UPMC doctors: Milder virus strain now dominant in SW Pa. - TribDem.com

Updated: July 11, 2020 @ 8:16 pm.

Graham Snyder, UPMC medical director for infection prevention, speaks during a press briefing Thursday, July 9, 2020.

Donald Yealy, UPMC chairman of emergency medicine, speaks during a press conference Thursday, July 9, 2020.

Graham Snyder, UPMC medical director for infection prevention, speaks during a press briefing Thursday, July 9, 2020.

Donald Yealy, UPMC chairman of emergency medicine, speaks during a press conference Thursday, July 9, 2020.

The current surge in COVID-19 in southwestern Pennsylvania appears to be from a coronavirus strain that is less lethal than the original strain that slammed the nation earlier this year, UPMC experts said Thursday.

Graham Snyder, UPMC medical director for infection prevention, said Thursday during a press briefing.

Donald Yealy, UPMC chairman of emergency medicine.

“I believe we can keep it that way if we focus on protecting the frail, elderly and other vulnerable (people),” Yealy said at the press briefing.

“That means all of us doing it, all the time,” Yealy said.

Both Conemaugh and UPMC on Friday said their hospitals are safe and urged patients not to put off health care for fear of contracting COVID-19.

“Delaying care is how little issues and small problems become big issues and big problems,” Yealy said.

“That does not mean that young people don't play a very, very important role in our communities,” Snyder said.

“All of these are really important, not just for protecting yourself, but for protecting those around you,” Snyder said.

GALLUCCI[mdash] Mary Josephine, 94, Johnstown, died July 11, 2020 at Richland Rehab Center.

"Jean", 76, Patton, passed away July 11, 2020 at UPMC Altoona, following an extended illness