An all-time high of 1,161 new COVID-19 cases and 104 delayed testing results by the State are being reported Thursday for a total of 9,406 active cases and 36,025 cumulative cases.
Four additional deaths are also being reported for a total of 567. The deaths include 1 female in her 40s, 1 female in her 60s, 1 female in her 70s, and 1 female in her 90s. All 4 patients had underlying health conditions.
The spike is part of an overall increase in cases seen over the last month due in part to ongoing community spread.
For this reason, the Mayor, the Department of Public Health (DPH) and Office of Emergency Management implemented further restrictions to slow the spread; and additional restrictions are under consideration. These strong restrictions are necessary and must be adhered to for the health and safety of the community.
Health officials reported that the community spread is due in part to the following factors:
• Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 are not following proper health protocols and are not isolating;
• Residents are continuing to host or attend house parties, social gatherings or family gatherings;
• Residents are not wearing face masks while out in public or around people that do not live in the same household;
• Individuals who have tested positive are not being cooperative with Contact Tracers by failing to answer their calls, provide accurate information, or do not adhere to their recommendations.
Data suggest that 20 and 30 year olds appear to have contracted the virus while out in public and are not taking the proper safety precautions. The public is again reminded that infected persons with little to no symptoms can spread the virus to others; everyone must hold himself or herself accountable and work to protect each other.
For more information and other data visit EPStrong.org