The feared spike of COVID-19 cases following the Christmas and New Year holiday weekends appeared underway in Bucks County last week.
Bucks County’s COVID-19 cases rose 12 percent over the prior seven days to 2,710 last week.
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Dr. Rachel Levine, the state health secretary, said last week’s increase in cases across Pennsylvania is thought to be due to spread through holiday gatherings.
Health experts predicted a rise in new infections after families and friends gathered and most likely didn’t wear face masks when near to one another over the holidays. Bucks County also saw infections increase after the Thanksgiving weekend.
According to state data, 31 Bucks Countians were reported dead due to COVID-19 last week. Nine of the people that died were residents of long-term care facilities. Among the deaths, nine were in their 90s, seven in their 80s, eight in their 70s, four in their 60s, two in their 50s, and the youngest was 49.
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Bucks County’s COVID-19 test positivity rate decreased last week from 15.4 percent to 14.7 percent. A positivity rate higher than 5 percent is considered concerning by health officials.
As of Monday night, there were 182 patients with COVID-19 in Bucks County hospitals. A total of 46 were in intensive care and 27 were on ventilators.
Vaccine rollout continues in Bucks County. The most recent state data shows that 9,404 partial vaccinations and 1,023 full vaccinations have been administered in Bucks County to health care workers and long-term care center staff and residents.
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This week, Bucks County opened a number of free COVID-19 testing sites, including one in Bristol Township.
Since the pandemic began, Bucks County has seen 34,847 positive COVID-19 cases and 945 deaths.
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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