Delaware County reported no new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, March 19, leaving the number of reported cases in the county at 14.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 52 new cases, bringing the state total to 185, including one fatality.

In new developments:

Gov. Wolf ordered Thursday, March 19, that all “non-life-sustaining” businesses in Pennsylvania close their physical locations by 8 p.m. Thursday, March 19, in an ongoing effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Delaware County is stressing that all businesses deemed “non-life-sustaining businesses” adhere to this order. The Governor’s list of non-life-sustaining businesses can be found here.

Enforcement for non-compliance will begin at 12:01 p.m., Saturday, March 21, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

Businesses owners who fail to follow the governor’s orders could receive citations, fines, license suspensions. or even risk of imprisonment.

Private businesses, local organizations and other non-compliant entities that don’t comply with the  order will forfeit disaster relief. That includes state loans or grants, including Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) grant funding, the release stated.

In extenuating circumstances, special exemptions will be granted to businesses that are supplying or servicing health care providers.

The state began enforcing the closing of dine-in facilities at restaurants and bars at 8 p.m. on March 18.

Food establishments can still offer carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service, including alcohol.

“To protect the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians, we need to take more aggressive mitigation actions,” said Gov. Wolf. “This virus is an invisible danger that could be present everywhere. We need to act with the strength we use against any other severe threat. And,we need to act now before the illness spreads more widely.”

The governor had previously encouraged non-life-sustaining businesses to voluntarily close to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

To help businesses impacted by COVID-19, the Department of Community and Economic Development offers working capital loans. Find out more here.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is also offering resources to help, including low-interest loans for small businesses and eligible nonprofits in the 67 counties of Pennsylvania. To  apply for a loan click here. 

Businesses seeking guidance from DCED can also contact its customer service resource account at ra-dcedcs@pa.gov or by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH and selecting option 1.

Cornavirus testing

• Delaware County officials have been coordinating with hospitals and the Pennsylvania Department of Health on a plan to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing  at local hospitals throughout the county.
• Main Line Health now has drive-thru COVID-19 testing by appointment at their Newtown Square and Radnor locations. A physician referral is required to assure clinician triage and appropriate testing.
• Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, located in Darby, is also offering mobile testing for patients of the hospital or the hospital’s physicians.  At this time, only those Mercy Fitzgerald patients who have scheduled an appointment and have a prescription may receive a screening through this mobile screening site.
• Crozer-Keystone Health System, which operates Crozer Chester Medical Center, Delaware County Memorial Hospital, Springfield Hospital and Taylor Hospital, is working to offer drive-through COVID-19 testing as well. The locations and more details will be released once details are finalized. Residents must have a doctor’s referral and be in their healthcare network.

Citizen Corps

Delaware County’s Citizen Corps is a critical component to the County’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The all-volunteer organization is vital to ensuring our residents are protected.

There is an immediate need for volunteers to staff call centers and support screenings, testing, and logistics operations in response to the COVID-19.

County property tax 

The payment deadline of the discounted rate for the county tax has been extended to April 30, 2020. Delaware County Council March 18 unanimously voted to extend the deadline to April 30 for a discount on the payment of County property taxes. This extension only pertains to County taxes.

Health

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you are asked to call the State Health Department at 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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