COVID Causing Staffing Shortage At Delco 911 Call Center: Reports

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — The coronavirus surge has impacted nearly every aspect of life, even the emergency services we rely on when in dire situations. In Delaware County, the 911 call center is seeing staff shortages due to the virus.

According to Action News, an outbreak at the 911 call center in Media has prompted staff shortages.

Staffers are testing positive for the virus and are quarantining after coming into contact with a person who tested positive. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, between eight and 10 of the roughly 130 staffers are out at any given time.

Delaware County Department of Emergency Services Director Tim Boyce told the Inquirer new candidates cannot be finalized during the pandemic.

Media Mayor Bob McMahon told Action News the problem is expected to last through the spring.

Cases of the virus are spiking in Pennsylvania and across the nation.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported 4,711 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 243,368. Of the total cases, 72 percent of patients have recovered.

"This is the highest daily increase of cases," the department said in a news release. Also Wednesday, 59 new deaths were reported, bringing the state's total to 9,145 deaths attributed to COVID-19.