The coronavirus positivity rate continues to increase in Chester County as the highly contagious Delta variant spreads. In response, the Chester County Health Department is standing by, ready to reinstate testing facilities, writes Fran Maye for the Daily Local News.

The new coronavirus strain has been hard on the unvaccinated. But since Chester County has a higher rate of inoculation than the majority of the region, local hospitals are still not being taxed.

“We overcome this pandemic by getting that shot, potentially saving the life of you or a neighbor,” said Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell.

Since last winter, the Chester County Health Department significantly scaled back the number of its testing sites. The reduction was attributable to the drop in demand and the abundant access to testing at numerous other locations.

However, should the demand for coronavirus testing become greater and exceed the current capacity, the county health department is ready to increase testing once again.

“We do not anticipate any barriers to increased testing, if needed,” said Jeanne Franklin, Director of the Chester County Health Department.

The health department is also working on adjusting its clinic operations in preparation for administering the upcoming COVID-19 booster vaccines.

Read more about the county’s COVID-19 testing plans in the Daily Local News.