Delco moves to high COVID transmission
Reinstates masks at county buildings
As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved Delaware County to high level of COVID transmission, masks are now required — regardless of vaccination status — at all county buildings for employees and visitors.
According to Pennsylvania Department of Health statistics, Delaware County has had 98,778 confirmed cases of COVID and 16,045 probable cases. The county has also had 1,875 deaths related to the virus.
Last Thursday, the CDC reported that Delaware County is experiencing high levels of transmission based on new COVID cases per 100,000 population from May 12 through May 18; new COVID hospitalization admissions from May 11 through May 17; and percentage of inpatient beds occupied by COVID patients from May 11 through May 17.
With new cases numbering in the 200s since approximately the beginning of May, there were 204 new cases on May 17 alone, reaching 255 on May 12, based on the state Department of Health dashboard.
It also noted that 36 COVID patients were hospitalized in Delaware County, with six in Intensive Care Units and one on a ventilator.
Based on beds, the state Department of Health was reporting that there are nine beds, or 13.2 percent, available in adult ICU and 31 beds, or 6.2 percent, available in medical/ surgical units in Delaware County.
County officials said that the local health department has been calculating similar weekly statistics to those gathered at the CDC.
The CDC was reporting that Delaware County has a case rate per 100,000 of 261.85; 10.4 new COVID admissions per 100,000; and 3.4 percent staffed inpatient beds in use by patients with confirmed COVID.
“When a county is designated as High Community Level Transmission, that is the highest warning signal that residents need to take additional precautions to prevent the spread of COVID -19,” Delaware County
Health Department Director Melissa Lyon said. “This is especially true to protect individuals who are at high risk of COVID-19 disease complications and those
who are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.”
Recommendations by the CDC for persons in high level transmission include wearing a mask indoors in public and on public transportation; staying up-todate with COVID vaccines; getting tested if showing symptoms; and taking additional
precautions for those at high risk for severe illness.
County officials recommend those who have a medical condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system to talk to their health care providers about additional precautions that
might be needed as they may not be fully protected even if they are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
The county Health Department supports the CDC’s recommendations and since Monday, county employees and anyone visiting county buildings have been required to wear a
mask, regardless of vaccination status.
Vaccinations and boosters continue to be distributed at the Delaware County Wellness Center, 125 Chester Ave. in Yeadon or at the Delaware County Health Department’s Chester office at 151 W. 5th St.
Walk-ins are welcome or
appointments can be made at delcopa.gov/vax or by calling 484-276-2100 or by emailing DelcoWellness@ co.delaware.pa.us.
In addition, Delco residents are encouraged to order free at-home tests through covid.gov/tests or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).