Delaware County officially is in the yellow phase of Pennsylvania’s reopening guidelines today regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some important things to know, as outlined in a June 4 press conference by Delaware County Council.

Containing the virus

The Stay at Home state order in place for more than 10 weeks expired at 11:59 p.m., June 4.

“This is a sign that the efforts we have all been making as a community to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have been working and have been recognized by the governor’s office and the Pennsylvania Department of Health,” said Council President Brian Zidek. “We are seeing the numbers go down and we know in part that is because of the measures our residents have taken.”

But We’re Not in the Clear Yet

The Yellow Phase means a cautious loosening of some restrictions, said Councilman Kevin Madden.  These are some of the conditions under a Yellow Phase.

• Above all, continue wearing masks in public. Maintain at least six feet distance and wash your hands frequently. Don’t go out if you have virus symptoms.
• Stay at home order is lifted.
• Working from home is still encouraged.
• Gatherings under 25 people are permitted.
• Many businesses can reopen following CDC and state health department guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
• Retail stores can open but are encouraged to continue offering delivery and curbside pickup as much as possible.
• Childcare centers can open with state and CDC health safety guidelines.
• Restaurants and bars can offer outdoor dining, takeout and delivery.
• Indoor dining is not permitted.
• Gyms, salons, malls, movie theaters and casinos remain closed.

Councilman Madden said if Delaware County can continue to demonstrate it is containing the spread of the virus, it could move to a green phase by the end of June.

A green phase would allow all businesses to open and there would be no restrictions on social gathering. Following state and CDC health safety guidelines would still be required.

“It’s important to stress—this is such a crucial period in our fight against this virus. It would be so easy for us all to lower our guard and stop taking precautions and cause another spike. That has happened elsewhere,” he said.

The virus is still in our community, just at lower rates than in April, he added.

DELCO Strong

A grant program for local small businesses, DELCO Strong, is now fully funded by the county.

Councilwoman Elaine Schaeffer reported the business-friendly grant program launched in April provides up to $7,500 for businesses that applied to cover rent, mortgage, utilities and inventory.

More than 1,000 businesses applied for grants and the program’s $1.75 million could only fund 230 of those companies.

On June 3, county council unanimously voted to fully fund DELCO Strong so that all eligible applicants will receive a grant, Schaeffer said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we know this pandemic has been really hard on them and caused financial hardship for almost all of them. We’re committed to help them thrive through this,” she said.

Bringing Back Delco

Businesses will need to comply with health safety guidelines in order to reopen.

A Bringing Back Delco Task Force has been set up to help business owners navigate the requirements and obtain the materials they need to reopen safely.

Discounted cleaning materials and personal protective equipment is offered on the group’s website, along with downloadable signs for display, information and resources.

Trish McFarland, president of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce said they have already run out of the first offering of materials, but that more have been ordered.

The Task Force is a product of The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Commerce Center.

“We are not in the clear yet so we ask everyone to be patient with the business owners, their employees and other patrons. It will take everybody a little bit of time as we adjust working together,” McFarland said.

Schools and youth sports

Schools may resume in-person instruction and activities under the following conditions:

• Post-secondary schools and adult education programs may begin offering in-person instruction on June 5.
• Elementary and secondary schools may begin in-person instruction and activities on July 1.
• Schools should use a phased-in reopening approach.
• Schools must have health and safety plans based on guidelines from the state health department and the CDC.
• The state will soon release guidelines on health safety requirement for youth sports programs to re-open.
• More information on the state guidelines for school re-openings can be found here. 

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