On Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported five new presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in Delaware County. That brings the total number of cases in the county to six.

One of the five new cases was a staff member at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, requiring 34 people in the county, including 11 inmates, to be quarantined.

Total number of statewide cases as of Friday was 41, almost double the number of cases reported the day before, at 22.  

At a press conference early Friday evening,  county officials said they are coordinating with federal, state and local leaders to ensure a unified approach to reducing the spread of the virus.

Members of Delaware County Council, Delaware County Emergency Services and Delaware County’s Department of Intercommunity Health were represented at the conference.

Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf announced Friday that all public and private schools and programs, licensed daycare and adult day care centers in the state will be closed for 14 days, starting Monday, March 16.

School districts will not be penalized if they fail to meet the 180 day or school hour requirement.

Eligible schools will still be able to serve meals to low-income students in a “non-congregate setting” such as a drive-through or grab and go while schools are closed.

Delaware County’s Department of Emergency Management is coordinating a school meal distribution plan.

The Governor also recommended that “non-essential retail facilities in Delaware County” be closed immediately. That includes movie theaters, shopping malls and gyms.

Essential retail facilities such as pharmacies, grocery stores and gas stations will remain open.

“Residents should not be panicking,” said Vice Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Food stores, pharmacies and gas stations and their suppliers will remain open. The goal is to prevent the spread of the virus. Limiting unnecessary social outings like going to the movies, the gym, clothes shopping, etc. is how we can accomplish this.”

On Friday afternoon, Delaware County implemented the following:

• Beginning Monday, March 16, Delaware County Courts and Government Offices will operate with a reduced and staggered staff.
• The County is encouraging employees to work remotely if they are able to.
• Delaware County Courts will operate with a reduced staff.
• Jury trials will be discontinued starting Monday for two weeks.
• During this time, government services will continue. However, it is asked that residents be patient and considerate of this process. If there is not a time sensitive or critical need for a service – please postpone visiting the Courthouse and County buildings.
• Gov. Wolf strongly encouraged the suspension of large gatherings of 250 people or more in the state. The County is also following that guidance and continues to stress to residents that if it’s not essential to be out- please stay home.

County Council has been in communication with colleagues in Montgomery, Chester, Philadelphia and Bucks County.

“The counties are working collectively on mitigation efforts to flatten the curve,” said Councilwoman Christine Ruether. “We are neighbors. We are all in this together. We all need to be following the guidance that has been given.”

County officials described this as a rapidly changing situation in which the time frame is fluid.

“It is important that we all listen to the guidance coming from the Federal Government, the State and the County, said Councilwoman Elaine Schaefer. “We can learn from other countries and stay ahead of the spread of the virus. Now is the time to exert personal responsibility and be prudent. We have a very narrow window of time to take measures now to prevent this from rapidly spreading.”

Council has also been in communication with first responders in the County, ensuring their needs are being met and that they are protecting themselves to safely continue serving the community.

“Our emergency responders are being strained right now,” said Reuther. “They are critical to our health and public safety. Please refrain from putting unnecessary demands on them.  In other words-please act responsibly. We need them right now, and we need them to be healthy.”

Council once again stresses to residents that 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.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you are asked to call the State Health Department at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

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

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Top photo credit: Prachatai Covid-19 via photopin (license)