Delaware County reported two new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday, March 17, bringing the number of cases to nine.

There have been 20 additional positive cases reported in the state since yesterday, bringing that total to 96, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Here are the latest developments:

Business/Restaurant/Retail  

• Gov. Wolf’s recommendation to close non-essential retail businesses is now state-wide. These include movie theaters, bars, gyms, hair salons, nail salons, spas, casinos, concerts, golf courses and retail facilities, including shopping malls- except for pharmacy or other health care facilities within retail operations.
• The Governor has ordered all restaurants and bars close their dine-in facilities. Carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service is permitted.
• Businesses offering carry-out, delivery, and drive-through service should employ social distancing best practices and be aware of the Trump Administration’s guidance to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.
• Businesses that do not adhere to this order could face enforcement actions.
• Social distancing is essential as more Pennsylvanians are testing positive for COVID-19. By taking these steps now, we can protect public health and slow the spread of this virus.
• Essential retail facilities such as food stores, pharmacies and gas stations and their suppliers will remain open.

“We understand that shutting down for two weeks may hurt local business owners,” said County Council Chairman Brian Zidek. “Council is working with Delaware County’s Commerce Director and other organizations and departments to request federal relief funding for businesses. We are working on ways we can lessen the financial burden for our small businesses and will be sharing that information soon.”

• Following a Delaware County Chamber of Commerce conference call March 17. businesses in the county were asked to complete an online survey on how COVID-19 is affecting their businesses.
• The Delaware County Commerce Center will use that data to help address the needs of the business community.  Business owners can take the survey here.

Testing

• Delaware County is working on testing sites for COVID-19, including drive- thru testing locations. Information  will be released shortly. Main Line Health and Penn Medicine are setting up drive-thru testing sites in Newtown Square and Radnor (see related story).

Government/Courts 

• The Delaware County Government Center will be closed to the public on March 18, 19 and 20.  Government Center offices will operate with a reduced and staggered staff.
•  Residents can still call government offices on March 18, 19 and 20.
• Delaware County Council will hold a public meeting Wednesday, March 18, at 6 p.m. but will not be open to the public in keeping with CDC recommendations of avoiding large gatherings.
• The March 18 meeting will be streamed live on Council’s Facebook Page.  Residents can email public comment  immediately to PublicComment@co.delaware.pa.us. Include your name and address.  Public comment will be accepted until the meeting is adjourned and read into the record at the meeting. Council will respond if warranted.
• If you do not have access to email you can call in your public comment at 610-891-4931. Give or leave 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.
• The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas has made modifications to judicial operations for March 18, 19 and 20.
• In coordination with the District Attorney’s office and the Public Defender’s office, the Courts will hold video criminal hearings on March 18 and 20.  No members of the public or family members will be permitted into the hearing in observance of social distancing protocols.
• On March 19, four judges will be sitting for Protection from Abuse (PFA) cases. Parties will be allowed witnesses.  Friends, family members and the public will not be permitted.
• District Courts will be closed to the public on March 18, 19 and 20. Magisterial District Judges will be on call after hours to receive temporary PFA applications and conduct criminal preliminary arraignments. Bail and any other monies owed to the courts may be paid online.

Prison

Twenty-three employees and 11 inmates of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, run by the Geo Group, were placed in quarantine March 13 after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The 34 individuals were tested. Of those tested, one additional employee of the prison tested positive for COVID-19.

•  GEO’s medical team will continue to monitor employees who are in self-quarantine at home as well as the 11 inmates quarantined in a section of the prison until March 20.

• The Pennsylvania Department of Health has medically cleared and released for duty 19  employees from self-quarantine. The Prison currently has eight employees who remain on self-quarantine, with six tentatively scheduled for medical clearance by the Pennsylvania Department of Health on March 26.
• In total, two maintenance employees have tested positive (including the employee who first tested positive on March 13) and will remain in quarantine until they have two negative tests 24 hours apart.

Recreation

All Delaware County Parks and Recreation Facilities operated by the County have cancelled their programming.

• Buildings and structures located at Delaware County operated parks are closed.
• Residents ARE free to enjoy the parks and trails, but all programming, buildings and structures are closed. We remind residents to practice social distancing while at the parks.

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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