Increasing Positivity Rates Give Cause For Concern

As of 4/1/2021:

• Ambler: 13.62%

• Hatfield Borough: 16.79%

• Hatfield Township: 8.65%

• Lansdale Borough: 8.8%

• Lower Gwynedd Township: 6.0%

• Montgomery Township: 7.19%

• North Wales Borough: 12.58%

• Towamencin Township: 8.02%

• Upper Gwynedd Township: 5.45%

Data from the county continues to show that average positivity rate and cases are increasing across much of our community and the area in general. As of April 1, the 14-day average positivity rate in Lansdale was 8.8% and for the week ending April 8, the countywide positivity rate had increased to 8.5%.

Obviously, the desire is to have our 14-day average be as low as possible, with a benchmark of 5% representing that the pandemic spread is “under control.” Anything above 10% is considered highly concerning and indicates the potential for further community spread across the area.

I recognize and appreciate the desire to get back out into the community. I feel this same pull to spend more time with friends and family as the weather improves and we can do more activities outside. However, we need to continue to be smart about how we spend time with one another.

We are not out of the woods yet. We are still very much making our way through the wilderness that is this pandemic, and we must continue to follow the protocols provided by the CDC. If you have been vaccinated, please still wear a mask to be certain that you are being safe. Everyone should continue to avoid large gatherings and gatherings in tight quarters to effectively avoid the transmission of the virus. If you are going to be interacting with people, please wear a mask and use hand sanitizer often. These simple actions can help bring our positivity rate back down and ensure that we can reemerge from this pandemic faster.

Vaccinations are increasing and there is hope that the increasing vaccination rate will blunt the surge of cases in the community. The welcomed news last week that a vaccination site in Lansdale will be distributing over 1,000 shots a day for several weeks should help stem the tide of this, and future, surges of COVID-19. However, we all have a responsibility and a hand to managing this pandemic.

I am not saying lock yourself in your house and never see anyone again. I am asking that we all double down on our efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 by making sure we are all a part of the solution. As I said last week, we are almost there. We can see the finish line of this pandemic. Let’s run through the tape and continue to work together to get through this health crisis.

I know how much we have all sacrificed and how painful this whole event has been. By working together and continuing to follow the CDC guidelines we can get through this once and for all. It cannot be said enough, THANK YOU for continuing to help manage this pandemic, THANK YOU for having patience while we endure this challenge, and THANK YOU for coming together when we need it most.

Wear a mask. Limit gatherings. Stay socially distant when appropriate.