Today the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced 165 additional cases of COVID-19 in the state, bringing the total to 644. The total number of cases in Delaware County is 64.
Gov. Wolf has issued “Stay at Home” orders to Delaware County and six other counties to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The order takes effect at 8:00 PM on Monday, March 23, 2020, and will continue until April 6, 2020. All schools statewide will also remain closed through at least April 6, 2020. The number of cases continues to grow and we must take further steps to stop the spread of this virus to protect the public’s health and mitigate the risk to our hospital system.
Under the Governor’s order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following allowable individual activities and allowable essential travel:
Tasks essential to maintain health and safety, or the health and safety of their family or household members (including pets), such as obtaining medicine or medical supplies, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home
Getting necessary services or supplies for themselves, for their family or household members, or as part of volunteer efforts, or to deliver those services or supplies to others to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences
Engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running if they maintain social distancing
To perform work providing essential products and services at a life-sustaining business
To care for a family member or pet in another household
Any travel related to the provision of or access to the above-mentioned individual activities or life-sustaining business activities
Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons
Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services
Travel to return to a place of residence from an outside jurisdiction
Travel required by law enforcement or court order.
Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the commonwealth
The following operations are exempt:
Life-sustaining business activities
Health care or medical services providers
Access to life-sustaining services for low-income residents, including food banks
Access to child care services for employees of life-sustaining businesses that remain open as follows: child care facilities operating under the Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning waiver process; group and family child care operating in a residence; and part-day school age programs operating under an exemption from the March 19, 2020 business closure Orders.
News media
Law enforcement
The federal government
Religious institutions
More information can be found here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-and-health-secretary-issue-stay-at-home-orders-to-7-counties-to-mitigate-spread-of-covid-19/
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Food assistance is available to residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This interactive map gives locations and information about food assistance: http://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=44d35cfb07af4f67be47e3ddc8078773&extent=-8433412.3773%2C4831561.7209%2C-8346579.9131%2C4879105.5525%2C102100
Residents or organizations who would like to donate protective and medical supplies and equipment can call 1-800-253-3102 or email: EOC@DelcoDES.org
Delaware County Council has partnered with The Greater Philadelphia YMCA and the State to help essential workers find childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Essential workers can continue serving the public with peace of mind knowing their children are being cared for by the YMCA, a trusted childcare provider. The YMCA has additional safety protocols in place and are ready to serve families in need. The YMCA is accepting children ranging in age from Infant/toddlers, Pre-K, and Kids K- 12
For more information, to register or find a location near you, please contact: 215-220-9199.
Another reminder--
Right now the best way to protect yourself is to take the same precautions you would to prevent the flu or common cold:
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with your elbow to avoid touching your face
Wash your hands often with soap and warm/hot water for at least 20 seconds
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items
If you are feeling sick, stay home. Rest, take care of yourself and don’t spread the germs.
The County has a website dedicated to information on the Coronavirus, including prevention, resources and a FAQ section with links to the Chester County Health Department, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC. The website is: www.delcopa.gov/ich/resources/coronavirus.html
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There are two local numbers for residents to call for COVID-19 related resources and questions. Residents can call the Chester County Health Department Hotline at 610-344-6225. They have staff on site from 8:30am-4:30pm, seven days a week answering questions. They have also partnered with the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline, which is staffed 24/7. Residents can call 1-800-722-7112.
Residents are encouraged to register for the DelcoAlert notification system which alerts residents of updates and emergencies. You can register here: www.delcopa.gov/delcoalert/delcoalert.html