Delaware County is facing mounting costs because of the COVID-19 pandemic but $98.9 million in federal funds arrived this week as part of the CARES Act, according to Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther.

That money can cover any expenses for COVID-19-related activities for counties that have over 500,000 people, Reuther said, speaking at an April 24 online Delaware County Council press conference.

The county, with 550,000 residents, is one of six in the state receiving the funds.

The money will not cover lost revenue due to COVID-19, she added.

Delaware County has already spent about $881,000 for 18,000 N95 and surgical masks.

Emergency Management Services Director Tim Boyce reported April 24 that county employees not working at home are supplied masks, as well as any visitors to the buildings.

Federal funds are also being used for virus mitigation and monitoring, building cleaning, staff software to work remotely, and placement of newly homeless in hotels for up to three months.

The new homeless include domestic violence victims, patients released from medical facilities, released prisoners or COVID-19 positive homeless that were living in shelters.

The money has also been used to set up a temporary, expanded morgue at an emergency services training center near Folcroft and Darby Borough to handle COVID-19 fatalities.