54 New Cases Of Coronavirus In Montgomery County Friday

NORRISTOWN, PA — After steadily dropping for weeks, cases have risen slightly in Montgomery County over the past seven days.

Officials reported 54 new cases in the county on Friday, marking the fourth consecutive day of increased cases. There have been 243 cases over the past week, as compared to 208 the week previous to that.

Of those 54 new cases Friday, just nine are in long term care facilities, while 45 are in the general population.

The average daily number of cases over the last two weeks has stopped dropping and now remains steady at about 33.

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Yet still, even with the increase, Montgomery County is, as of Friday, well within all of the state's metrics to reopen. Over the past two weeks they've recorded just an eight percent positivity rate on tests, county commissioners said, the lowest it's been rate.

The update comes as Montgomery County moved into the green phase of the state's coronavirus mitigation reopening plan on Friday, the least restrictive phase. Indoor seating at restaurants is now allowed up to 50 percent capacity, and gyms, barbershops, and malls have reopened.

"Covid-19 is not over," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said. "Green does not mean going back to the old normal. Green means going forward to a new normal, one where we are living as safely as possible with this virus. The risk is not going to be zero. "

Additionally, all businesses must continue to abide by the state Department of Health's guidance for operating in the COVID-19 disaster emergency. Officials also urge residents to continue to wear masks when they're in public places.

The county has a total of 8,207 coronavirus cases and 791 deaths as of Friday afternoon.