Credit: CDC
To ring in the new year, Bucks County saw a small increase in new COVID-19, which follows the Christmas holiday.
Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 2,429 new cases in Bucks County, a 5 percent increase over the previous week that saw a shrinking number of cases.
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The COVID-19 deaths of 33 Bucks Countians were reported last week, a decrease from 38 people the prior week. In a press release, the county noted that in all but a 47-year-old woman with several medical ailments, the deaths were in people over the age of 60.
The county saw 187 COVID-19 deaths in December, the third highest monthly death toll since the pandemic began.
State data showed the percentage of positive COVID-19 test results increased from 15.1 percent to 15.4 percent last week. A rate of more than 5 percent has been considered concerning by health experts.
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The COVID-19 increase in the county came in the final week of Gov. Tom Wolf’s latest coronavirus mitigation measures that banned indoor dining and gym.
Health experts have warned that COVID-19 case increases were likely have the holiday break due to gatherings. Following Thanksgiving, Bucks County saw cases increase.
As of Sunday night, Bucks County hospitals had 150 COVID-19 patients in them, 34 in intensive care due to the pandemic, and 29 on ventilators due to the virus.
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Through Sunday night, Bucks County has seen 31,468 confirmed cases and 909 deaths due to the pandemic since March.
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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