Delaware County Moves into the Green Phase June 26
Last week, Governor Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine signed an amended Green Phase Order to include Delaware County. Under the order, Delaware County moved to the Green Phase of the Governor’s phased reopening plan on June 26.
Delaware County has successfully met each of the criteria set forth by Governor Wolf, as shown on the Chester County Health Department’s Progress Towards Green reopening plan. Confirmed new cases over a two-week period have continued to decrease, down 26.3% versus the previous two-week period. Additionally, the percent of positive tests over the past two weeks has decreased to 4.3%, down from a peak of approximately 46% in April.
“As Delaware County moves into the Green Phase, it’s important to remind residents that guidelines continue to be in place for the health and safety of all residents,” said Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek. “The Green Phase does not mean ‘full-throttle go’. Just as we did throughout the yellow phase, all residents are strongly urged to continue to follow public health guidance.”
Guidance includes wearing a mask in public, social distancing, working from home if you can, and continuing to follow proper hygiene recommendations.
Delaware County Council has been doing everything within their ability to help bring Delaware County into the Green Phase and to ease restrictions in a safe and timely manner without jeopardizing the lives of residents. Delaware County continues to work with public health officials from the state, the Chester County Health Department, and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce to ensure businesses and residents are educated and informed.
Green Phase Restrictions and Guidance:
1. Continued telework is strongly encouraged.
2. Businesses with in-person operations must follow updated Business and Building Safety Requirements.
3. All businesses operating at 50% occupancy in the Yellow Phase may increase to 75% occupancy.
4. Childcare may open complying with guidance.
5. Congregate Care restrictions remain in place.
6. Prison and hospital restrictions will be determined by individual facilities.
7. Schools subject to CDC and Commonwealth guidance.
8. Restaurants and bars can operate at 50% occupancy.
9. Personal care services (including hair salons and barbershops) can open at 50% occupancy and by appointment only.
10. Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities, and personal care services (such as gyms and spas) can open at 50% occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged.
11. All entertainment venues (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) can open at 50% occupancy.
12. Construction activity may return to full capacity with continued implementation of protocol.
13. Large gatherings of more than 250 is prohibited.
14. Masks are required when entering a business.
Guidance for Organized Sports and Athletics during the Green Phase:
Minimizing the impact of COVID-19 is the County’s highest priority, while also recognizing the value of sports, athletics, recreation and exercise in promoting mental health and physical fitness for children and adults.
During the Green Phase:
Organized sports and athletic practice, competition and games are allowed.
The decision to resume pre-K to 12 school sports-related activities, including conditioning, practices and games, is at the discretion of a school entity’s governing body.
Coaches, staff, officials and parents must remain diligent in assessing personal risk of players based upon individual circumstances, and with the guidance of a health care provider.
Individuals at a higher risk for COVID-19 should consult with a health care provider prior to participating in organized sports and athletics.
The full Sports Guidance under the Green Phase, including specific information related to physical distancing, face coverings, etc., can be found here: https://www.delcopa.gov/ich/resources/covid19/pdf/OrganizedSportsInGreenCOVIDPhase_06-25-2020.pdf
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Delaware County Government Center and the Delaware County Courthouse Reopening:
The Delaware County Government Center will reopen to the public on Monday, June 29, at 8:30 a.m. County offices will operate during normal business hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
The County has been working with the Chester County Health Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to implement best practices to protect the health and safety of employees and the public.
Employees and members of the public will have their temperature checked and be screened before entering all County buildings, are required to wear masks, and should observe social distancing of at least six feet. For more details, please review our “Delaware County Government Center Opening June 29” press release at https://www.delcopa.gov/publicrelations/releases/2020/govcenterreopening_june29.html.
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas has suspended jury trials until July 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, per Court Order of the Honorable Kevin F. Kelly. Jurors scheduled through July 31, do not need to call ahead or report on their scheduled date. For jurors who have been summoned to report on or after August 3, please check the county's website for updates: https://www.delcopa.gov/courts/juror/eresponse.html
Residents are urged to continue to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidance during the Green Phase:
Continue to wear a mask in public
Allow for social distancing of at least 6 feet
Wash your hands with soap and water
Sneeze and cough into your elbow
Stay home if you are sick
As of June 25, there were 83,770 positive cases in the state and 6,557 deaths. There have been 7,142 positive cases in Delaware County and 693 deaths due to COVID-19. The Chester County Health Department continues to track recovery data on its COVID-19 dashboard. As of June 25, 81% of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.
More details on the Governor’s “Process to Reopen Pennsylvania” can be found here: www.governor.pa.gov/process-to-reopen-pennsylvania/.
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