Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
COVID-19 cases among youths spike
Delaware County officials say there’s been an uptick in COVID-19 cases among those who are 30 years old and younger.
Of the 8,190 positive cases in the county as of Friday afternoon, 2,696 are attributed to those under 30 years old, according to the Chester County Health Department, which is handling all coronavirus-related services and matters for Delaware County. At the state level, 23,900 of the 105,571 positive cases in Pennsylvania can be attributed to the same age demographic, based on Pennsylvania Department of Health statistics.
“Delaware County is at a critical junction, and all residents, especially our young people, need to follow the public health safety guidelines that have been put in place,” Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek said. “While the understanding is that young people are less likely to develop significant symptoms, they are nevertheless capable of spreading the virus with only mild symptoms or even when completely asymptomatic—and this can have a devastating impact on family, teachers, and others in the community who may be in a higher risk pool.”
County officials stated that 40 percent of new cases are being linked to the 30-and-under age group.
Two weeks ago, county officials launched an effort asking the public to report bars and restaurants not complying with the state guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus by calling 1-800-932-0602 or by visiting psp.pa.gov/LCE/ Pages/report-a-violation. aspx.
At that time, county officials said that the numbers of the younger demographic had been steadily increasing since April and they are now asking all members of the community to abide by health recommendations such as wearing a mask, staying 6 feet away from others and staying home when sick.
“We know that some of our younger residents have been socially responsible and we commend them,” county Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaefer said. “However, both anecdotal evidence and contact tracing data warns us that the virus is increasingly affecting our young people. We all must continue to adhere to the state’s guidance and remember that a crowded bar or party is one of the most likely places to contract and spread the virus.”
As of Friday, the Pennsylvania State Police reported visiting 1,804 liquor licensed establishments throughout the commonwealth to check if they were complying with COVID-19 mandates. As a result of these unannounced checks made Wednesday and Thursday, 42 warnings were issued. Delaware County establishments are a part of the Philadelphia region, which had 532 visits in these two days and three warnings issued. No notices of violation have yet been issued for any establishment in all of Pennsylvania.
Of the total number of cases in Delaware County reported Friday, 720 have died due to causes related to the virus and 79.25 percent have recovered. Of the COVID deaths in Delaware County, 584 were linked to long-term care facilities, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The DOH also reported that 52 of these facilities in Delaware County experienced positive cases and that 2,075 long-term care facility residents and 473 employees tested positive for coronavirus.
Furthermore, there is growing concern over test result processing delays and evidence that a higher risk of virus contraction has been seen among young people and children.
Daycare and pre-schools are now seeing an increase in cases as the virus continues to spread to younger demographics, while also putting the health of teachers and administrators at a higher risk and raising concerns about schools opening this fall.
Although scientific data and research suggest otherwise, Walter Milburn of Collingdale feels it’s time to stop worrying about the virus and return to living a normal, pre-pandemic life. While exiting the Wawa on MacDade Boulevard in Collingdale Friday, Millburn, 52, said he is fed up with remembering to bring a face mask every time he leaves the house.
“I don’t worry about getting sick or other people getting sick because of me,” he said. “Like, I don’t think we should keep worrying about it.”
When told that wearing a mask is a measure to prevent other people from getting sick, Milburn reiterated that it’s “not a big problem.”
Joe Lawton of Sharon Hill, 39, arriving at the same Wawa, disagreed with Milburn’s logic.
“If I see someone near me not wearing a mask, and not doing the right thing, and not looking out for the health and safety of others, I say something to those people,” he said. “We have to do this and be in this together. If we don’t, the virus will never go away. So, we’ve gotta do what’s right, you know? Listen to the experts who know what they’re talking about.”
County council implored people of all ages to continue follow the safety guidelines that have successfully combated coronavirus outbreak. This include wearing a mask in public at all times, practicing social distancing, and following proper hygeine reccommendations.
Coronavirus cases continue to rise throughout Pennsylvania, up 5.7 percent Friday, for a total of more than 1,213 new cases since Thursday, the highest
number since May 10. There were more 104,358 positive cases and and 7,079 deaths statewide. Nearly 1 million patients have tested negative in Pennsylvania to date.
“I want this to go as quickly as possible, and decisive action is what need,” Gov. Tom Wolf said during a press conference in Lancaster Friday.
Bar and restaurant owners in Delco are reminded that compliance with the state’s public health order is mandatory. Law enforcement
is inspecting establishments with liquor license. A hotline and website have been set up to allow people to report noncompliant businesses. Businesses that fail to comply could face a citation, fine and/or a suspension of their license.
Patrons, residents and
other business owners are asked to report businesses that are not following the order. Reports can be made to the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement at 1-800-932-0602 or online at www.psp.pa.gov/ LCE/Pages/report-a-violation.aspx.