11 New Bucks Co. COVID Cases Traced To Jersey Shore Gathering

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Thirty-three new coronavirus cases were reported in Bucks County Saturday, with a third of them traced back to a person who spread the virus at recent beach house gatherings at the Jersey Shore, health officials said.

Of the 33 new cases reported Saturday, 11 were traced to the single contact who attended multiple house gatherings at the Shore during the past two weeks. Bucks County Health Department Director David Damsker said he expects additional infections among family members of the new cases.

So far, Bucks County has reported a total of 4,972 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began in March.

Damsker reminded the public to remain careful to take proper precautions in public, especially now that Pennsylvania has moved into the yellow phase and more businesses and activities are open. It is especially important to wear face coverings when attending small gatherings involving people who are not members of the same household, he said.

“This is exactly why we can’t let our guard down now, even if it feels `safe’ to be at the beach,” Damsker said. “One unlucky exposure can lead to a large cascade of cases down the line. We want everyone to enjoy the warmer weather and have fun, but let’s keep in mind that COVID is still circulating in the community at baseline levels.”

Saturday’s new cases involved 19 household contacts, including those from the New Jersey gatherings, three residents or workers at long-term care facilities, three instances of pure community spread, two work contacts, and one associated with a healthcare setting, Damsker said. Five of the infected individuals were not able to be interviewed over the weekend.

Four of the 33 cases were reported belatedly to the health department and are so old that they are no longer considered infectious, he added.

Ninety-seven Bucks coronavirus patients remain hospitalized, 17 of them in critical condition and on ventilators. Of 4,972 residents who have tested positive, 1,941 are confirmed to have recovered.