Today the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced 276 additional cases of COVID-19 in the state, bringing the total to 1127. The total number of cases in Delaware County is 97.
Sadly, the first COVID-19 related deaths in Delaware County have been confirmed. The Chester County Health Department has confirmed two deaths. An 85- year- old male from Ridley Park passed away from COVID-19. He was at the hospital at the time of his death. The second COVID-19 related death was an 86-year-old woman from Marple Township. She was at a hospital at the time of her death.
Delaware County Council extends its deepest condolences to their families. As we as a community combat this pandemic together, this loss affects all of us and we are deeply saddened by the news.
Delaware County Council continues to urge residents to follow Governor Wolf’s Stay at Home Order, which will help prevent the spread of the virus and protect our community. The order took effect on Monday, March 23 and will continue until April 6. Individuals may leave their residence only to perform allowable individual activities and allowable essential travel. More information about the order can be found here: www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-and-health-secretary-issue-stay-at-home-orders-to-7-counties-to-mitigate-spread-of-covid-19/
Today Governor Tom Wolf announced that new funding is available to help small businesses impacted COVID-19, through a new program under the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority’s (PIDA) Small Business First Fund, the COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA). Funds are expected to become available this week.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Eastern Pennsylvania District Office and the Chester Delaware Counties SCORE Chapter are holding live webinar training on the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program for small businesses and private non-profits due to COVID-19.
The webinar will provide answers and help residents understand:
-Who is eligible for an SBA Disaster (EIDL) loan
-What you need to have in hand before filing your application
-Q&A time devoted to answer your specific questions
Webinars are being held daily March 24-April 3 from noon to 1:30pm.
Log in information: https://score.zoom.us/j/723846010
Please call the SBA District Office at 610-382-3062 with any questions about the training.
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.
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
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