Updated, Wednesday, 2:45 p.m.: Adds new county numbers, new state numbers.
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
As Chester County residents hunker down and attempt to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, there were more indications of the growth of virus infections locally and statewide, Wednesday.
As the county number of infections grew to 9 — up three from the day before — the statewide number of positive tests rose to 133.
Some COVID-19 news from the area:
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David N. Wecht released a statement Tuesday saying that he had been exposed to the COVID-19 virus and was self-quarantining in response. Upon returning from overseas studies, one of Justice Wecht’s children tested presumptively positive for COVID-19, the result of which was first reported to him late Monday.
With many businesses shut down and most government offices closed, events continue to be delayed and cancelled.
Winterthur in Delaware – just south of the Pennsylvania state line, announced that the 2020 Point-To-Point races has been cancelled. This year’s event — scheduled for May 3 — would have been the 42nd annual event — a highlight of the local steeplechase season.
“We understand the disappointment felt by all the spectators and riders who come back year after year to enjoy Point-to-Point, but our first priority is the health of the community,” said Carol B. Cadou, Charles F. Montgomery Director and CEO of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. “We respect all federal and local guidelines for hygiene, sanitation, and social distancing as the best defense against the spread of COVID-19. We hope everyone understands the need for these precautions, and we want to assure everyone that the next Point-to-Point will be just as spectacular as ever.”
The organizers of the Devon Horse Show say they are closely monitoring the situation, but have no made any determination about the May 21-31 event. Organizers say they have moved many planning meetings to teleconference, cancelled some and will continue with meetings of 10 persons or less, using appropriate social distancing practices.
“We will continue to closely monitor the events and changes as it relates to the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair,” the statement said. “We have pledged to provide appropriate safeguards and will keep everyone informed if there are any changes.”
Meanwhile, with the Pennsylvania state primary election remains scheduled for April 28, state Sen. Andy Dinniman is reminding county residents that they do not need to show up at the polls this year in order to vote — but can take advantage of the state’s new “no-excuse” absentee voting system.
For voters who plan on using a mail-in ballot in the Primary Election (currently scheduled for Tuesday, April 28) completed applications must be received in the county office by 5:00 p.m. on April 21. The deadline to return voted absentee or mail-in ballot is 8:00 p.m. on April 28.
“I know many voters are rightfully concerned about public health and the upcoming primary election. I encourage you to consider applying for a mail-in ballot,” Dinniman said. “Please do not wait until the deadline because there are concerns that an influx of applications at the last minute could negatively impact the system.”
Dinniman also emphasized that Governor Tom Wolf recently said that Pennsylvania may consider delaying the primary due to the coronavirus pandemic. Wolf said his administration is currently considering that and other possibilities in conjunction with discussions with officials at the Pennsylvania Department of State and Pennsylvania Department of Health.
The Pennsylvania Department of State released the following statement to the media:
“The Department of State is having comprehensive discussions about a range of potential options for the April primary election. Those discussions are being held in consultation with the Department of Health, the governor’s office, the legislature and the counties. Our focus is on best ways to protect the integrity of the election while safeguarding public health. We will immediately notify the public if there are to be any changes in primary or special-election voting. In the meantime, we remind Pennsylvania voters that the new mail-in ballot option provides a valuable alternative and can be used for any reason or no reason at all.”
In addition, Dinniman noted that while his and many other state legislative offices remain temporarily close to the public due to COVID-19 concerns, state government is continuing to operate with many employees working remotely or from home.
That includes legislative operations with the Pennsylvania House yesterday passing temporary rules that allow members to vote remotely.
The state Senate is in session today to pass changes to rules to allow members to vote remotely. Dinniman said he plans to utilize the remote voting system once it is in place.
“It is crucial that residents know and understand that state government continues to operate and we’re streamlining procedures and updating legislative rules to address this unprecedented public health emergency,” Dinniman said. “The focus will be on passing legislation to slow the spread of the virus and address its significant impacts on healthcare, education, the economy, small business, transportation, and nearly every aspect of our daily lives.”
We will get through but we need to act quickly and we must do so with transparency and openness,” he added.
