PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — COVID-19 cases are spiking in Delaware County, worrying health officials. They're reminding the public, once again, of the need for everyone to do their part to curb the spread of the virus.
"This just doesn't work if 50% of us are being responsible but the other 50% are going about their lives as though we're not in the midst of a pandemic," said Delaware County Councilmember Elaine Schaefer.
She said everyone is connected, and everyone needs to follow the orders that are in place to keep people safe.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued orders specific to Delaware County, limiting indoor public gatherings to 10 people. That includes weddings, indoor private or public parties, and shows or concerts. It does not apply to religious services or in-school classroom settings.
"The order also does apply to indoor school sports and youth and adult recreational sports," Councilmember Kevin Madden noted. "Schools must also comply with district rules and/or local health department restrictions."
County Council Chair Brian Zidek said hospitalizations have increased significantly and caused some hospitals in the county to divert patients from their emergency rooms, creating longer-than-normal wait times and straining first responders.
Zidek said the seven-day incidence rate in Delaware County stands at 318 per 100,000 people, while the seven-day positivity rate — the percentage of tests that come back positive — is 12.7%.
"To put that into perspective," he said, "30 days ago, on Nov. 6, the incident rate was 149.3 per 100,000 and the seven-day percent positivity rate was 6.5%."
County officials emphasize efforts to stem the spread only work if everyone follows them.
