Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Virus detected in Delco
Delaware County experienced its first brush with coronavirus as a woman who had traveled to a part of the United States where the disease is present was confirmed as one of two presumptive positive cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Pennsylvania.
Officials said the woman is being self-quarantined for up to 14 days in her own home and urged the public not to panic, but to observe preventative practices to avoid the disease such as washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; covering your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneeze; clean surfaces frequently including coun
tertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes and other frequently touched items; and especially staying home if you are feeling sick.
State Rep. Greg Vitali, D-166 of Haverford, said the woman had attended a conference in Boston, Mass. and when she returned went to Crozer-Chester Medical Center, where she was treated for symptoms related to coronavirus.
“The case in Delaware County is not community spread,” Delaware County Vice Chairman Dr. Monica Taylor said. “This individual had recently traveled to an area of the United States where COVID-19 is present. The female adult is currently in their home in isolation. The (Pennsylvania) Health Department is conducting aggressive contact tracing to identify the people this individual may have come into contact with. The Health Department is contacting those people.”
The county officials said the woman tested positive with coronavirus Thursday and state officials were notified. Gov. Tom Wolf made the announcement about the Delaware County and Wayne County presumed cases Friday.
Worldwide, there have been approximately 100,000 cases, including 3,300 deaths. In the United States, there are 233 cases and 12 deaths.
Taylor and other county officials declined to release any other information about the woman, including her hometown and how the disease was transmitted, citing state Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol.
State Health Department Secretary Nate Wardle said information regarding this case and the one identified in Wayne County was being withheld to protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
He added, “Our physicians are working to conduct contact tracing and determine who many have come into contact with the presumptive positive case. The patient is in stable condition and is in isolation at home. The release of further information is prevented by the Disease Prevention and Control Law.”
On Friday, state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said her office was working diligently to identify people who had close contact with the infected people and will ask them to quarantine themselves for 14 days.
“We expect more cases to be confirmed in the coming days and weeks,” she said.
State Sens. Tim Kearney, D-26 of Swarthmore, and Tom Killion, R-9 of Middletown, wrote a letter to Levine urging her to release the municipality in which the affected woman lives, particularly as those in “Delaware County ... are trying to understand the appropriate course of action.”
“Because Delaware County lacks its own health department, this information is being withheld from our professional and effective county emergency personnel,” they wrote. “This information serves the interest of public safety and transparency without substantially infringing on this individual’s right to privacy.”
They continued, “This information will enable families all over our region to calmly make responsible, informed decisions and will serve to combat the rising levels of uncertainty. Those we represent deserve to hear as much information as possible regarding this emerging public health crisis. We stand ready and willing to support the Department of Health in responding to the situation in Delaware County.”
Vitali also agreed that the municipality of the infected woman should be disclosed.
“My philosophy has always been to give ... as much information as possible,” the state representative said. “Frankly, it’s information my constituents would like to know.”
With regards to a concern that it would cause undue fear, Vitali said, “If scaring them causes them to be more cautious and safer, so be it.”
In fact, Wolf declared an emergency disaster declaration in an effort to provide increased support for state agencies involved in responding to the virus.
Another confirmed case was announced in New Jersey Friday evening and involved a man in his 60s, who was apparently hospitalized in a Jefferson Health facility in Cherry Hill, N.J.
In Delaware County, there has not yet been any move to close any schools. County officials met with Delaware County school superintendents to discuss
“The (Pennsylvania) Health Department is conducting aggressive contact tracing to identify the people this individual may have come into contact with.”
the situation. There has been no recommendation from the CDC, the state or county to close any schools.
Access to the county’s nursing home, the Fair Acres Geriatric Center, however, has been altered due to the vulnerability of the population. Non-essential visitors are not being permitted into the building and residents are being asked to remain on campus.
In Bucks County, five schools cancelled classes to allow for extra cleaning of the surfaces.
Delaware County Emergency Services Director Timothy Boyce said the infectious disease protocols for 911 calls was launched about a week ago, prior to coronavirus appearing here.
“The Delaware County Emergency Services community is ahead of this outbreak,” he said. “We’re urging all of the public to just be prudent in dealing with large crowds. Keep your hands clean. If you feel ill, report to your doctor or to a clinic ... Now that Pennsylvania and Delaware County are joining other parts of the nation, I think that sense of urgency is here with us.”
Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath and can appear two to 14 days after exposure. The symptoms range from people with little to no symptoms to death. Those most at risk for severe symptoms include the elderly and those with preexisting conditions.
Taylor stated that the state is not advising that people avoid public gatherings.
“That said, we’d advise residents to be prudent and use common sense in the same way you would to avoid germs and getting sick with any virus,” she said.
County officials, including county council, the Department of Intercommunity Health and the Department of Emergency Services, have been in daily communication with the state Department of Health and CDC even prior to the confirmed case.
Earlier this week, county officials announced masks had been distributed to every police department throughout the county, with the assistance of the Delaware County Medical Reserve Corps. Police officers have gloves and sanitizers in their vehicles and ambulances have additional safety equipment and protective eye wear.
In county buildings, the Facilities Department has upgraded their sanitation measures with additional cleanings in all common and high traffic areas.
Taylor recommended that county residents visit the county website for updated information and other links. There is a section reserved just for cornovirus including an updated status, prevention information and links to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC at delcopa.gov.