New COVID testing system could help keep Chesco schools open this fall
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Scanning the QR code on this fast COVID antigen test, via an app, allows rapid data collection and the ability to forecast outbreaks.
While virtually every adult (and most kids over age 12) will likely have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine if they (or their parents) want it, it seems increasingly likely that for kids 11 and under, vaccines will be few and...
Answering questions about vaccines: in short, they work and they’re safe
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
Here we are closing in on a year of life altered by the pandemic. As a practicing dentist I have fielded my share of questions from all points of view. I want to share my perspective on where we are what lies ahead.
There are lots of questions about vaccines.
Yes, they work.
The job of the vaccine is to keep people out of the hospital and protect...
Wolf was right; early reopening is killing people & the economy elsewhere
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
A few weeks back, I wrote a column suggesting that the people of Chester County be careful, listen to health experts, wear a mask, wash their hands frequently and continue social distancing as we worked through the process to reopen our county and state, carefully, and slowly.
And while it is clear most of the residents in the county agreed — we continue...
Coroner: Majority of COVID-19 deaths at long-term care facilities; total county deaths to date 274, death rate declining
WEST CHESTER — According to information issued Monday by the Chester County Coroner’s Office, the deadliest toll from the COVID-19 virus has taken place at the county’s long-term care facilities.
Between March 28 and May 17, a total of 274 confirmed or probable COVID-19 deaths were reported to the Chester County Coroner’s Office. Of those, 229 (83.6%) were residents of long-term care...
COVID-19 Update, April 27: Cases trend down again; Wolf calls for racial, ethnic testing data
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
After a spike last week, COVID-19 cases in the state and locally appear again to be trending downward.
The state Department of Health (DOH) reported 885 new cases on Sunday, bringing the total of COVID-19 cases to 42,050. That represents a third straight day of falling numbers in the state, after a sudden spike midweek. Although the numbers appear to...
Does the GOP care more about money or whether you die?
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Is it greed or just flat out stupidity?
When you have to hope it is the latter, but have a sense it is the former, you get a pit in your stomach at the realization.
A fundamental premise of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania is this: “Making money is more important than saving lives.” As long as their corporate overlords are served (and those campaign...
COVID-19 Update, April 6: Cases, deaths continue to rise
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
A map of the cases — by percentage of population — as of April 6 in Chester County. Courtesy, Chester County Health Department.
The rate of COVID-19 infections continue to grow in the state and in Chester County, based on new numbers released Monday.
The State Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,470 new positive tests and 12 fatalities in 65 of the state’s...
COVID-19 cases continue to spike in Pa., Chesco
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to take its toll on Pennsylvania and Chester County as reported cases continue to spike higher — and the state’s death toll is now 11. Eric County was added to the seven counties — including Chester County — under the governor’s stay at home orders.
In Pennsylvania, the state Department of Health reports 1,127 cases in...
A common sense guide to prevention of COVID-19 — and a look at the likely impact
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
Today I sent a communication to my patients, explaining what should be, for most, common sense. I advised my patients that if they have a cough, a fever, respiratory symptoms or shortness of breath that they should reschedule their dental appointment.
Why? All I needed to do was to take a look around, in my small waiting area were two elderly...
