HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County commissioners are recognizing county residents for patience and perseverance while following coronavirus-related guidelines during the ongoing pandemic.

Commissioners, in a joint statement issued by their office, said they were pleased that Gov. Tom Wolf included Blair County in the group of counties moving to the yellow phase with eased restrictions starting Friday.

Commissioners also expressed gratitude to state legislators for strong support and efforts on the county’s behalf to ease restrictions in light of the county’s low number of coronavirus cases.

As of Monday, the state Department of Health reported 29 positive COVID-19 tests from Blair County residents and 1,475 negative tests.

Commissioners also, in their statement, recognized the county’s Emergency Management Agency led by Director of Public Safety Mark Taylor.

“It is great to see the governor’s approval for moving Blair County from the red to yellow phase of recovery,” Taylor said in response. “This move is possible because of the great effort from our hospitals, health care workers, nursing homes and first responders toward combating the pandemic and because citizens have done everything asked of them to keep the disease from spreading.”

Taylor also said it’s vital, during the transition, to adhere to reopening guidelines and follow best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Commissioners Chairman Bruce Erb also directed county residents and business owners to the guidelines offered by Wolf’s office and the state Department of Health, at www.governor.pa.gov and at www.health.pa.gov. Those guidelines can be key to protecting both employees and customers, Erb said.

Commissioner Laura Burke, in the statement, stressed the need to remain committed to ongoing mitigation measures.

“For people, this means continuing to wear masks, using good hand hygiene and keeping our social distance,” Burke said. “For businesses, this means continuing curbside, carryout and delivery services where possible and sustaining mitigation practices for in-person retail. We are not out of the woods yet, and this is a necessary first step.”

Commissioner Amy Webster urged county residents to be respectful of others who want to be more cautious as restrictions ease.

“Individuals should continue to take precautions, especially protecting those who are elderly and who have compromised immune systems,” Webster said. “We do not always know who the vulnerable residents are so it is incumbent on all of us to continue to maintain social distancing and follow all recommended guidelines for safety,” she said.