Today the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced 962 additional cases of COVID-19 in the state, bringing the total number to 5,805. Delaware County now has a total of 390 positive cases.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 11 new deaths in the state today, bringing the statewide total to 74. Delaware County Council is saddened to report that there are two additional COVID-19 related deaths in Delaware County, bringing the total number of deaths in the county to eight.
An 87-year-old female from Marple Township and a 69-year-old male from Marple Township have passed away due to COVID-19.
The rise in deaths and cases in our community reflects the urgent need for residents to stay home unless it’s necessary for work or essential such as grocery shopping or receiving medical care. It’s also critical to practice social distancing both indoors and outside. During visits to a grocery store, pharmacy or when picking up take-out food, keep a 6-foot distance from others while in line or in a store isle. Shop alone if possible to protect your own family members and to also decrease the number of people inside the store.
Residents are allowed to go outside during the stay at home order. Spending time outdoors is beneficial to physical and mental health, but remember to observe social distancing. When you are using a trail, at a park or walking in your neighborhood- stay at least 6 feet away from others.
New resources are available to business owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SBA has announced The Paycheck Protection Program, a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020. More information is available here: www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp (link no longer works)
The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a webinar on Thursday, April 2 at 9:30am for business owners interested in learning more about funding programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A link to register can be found here: https://web.delcochamber.org/events/NavigatingBusiness%20Funding%20During%20COVID19%20Webinar-56535/details
A reminder--
Food assistance is available to residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and organizations across the County are providing grab and go meals to residents in need. An interactive map with locations and information about food assistance can be found here: https://www.delcopa.gov/ich/resources/covidfoodassistance.html
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
The Chester County Health Department has updated their website to include data and maps for Delaware County COVID-19 cases. Residents can visit the website for COVID-19 data and information on how to keep themselves, their family and friends, and the community healthy.
The website is: www.chesco.org/4376/Coronavirus-COVID-19
It can also be accessed on the Delaware County’s COVID-19 website by clicking on the blue COVID-19 banner: www.delcopa.gov/ich/resources/coronavirus.html
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