Good news on the COVID front

Number of cases down, but vaccine shortage continues

WEST CHESTER » For the first time in several months, the COVID-19 weekly positive case count has dropped below 1,000 in Chester County.

For the fourth straight week, the number of people testing positive for coronavirus has dropped, from 1,478 four weeks ago to 850 last week, according to the Chester County Health Department. However, in neighboring Delaware County, the numbers are trending up. Two weeks ago in Delaware County, 1,144 people tested positive, while 1,161 tested positive last week.

The percent positivity rate has likewise dropped from 11.18 percent four weeks ago in Chester County, to 7.09 percent last week, the Chester County Health Department reported.

As of Sunday, there are 46 active outbreaks in Chester County’s 75 long-term care facilities, with 2,395 having tested positive to date. And 418 people in Chester

County’s long-term care facilities have died of coronavirus, most of whom were over age 75, according to the Chester County Health Department.

Also as of Sunday, 646 people have died of coronavirus in Chester County. Just over 25,000 people have tested positive so far, with a recovery rate of close to 80 percent.

Current hot spots are Oxford, with 7.29 percent of the population testing positive for the virus, Atglen, 6.85, Avondale, 8.32, Coatesville, 6.45 percent; Penn Township, 6.2 percent; South Coatesville, 5.99; Valley Township, 5.85, East Nottingham, 5.72; and Caln Township, 5.7 percent.

East Goshen Township has the highest number of recorded coronavirus deaths, with 56. followed by Willistown Township with 55, Honey Brook with 35 and West Chester with 30.

The highest risk for contracting coronavirus in both Chester and Delaware counties remains for those who visit or stayed in a healthcare setting, followed by those spending time at restaurants, bars, gyms or barbershops.

Chester County currently has two vaccination locations.

Total vaccinations by the Chester County Health Department: 11,062 individuals, 614 have received second doses. Including providers and partners, total Chester County vaccinations as of Sunday: 20,476 individuals, and 4,143 have received two doses.

Chester County is currently administering the Moderna vaccine which is approved for use in individuals age 18 and older.

To date, Chester County Hospital has administered 41.98 percent of its allocated vaccine supply to non-affiliated healthcare personnel.

Chester County has requested 32,200 doses of the vaccine, and has received 15,500 doses.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has expanded the 1A vaccine recipient category to include a number of other individuals and groups such as people age 65 and older, and those under 65 with certain health conditions. Chester County residents age 65 and older can register for the vaccine here: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ehj25jsikk4b7c8w/a031g9pkkmq15v9/questions

However, due to the limited supply we have of vaccine, Chester County Hospital is only able to vaccinate healthcare and first responder personnel.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Chester County officials are hoping to get more doses of the coronavirus vaccine later this week.