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In Montgomery County, health officials said parties, sleepovers and other social gatherings, including Halloween celebrations, have caused an increase in the number of hospital cases.
“I think if we don’t reduce the push, our hospitals will quickly be in trouble,” said Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.
Delaware County officials report a similar story. On Monday, they say the five hospitals were forced to divert patients elsewhere because they had reached capacity or did not have enough staff to treat patients.
“At the end of the day, this is extremely worrying. Our critical emergency services and healthcare workers are under strain, ”said Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek.
Health officials say there are many people who have the virus but are asymptomatic and unknowingly spread it to others.
How close are we to a lockdown?
“Our goal is to avoid a lockdown at all costs, we know what that looked like,” said Jeanne Casner, Chester County Health Director.
“We have to realize this is a wake-up call. None of us want to be put back into the red phase,” said Dr. Monica Taylor, vice president of Delaware County Council.
The Montgomery County Public Health Unit said it will now vote at 12 p.m. Friday on whether to start two weeks of virtual school only from November 23.
The vote was originally scheduled for Thursday morning.
Delaware County is offering free COVID-19 testing to county residents ages 12 and older on November 14, 16, and 17 in Upper Darby and Upland. Insurance is not required.
Results will take up to 48 business hours. Residents will be contacted by the telephone number indicated on the registration form.
Residents can call the Delaware County Inter-Community Health Department at 610-891-6129 with any questions.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
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