Delaware County reported no new cases of the coronavirus on Monday, March 16, keeping the number of cases at seven.

There have been 13 additional positive cases reported in the state, bringing that total to 76, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Here is updated information from Delaware County:

Government 

• The Delaware County Government Center will be closed to the public on Tuesday, March 17, and will operate with a reduced and staggered staff. Residents can call government offices but cannot access the building.
• Delaware County Council will hold its Public Agenda meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 10 a.m. and its Public Council meeting Wednesday, March 18, 6 p.m.

The public will not be permitted into the meetings in order to adhere to CDC recommendations of avoiding large gatherings and observing social distancing.

Both meetings will be live streamed on the County’s YouTube channel.

Residents can email in public comment that must include the person’s name and address. Email comments to PublicComment@co.delaware.pa.us.  Public comment will be accepted until each meeting is adjourned.

The public comments will be read into the record during the meeting and Council will respond if warranted.

If you do not have access to email you can call in your public comment: 610-891-4931. Please give your name, address and public comment. Your comment will be transcribed and read into record. Emailed or phoned-in comments deemed inappropriate will not be read into public record.

Courts

• The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas suspended all judicial operations Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17.
• A Common Pleas Court Judge will be available at the County Courthouse during regular business hours to hear temporary protection from abuse applications on March 16 and March 17.
• The Delaware County Magisterial Courts will be available, but only to conduct preliminary criminal arraignments and review after hours temporary protection from abuse requests.
• President Judge Kevin F. Kelly filed an application March 16, 2020 under the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration seeking authorization to declare a judicial emergency. This would access additional authorities to address this public health crisis and the court’s ability to continue to provide critically essential judicial services.

Recreation 

• All Delaware County Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed until further notice.

Retail/Business 

• Gov. Wolf ordered all restaurants and bars in Delaware County to close their dine-in facilities at midnight, March 16 for 14 days.
• Businesses that offer carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service may continue to do so.  Businesses that do not adhere to this order could face enforcement actions.
• The Department of Community and Economic Development and Department of Health are contacting businesses offering guidance on the types of businesses that are urged to close.They are also providing financial assistance opportunities to mitigate the financial impact of closures. You can find more details here. 

Travel

•  Cash will not be accepted at any interchange on the Pennsylvania Turnpike beginning Monday, March 16, at 8 p.m. This is a temporary safety measure to keep travelers moving with no need to stop at tollbooths or interact with tolling personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• During this time, cash and credit cards will not be accepted anywhere on the PA Turnpike’s ticket system.
• All tolls will be assessed electronically via E-ZPass or the PA Turnpike TOLL BY PLATE program as vehicles travel at posted speed limits through tolling points.
• PA Turnpike TOLL BY PLATE is a license plate tolling system for non-E-ZPass customers. Cameras capture a vehicle’s license plate as it passes through a tollbooth at posted speed, and an invoice is mailed to the owner of the vehicle for the toll.

Health

• Local emergency rooms are not testing for COVID-19.  If you have symptoms, call 911 or 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
• 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 created a website dedicated to information on the Coronavirus, including prevention, resources and a FAQ section with link to the PA Health Department and CDC.

Residents are encouraged to register for the DelcoAlert notification system which alerts residents of updates and emergencies. You can register here.

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