COVID-19 hits highest peak in Delaware County since pandemic began

DELAWARE COUNTY, Pa. (WPVI) – Officials announced on Friday that COVID-19 cases in Delaware County reached the highest daily number of cases since the start of the pandemic.

They are also concerned about overtaking the hospital system.

Officials urged people to follow all of the Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.

Delaware County government officials said they saw high spikes in COVID-19 cases across the county.

County Council Chairman Brian Zidek kept an eye on incoming data.

“The numbers are alarming, and the high number of COVID-19-related deaths is also alarming,” Zidek said.

To date, officials say there have been a total of 21,290 positive cases in the county and 873 deaths.

“The recent spike in cases has resulted in Delaware County hospitals diverting patients, longer than normal wait times in emergency rooms, and first responders and essential healthcare workers have been greatly affected, ”Zidek said.

Officials say the virus spares no one, reducing the number of 911 operators taking calls and fewer police, firefighters and EMS personnel to answer.

They also monitor hospitals in the five counties.

“They are all very busy, but they are all managing it. The future in terms of whether we are worried about the future, I think that is the goal of the Council leadership on this call,” said Tim Boyce. , director of Delaware County Emergency Services.

Some Action News we met in Delaware County were alarmed by the spread of the virus.

“I’m a little anxious because I have asthma too, so you struggle every day. I mean you have to work, but it’s a big decision, ”said Gail Hampson of Springfield.

“The increase is very heartbreaking so hopefully everyone starts to listen, stay safe, stay in quarantine as much as possible,” said Charlise Walker of Clifton Heights.

But the challenge for county officials is that some people are very skeptical.

“Look, I work, I wear masks all day, but I can’t see it’s that high, I don’t know where people get all their information from,” said Dominic Verdi of Ridley Park .

“For something that has such a high survival rate, I don’t know why our freedoms are taken away, and we are forced to wear masks, which are clinically proven to make you more unhealthy,” said John Lynch of Ridley Park. .

Board member Elaine Schaefer addressed this message to those who do not follow guidelines.

“We urge you to do the right thing, to have personal responsibility, to think about our community as a whole and not just yourself,” Schaefer said.

At this time, the board does not plan to add additional mitigation measures.

But it was noted that that could change if things get worse.