As the number of vaccine doses increase across Erie County, so do the opportunities for those in the priority populations to get them.

What You Need To Know

  • The COVID-19 positivity rate in Erie County is on the decline
  • More than 7,000 additional vaccine doses are on the way
  • Guidance for outdoor events like weddings is released
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"So, in general it's better," Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz (D) said.

Poloncarz reported Tuesday an uptick in COVID-19 testing, as the positivity rate continues to drop to 3.5%.

"Numbers are going down and we think that's a combination of a number of factors, including more vaccines getting into the arms of residents," said Poloncarz.

The Erie County Department of Health is expected to receive 7,280 vaccine doses this week, that's not including 200 of the Johnson & Johnson vaccination slated to go into the arms of the homebound community, including area nuns.

Poloncarz says the county has sent out closed pod registration links for those who qualify, but demands those links not be forwarded or shared with others.

"And if anybody else attempts to get those doses, even if they should happen to get an appointment, if they appear at the clinic, and they're not 65 and older, they will not get the dose," said Poloncarz.

As for vaccines by zip codes, Poloncarz says areas like Gowanda and the city of Buffalo have the lowest rates of those vaccinated with less than 6%, while those in the Amherst area have the highest with more than 20%.

Starting Wednesday morning, those in the 1A and 1B priority populations can call the state hotline and schedule an appointment at the Delavan Grider site, as 7,000 doses are available this month and another 7,000 in April. 

"So there are opportunities to schedule appointments in our community, and we want people to take advantage of them. This includes seniors 65+, this includes individuals with co-morbidities, this includes teachers, this include fire, police, and transit that we haven't gotten to yet," said Poloncarz.

"March oftentimes in Western New York signifies the beginning of the outdoor event season," said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County health commissioner.

Dr.  Burstein outlined sporting event guidance and testing requirements, which take effect March 5 for those traveling to the area from outside Western New York and the Finger Lakes.

She also reviewed rules for those who've put plans on hold for other public events like parades and weddings.

"Waiting for a year to reschedule many of these weddings and large celebratory events and finally we're going to be able to do that later in March. At the Erie County health department, we really want to help you have a safe and fun event," said Dr. Burstein.

Poloncarz says another vaccine site location is scheduled to be announced by weeks end.

Vaccine information from the Erie County health department can be found here, while testing information can be found here.

General information from the ECDOH about COVID-19 can be found here.