Today the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced 276 additional cases of COVID-19 in the state, bringing the total to 1687. Delaware County has 59 additional cases, bringing the total number of cases in Delaware County to 156.
Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden, who serves as Chair of the County’s Jail Oversight Board, joined District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer in praising the collaborative efforts of the Delaware County Courts, Law Enforcement Agencies and the Criminal Defense Bar in working together to responsibly reduce the inmate population of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the inmate population at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility is being reduced as much as practical while maintaining public safety. A reduced headcount allows staff more operational flexibility to prevent the spread of the virus. As of March 25, the inmate population was down to 1,387, an historic low compared to the benchmark of 1,880. This is the result of the coordinated efforts of every branch of our criminal justice system.
More information can be found here: www.delcopa.gov/publicrelations/releases/2020/gwhprotection.html
Currently, a total of 3 inmates and 9 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. Inmates are isolated at the facility. Inmates with known exposures, but not showing symptoms are grouped together. The staff have been isolated at home with guidance for monitoring their symptoms. Everyone in the prison, including staff and inmates are told to report symptoms of COVID-19 immediately. All staff and inmates are being screened for symptoms before entering the facility.
The George W. Hill Correctional Facility is following recommended cleaning guidelines. The Chester County Health Department has provided guidance on social distancing, isolation and quarantine monitoring, and use of personal protective equipment at the facility. The facility is fully cooperating with CCHD and daily conference calls are assessing implementation of guidelines, of the facility’s plan, unmet needs, and any adjustments to the plan that may be needed in the future.
Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Working Capital Access Plan has been released. This program applies to small businesses (100 employees or less) and offers loans of up to $100K with 0% interest. The program is administered through the local Certified Economic Development Unit (CEDO). The CEDO is network of economic development organizations, including the Delaware County Commerce Center.
For more information, contact the Delaware County Commerce Center at 610-566-2225 or email: info@delcopa.org
All information and documentation to start a loan can be found here: http://www.delcopa.org/covid-cwca.php
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More information on the program can be found here: https://dced.pa.gov/download/covid19-working-capital-access-guidelines/?wpdmdl=93648
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
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has added COVID-19 resources in multiple languages. The translated materials include: symptoms, what to do if you’re sick and how to stop the spread of germs. Printable flyers and shareable digital images can also be found on the page. Languages include Spanish, French, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Russian, Swahili, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Amharic, Nepali, Haitian Creole, Pashto and Somali.
The website can be found here: www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Translated.aspx
Residents or organizations who would like to donate protective and medical supplies and equipment and also in-kind donations 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
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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
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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