As of Wednesday, April 22nd, there are 750 recorded cases of COVID-19 in Kent County. An increase of 100 from the prior day. Why are cases rising here when other parts of the state are experiencing a plateau or decrease?
The increase of COVID-19 cases in Kent County can be attributed to the expansion of testing. More tests performed can identify an increased number of cases.
“At the beginning of this month, there were only a few dozen tests being done on a daily basis. We’re now at a point where hundreds of tests are done daily.”
Dr. Adam London is Kent County Health Department Director. He explains local hospitals, labs, retailers like Rite Aid and the health department are all providing tests and more people qualify to receive them.
“Coughing, a fever, difficulty breathing, if you are experiencing any of those symptoms, you are now eligible to be tested.”
Dr. London says the other reason for a rise in cases is the prevalence of the illness continuing to increase.
“The test positivity rate, which is a percentage of tests that come back positive, has gradually increased. Early one, we were seeing a test positivity rate of 2% to 4% coming back positive. Now, countywide and regionwide, we’re looking at about 11% of those tests coming back positive. When we look at some of the more vulnerable communities we’re seeing a test positivity rate of 20% to 30%. And so, all of those numbers are increasing.”
While stay at home orders, social distancing and increased testing is suppressing the curve, expect COVID-19 cases to continue an upward trend for the next few weeks.
I’m Patrick Center.
