JERSEY SHORE, Pa. — There were more than 5,000 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, the highest since the end of January. The number of coronavirus cases climbed in recent days, even though an increased number of people are getting vaccinated.
Geisinger Primary Care Physician Dr. Susan Mowatt believes some people have COVID fatigue and are becoming complacent.
"Some of those people may be asymptomatic carriers and unfortunately it means that more people are getting sick again," Dr. Susan Mowatt said.
With Easter coming up this weekend, people will be gathering for the holiday. Dr. Mowatt says if everyone in your small group has been vaccinated you can gather without a mask.
"If you're in a group with multiple households gathering together and there may be a high-risk person that is connected to one of the people in your gathering, we would still recommend social distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing," Dr. Mowatt said.
Easter is one of the busiest days of the year at churches. Dr. Mowatt suggests attending a virtual service if possible.
"I think the best rule of thumb is to assume that everyone is at risk and continue to wear your mask, continue to wash hands, do not have close contact," Dr. Mowatt said.
Anyone who is eligible for a vaccine can schedule through myGeisinger, find vaccine scheduling information at geisigner.org/COVIDvax, or call 570-284-3567.