Today the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced 533 additional cases of COVID-19 in the state, bringing the total number to 2,751. Delaware County has 42 additional cases, bringing the total number of cases in Delaware County to 232.
Sadly, there is an additional COVID-19 related death in Delaware County, bringing the total number of deaths to five in the county. The Chester County Health Department has confirmed a 65- year- old male from Springfield Township has passed away from COVID-19. Delaware County Council extends its deepest condolences to his family. As we as a community combat this pandemic together, this loss affects all of us and we are deeply saddened by the news.
Delaware County Council continues to urge residents to follow Governor Wolf’s Stay at Home Order, which will help prevent the spread of the virus and protect our community. The order took effect on Monday, March 23 and will continue until April 6. Individuals may leave their residence only to perform allowable individual activities and allowable essential travel. More information about the order can be found here: www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-and-health-secretary-issue-stay-at-home-orders-to-7-counties-to-mitigate-spread-of-covid-19
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Yesterday Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services announced that the Glen Mills School will serve as an Alternative Care Site for the region.
Up to 700 volunteers are needed to support the Alternative Care Site at the Glen Mills School. The site, currently being set up by members of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, National Guard and the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services will serve as a medical facility specifically for patients who have not tested positive for COVID-19, but are being treated for low-acuity conditions at regional hospitals, in the event that a hospital is full treating COVID-19 patients.
The Alternative Care Site will be staffed by professionals from participating Health Care Systems and supported by volunteers from across the region.
There is an urgent need for volunteers including:
Active and retired medical and healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and veterinarians
Medical and nursing students
Behavioral Health professionals
Support, Administrative and Logistic Staff
Citizen Corps of Delaware County
Volunteers will be providing patient care for patients with low-acuity conditions from regional hospitals. The site will not be used to treat patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.
“There is a critical need for volunteers to serve their community as we face this pandemic together,” said Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek. “We are fortunate to a have a safe location for our family members, friends and neighbors to go, where they can receive medical care in the event that our hospitals become over-run with COVID-19 emergencies. There has been a great deal of collaboration to bring this facility to Delaware County and now we are leaning on our community to come together and volunteer.”
Residents can serve their community during a very critical time. This is a global pandemic and America has had the opportunity to learn from other countries and act swiftly on measures to mitigate the virus and protect Americans. Other countries have been successful in utilizing hundreds of thousands of volunteers in their efforts to fight COVD-19. Countries with a robust volunteer response have had success in flattening the curve and controlling the virus.
"During this unprecedented challenge, we need residents to step-up and help where they can,” said Chairman Zidek. “We are all impacted by COVID-19 and we need to work together and fight this together. Many residents have been asking how they can help. This is your chance. This is an opportunity to serve your community when the need is great.”
Volunteers can register on the Delaware County Citizen Corps website: www.delcocitizencorps.com/
Click on the blue “volunteer” button.
Residents or organizations who would like to donate protective and medical supplies and equipment and also in-kind donations can call 1-800-253-3102 or email: EOC@DelcoDES.org
Another reminder--
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.
The County has a website dedicated to information on the Coronavirus, including prevention, resources and a FAQ section with links to the Chester County Health Department, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC. The website is: www.delcopa.gov/ich/resources/coronavirus.html
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The Chester County Health Department has updated their website to include data and maps for Delaware County COVID-19 cases. Residents can visit the website for COVID-19 data and information on how to keep themselves, their family and friends, and the community healthy.
The website is: www.chesco.org/4376/Coronavirus-COVID-19
It can also be accessed on the Delaware County’s COVID-19 website by clicking on the blue COVID-19 banner: www.delcopa.gov/ich/resources/coronavirus.html
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There are two local numbers for residents to call for COVID-19 related resources and questions. Residents can call the Chester County Health Department Hotline at 610-344-6225. They have staff on site from 8:30am-4:30pm, seven days a week answering questions. They have also partnered with the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline, which is staffed 24/7. Residents can call 1-800-722-7112.
Residents are encouraged to register for the DelcoAlert notification system which alerts residents of updates and emergencies. You can register here: www.delcopa.gov/delcoalert/delcoalert.html