There have been about 270 new cases of COVID-19 in Warren County since the start of September.

With another 23 cases announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday, the county is on pace to reach 476 new cases this month.

September is already the month with the third most new cases in the county. If the rate of new cases continues at about 21 per day, the month will move past January into the second position.No new deaths were reported on Friday, leaving the COVID death toll in the county at 112.

The statewide testing rate is high and the proportion of confirmed cases to probables is rising.

In the county this month, there have been 252 confirmed cases and 17 probables. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 2,409 confirmed cases in the county and 695 probables.

The department did not publish updated vaccine numbers on Friday, leaving the county at 14,828 people who are fully vaccinated – about 38 percent of the population. Another 6 percent (2,389) are partially vaccinated.

Vaccine remains available locally at a number of locations.

Gaughn’s Drug Store offers Johnson & Johnson on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and Moderna on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“We have a steady supply of both Moderna and J&J and can order more on a regular basis for next day delivery,” co-owner Kelly Newton said. “We do take walk-ins, but we recommend appointments.”

A link for scheduling is available at www.gaughns.com.

“Over the last few weeks, we’ve been averaging around five to 10 (vaccinations) per day,” Newton said.

Gaughn’s is not scheduling booster shots — yet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to soon release recommendations regarding booster shots for those who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.

Gaughn’s is getting ready to start offering clinics for those shots, Newton said. “We are waiting to hear what is announced on Sept. 20 before we schedule any appointments clinics. With the ever-changing guidelines, we’d hat to schedule appointments and they have to turn around and reschedule them.”

The pharmacy’s preparations include reaching out to the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry to pave the way for clinics at and for community businesses.