Bucks County has begun to see COVID-19 cases decrease.
While cases have gone down, officials worry that the decrease in cases could be offset by new infections that happen in the wake of holiday gatherings.
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Last week, Bucks County saw 2,314 new cases, a 13 percent decrease from the week prior and a 31 percent decrease from the all-time record high from two weeks ago, county officials said, citing state data.
The county’s new COVID-19 case numbers dropped to levels not seen since before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
State data showed that the percentage of positive COVID-19 test results dropped from 16.4 percent to 15.1 percent. A rate of more than 5 percent has been considered concerning by health experts.
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The deaths of 38 Bucks Countians due to COVID-19 were reported last week. About 14 of those who died were long-term care centers, one was 52 years old, and the rest were older than 65.
The county’s December death toll is at 154 for the month, the third highest since the pandemic began. April had 280 deaths and May had 253 deaths.
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Leading up to Christmas, local health experts warned that staying away from gatherings over the holidays was key to keeping COVID-19 cases down.
Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker asked the public to avoid New Year’s gatherings.
“Things are certainly looking better over the past two weeks,” Damsker said. “However, we could undermine some of the progress if people get together at parties for New Year’s later this week. Let’s be smart.”
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As of Monday night, there were 167 Bucks Countians with COVID-19 in hospitals. A total of 29 were in intensive care and 23 were on ventilators. Roughly 31 percent of intensive care beds remained available, an increase over last week.
Since the pandemic began, 29,244 Bucks Countians have tested positive for COVID-19 and 876 people have died.
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Ways residents can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Wear a mask properly when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
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