure the spread of disease remains at a minimum.

Telework will still be encouraged, businesses with in-person operations must follow updated business and building safety requirements, all businesses can operate at 75% occupancy and child care may open complying with guidance.

Prison and hospital restrictions will be determined by individual facilities.

Large gatherings of more than 250 will be prohibited, restaurants and bars can open at 50% occupancy, personal care services — including hair salons and barbershops — can open at 50% occupancy and by appointment only.

Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities and personal care services — such as gyms and spas — can open at 50% occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged.

All entertainment — such as casinos, theaters and shopping malls — can open at 50% occupancy.

Construction activity can return to full capacity with continued implementation of protocols.

Cases

There have now been 73,942 cases of coronavirus in the state, including 537 new cases since Wednesday.

There were 75 new deaths reported statewide, for a total of 5,817 fatalities due to the virus. 

Allegheny County now has had 1,965 cases, an increase of 13 patients. According to the DOH, there were no new deaths reported and that total is 166. 

The Allegheny County Health Department added 13 new deaths that occurred between May 8 and May 25, and the total it is tracking is 165.

According to the health department, of those new deaths, all but one appear to be linked to long-term care facilities. The ages of the 13 range from 57-90.  

Twelve are confirmed deaths from COVID-19 and one is classified as a probable death from COVID-19.

In Fayette County, there were no new cases, so that total remains at 95 and no new deaths, leaving that total at four.

Washington County reported no new cases and no new deaths. Those totals are 140 and six respectively.

Westmoreland County reported two new cases, and that total is 455. According to the DOH, there were no new deaths and that total is 38. Westmoreland County Coroner Ken Bacha also reports no new deaths, and his total remains at 32.