Number of positive cases in Montgomery County rises back over 100 due to testing at correctional facility

Montgomery County officials announced during a press conference today that there are 142 new cases of Coronavirus in the county. That brings the total countywide to 6,688.

As you may have noticed, 142 is a lot more positive cases than the last three days that fell over a holiday weekend. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday were all under 55 cases each.

While today’s number is 142, County Commissioner Dr. Val Arkoosh explained that the county had conducted testing at its correctional facility, and 73 had tested positive. One other positive case was from Norristown State Hospital and an additional 16 were from long-term care facilities in the county. Fifty-two of the 142 came from the community.

The number of deaths announced today totaled 66. This number of deaths is much higher than what is normally announced for a specific day. These deaths date from between April 10th and May 25th. Many were the result of testing those who were suspected of dying due to Coronavirus but were never tested. The total countywide confirmed death total is now 662. The number of probable deaths is now 124. Deaths connected to long-term care facilities represent 554 of the 662 deaths or 84%.

The 14-day total of positive tests is 1,326 with a daily average of 95 based on the county’s data. The goal to reach phase yellow set by the governor is to have a 14-day daily average of 30. The county is currently off that pace by 65. Please note that Governor Wolf announced last week that Montgomery Count will likely move to the yellow phase of reopening on June 5th, so unless something dramatically changes, this formula is no longer relevant.

The latest local data is as follows:

  • Abington Township is at 452, which is six more than yesterday
    • There have been 55 overall deaths in Abington, which is seven more than yesterday
  • Cheltenham Township is at 469, which is four more than yesterday
    • There have been 40 deaths overall in Cheltenham, which is five more than yesterday
  • Jenkintown is at 29, which is one more than yesterday
    • There have been zero deaths in Jenkintown

Hospitals continue to report approximately 220 patients and 23% require a ventilator. The number of patients is down from a high of almost 400.

In regards to long-term care facilities, 94 facilities report that 1,842 patients have tested positive, along with 685 staff. Not all residents and staff members reside in Montgomery County.

The county’s testing sites have tested 6,956 people between April 16th to May 22nd. Results are back for 6,812 and 936 have tested positive. Over these days, 13% have tested positive.

You can view the latest data from the county here.

Below is the video from today’s press conference.