Today the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced 531 additional cases of COVID-19 in the state, bringing the total number to 2,218. Delaware County has 34 additional cases, bringing the total number of cases in Delaware County to 190.
Sadly, there are two additional COVID-19 related deaths in Delaware County, bringing the total number of deaths to four in the County. The Chester County Health Department has confirmed a 70- year- old female from Ridley Township and a 63-year-old male from Middletown Township have passed away from COVID-19. 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/
The Department of Human Services (DHS) announced a new tool available on the department’s website designed to help essential workers connect with child-care providers that have been granted a waiver by the department’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to continue serving the families of essential personnel during the COVID-19 emergency. More information can be found here: www.delcopa.gov/ich/pdfs/COVID_ChildCareProviders.pdf
Governor Wolf has signed Senate Bill 422, which reschedules the 2020 primary election from April 28 to June 2. The order includes other election process changes, including some due to the COVID-19 emergency. The bill provides process improvements to Act 77 of 2019, to allow counties to begin processing and tabulating mail ballots beginning at 7 a.m. on election day, rather than after the polls close at 8 p.m. Additionally, the measure allows counties to temporarily consolidate polling places without court approval and eases other rules regarding location and staffing of polling places for the primary to respond to county concerns about a potential shortage of poll workers and appropriate polling place locations.
The Governor stated that delaying this year’s primary election as several other states have done is in the best interests of voters, poll workers and county election officials. The Department of State will continue to work with local election officials to ensure Pennsylvania has a fair and accessible election.
More information can be found here: www.delcopa.gov/publicrelations/releases/2020/primaryrescheduled.html
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 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
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