Coronavirus Cases Surging Among Delco's Younger Population

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Officials in Delaware County said nearly half of all new coronavirus cases in the county are people under 30.

In a press release Friday, the county said about 40 percent of new cases found are in people under 30.

This is similar to figures reported to the east of Delco in Philadelphia, where about 38 percent of new cases are in people under 30.

As of Friday afternoon, there have been 8,190 positive cases and 720 deaths in the county. See full details on the county's latest figures here.

Delco officials said the increase in young people testing positive comes from visiting New Jersey beaches, attending July 4 barbecues, and socializing without masks.

Officials said county daycare facilities and preschools are also now seeing an increase in cases as community spread has increasingly moved into younger demographics. While younger people are less likely to have symptoms, let alone sever health impacts, they are capable of spreading the virus to teachers and administrators who may be more likely to get a serious infection.

This is causing corner over opening schools in the fall.

The impact of increasing community spread, and the resultant closure of local schools would have a damaging impact on families, children, and the community at large.

Officials urged people of all ages to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and continue to follow proper hygiene recommendations, especially when socializing and patronizing local dining establishments:

In addition to reminding the public of these health recommendations, officials also reminded Bar and restaurant owners that compliance with the state’s public health order is mandatory and that authorities are inspecting establishments with liquor licenses.

A hotline and website have been set up to allow people to report non-compliant businesses. Businesses and bar owners failing to comply may face a citation, fine and/or a suspension of their license.

Patrons, residents and other business owners are asked to report businesses that are not following the order. Reports can be made to the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement by phone at 1-800-932-0602 or online here.

Below is updated guidance for bars and restaurants in Delaware County:

• Sales of alcohol for on-premises consumption are only permissible as part of a larger transaction that includes a meal. The term “meal” is defined as “food prepared on the premises, sufficient to constitute breakfast, lunch or dinner.” Snacks, such as pretzels, popcorn, chips, or similar food, do not meet the definition of a meal.
• A customer who wishes to consume alcohol on premises must also purchase a meal; a group of customers who wish to consume alcohol on premises may do so as long as a meal is part of the purchase made by the group.
• Additional drinks may be purchased while the customer is consuming the meal, but no further drinks may be purchased after the meal is finished. Bar service of food and/or alcohol is prohibited.
• For Pennsylvania manufacturers (breweries, distilleries, and wineries), meals may be provided by the licensee or by a third party, such as a food truck.
• Casinos may no longer provide drink service on the casino floor.
• If a club does not sell food, either directly or through a concessionaire, it cannot use its liquor license.
• The governor’s additional order directing targeted mitigation measures specifically prohibits businesses that meet the definition of a “nightclub” under the Clear Indoor Air Act from operating.
• ll customers and groups of customers must be at least six feet away from each other or be separated by physical barriers; spouses can be at the same table and less than six feet away, strangers cannot.
• Customers must wear masks while entering, exiting or traveling through the premises, unless the customer has a medical condition which prevents them from wearing one; children under the age of two years do not have to wear masks. Masks can be removed while the customers are seated.
• Employees are required to wear a mask while working at a restaurant or bar.
• Occupancy is limited to 25 percent of stated fire-code maximum occupancy for indoor dining, or 25 persons for a discrete indoor event or gathering in a restaurant. The maximum occupancy limit includes staff.

Below is updated guidance for events and gatherings in Delaware County:

• Indoor events and gatherings of more than 25 persons are prohibited.
• Outdoor events and gatherings of more than 250 persons are prohibited.
• The maximum occupancy limit includes staff.