24 New Coronavirus Cases In Bucks Tuesday, Most Are Mild

UPDATE: Bucks Co. Coronavirus Cases Top 100, 4 Critical

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — In Bucks County, 24 new cases of the novel coronavirus were reported on Tuesday. But, officials said, of the county's 85 total cases so far, few have resulted in serious symptoms.

Tuesday was the second day in a row that at least 20 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Bucks County. But of all the county's cases so far, only three patients have been hospitalized for a sustained length of time, said Dr. David Damsker, director of the Bucks County Health Department.

Two of those patients are in critical condition at area hospitals, Damsker said, while the third is listed as stable.

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Meanwhile, Bucks County's earliest coronavirus patients are starting to fully recover, with at least six now released from isolation.

"The good news is that most of our patients are doing very well, and are eligible to be off isolation in the next few days," Damsker said Tuesday.

Damsker encouraged anyone who has mild symptoms to stay at home and isolate themselves, not got to a hospital or seek immediate testing. Those with more severe symptoms, like difficulty breathing, should seek testing and medical attention, he said.

"We’re asking people not to overrun emergency rooms just to get a test," Damsker said. "The hospitals are certainly going to need the resources to take care of our sickest patients."

He said almost all testing sites require a prescription from a doctor, urging anyone who thinks they need a test to call their doctor first.

In Bucks County, 23 municipalities now have at least one reported case of the coronavirus, in a swath that covers virtually all of lower and central Bucks. County officials are updating a map showing those municipalities on the county website.

Also Tuesday, Bucks County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Diane Ellis-Marseglia urged people who have substance abuse or mental health issues during the coronavirus crisis to call the county’s new Behavioral Health Helpline at 215-399-5681.

Those with coronavirus questions or concerns may call the county's health department at 215-345-3318.

>>>Full coverage of coronavirus in Pennsylvania here.