By Mike McGann, Editor, The TImes
Testing being done at the state lab in Exton. Courtesy, Pa. Dept. of Health.
COVID-19 cases continue to grow in Pennsylvania, with cases statewide spiking to 851 in 40 counties with seven deaths, according to the state Department of Health.
In Chester County, numbers jumped again, rising to 41 from 30 yesterday, with 624 tests coming back negative. No one in Chester County has died from COVID-19.
“Our notable increase in cases over the past few days indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe. We have seen case counts continue to increase and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home.”
At least 9,494 have been tested statewide between definitive negative and positive tests — it is likely there are more incomplete tests still out.
For the additional information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.
Meanwhile, the enforcement phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s order for “non life-sustaining” businesses has begun in earnest, with State Police reporting the first wave of warnings to businesses not in compliance. Statewide, 27 warnings were issued and no summons.
“As expected, we found the overwhelming majority of people and businesses across the commonwealth are voluntarily complying with the order and doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “This process is two phased beginning with warnings to gain voluntary compliance, followed by enforcement as necessary.”
La Comunidad Hispana plans to remain open for acute care at all three of their locations in Kennett Square, West Grove, and Oxford.
“As other healthcare providers have closed their doors temporarily, we know that many people are struggling to find a place to go for the care they need,” said Mariana Izraelson, Psy.D., PMP, Chief Executive Officer. “If someone is sick and needs to see a provider, we want to be the local resource to address a patient’s concerns and provide care right away. By keeping our doors open for acute visits, we can help to minimize the potential bottle neck at the hospital and other emergency care centers.”
For more information on which services are available — and to stay current as DOH directives continue to evolve — go to their Website: www.LaComunidadHispana.org
In light on the ongoing crisis, PECO announced Tuesday that it would begin reconnecting accounts that had been turned off for non-payment.
Customers who have had their electric service disconnected should contact PECO at 1-800-494-4000 to begin the reconnection process. No new connection fees or deposits will be required however customers will continue to be responsible for previous unpaid balances. As part of this process, PECO Customer Care Associates will work with customers to help identify assistance programs that can supplement bill payment and can help ensure service remains on after this pandemic.
“We provide an important service and recognize that our customers are relying on electricity during this critical time,” said Mike Innocenzo, PECO president and CEO. “We need to come together in support of one another during this time, ensuring every customer has access to safe and reliable electric service is just one of the many ways we are doing just that.”
