More Than 1 In 4 New Bucks COVID Cases From Out Of State

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — As health officials were monitoring at least a dozen Pennsylvania counties for concerning coronavirus trends, Bucks County continued to report a low baseline number over the weekend.

But a steady number of the county's new cases — more than one out of every four reported over the past four days — are people who traveled out of state, contracted the virus, then brought it back home.

Bucks averaged 22 newly reported cases over the four-day period from Friday through Monday. Health officials reported 88 new cases for that period, along with 20 more delayed-report cases that are so old the patients are no longer sick.

Bucks County reported one new death from the virus during that period — a 96-year-old woman who lived in a long-term care facility and had underlying health conditions. It was the first coronavirus-related death in Bucks County since July 1.

"We’re continuing to do well here in Bucks County," said Dr. David Damsker, director of the county health department. "Our baseline numbers have remained relatively static, even though we still have cases related to travel."

Of the 108 total newly reported cases, 25 were infected while out of state, 18 were attributed to pure community spread, 10 are residents or workers at long-term care facilities, four were infected at non-medical workplaces two are healthcare workers and 15 were unable to be reached for interviews.

Those numbers in Bucks County came as state officials said they're watching concerning data reflecting positive test rates in at least 12 Pennsylvania counties.

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine, speaking during a Monday news conference, said there are no plans at this time to use "dramatic statewide measures" such as shutdown orders or a reversion to the yellow phase.

"Clearly we are seeing cases across the United States skyrocket," Levine said, noting "we are very carefully monitoring data from across the state to ensure we are staying on the right track."

Bucks County now has had 5,762 residents test positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic. A total of 511 deaths have been attributed to the virus, including 409 long-term care residents, while 4,047 people are confirmed to have recovered.

A total of 31 Bucks County patients remained hospitalized on Monday. That's less than half the total of a week ago. Just four patients remained in critical condition and on ventilators.