COVID-19 Update, May 4: States announce deal to work together for medical supplies; new cases appear to be trending down

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
The chart of new cases, blue and negative tests, in aqua, from the Chester County Health Department as of May 4.
As the state Department of Health (DOH) continues to report a gradual slowing of new COVID-19 cases, residents in 24 counties prepare to enjoy a bit more of an open life later this week — as health officials cautioned the importance of...
So…how many people are you willing to let die?

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
We’d like it to be over, but it’s not.
The news that some 24 Pennsylvania counties will move a more open “yellow” stage next week naturally has folks in Chester County asking when will things open up here?
The honest answer: not that soon. June, maybe.
The numbers tell the story: new case numbers are not declining, if anything, they’ve been...
What To Do: Visit the world’s great gardens, virtually

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Longwood Gardens
“April Showers” are done and now it’s time for “May Flowers.”
Garden sites and horticultural attractions all over the Northern Hemisphere usually are a bustle of activity with visitors arriving to check out this year’s spring flowers in an attractive live setting.
But COVID-19 has forced everyone to stay at home in order...
COVID-19 Update, May 1: Wolf to start reopening in 22 counties; Chester likely to among last to open

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf began the slow process of reopening the state Friday by saying 22 counties will shift from from fully closed — or red status — to partially open — or yellow status — on next Friday, May 8.
The 24 counties that will move from red to yellow on May 8 are: Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie,...
Storms knock out power for thousands; many won’t see restoration until late Saturday
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Folks all over Chester County are cleaning up and some are still dealing with power outages after a wind/rain storm passed through Chester County, Thursday.
While thousands of customers in the county lost power, Thursday, many have seen their power restored, according to PECO. Still, others have been told not to expect power restoration until late...
COVID-19 Update, April 30: State case load stabilizes, county cases continue to grow

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
New cases of the COVID-19 virus continued bounce up and down statewide — up slightly on Wednesday — as Pennsylvania seems to be more in a plateau than a true decline — although Chester County has seen four straight days of higher numbers; meanwhile, state Labor and Industry Department officials are offering tips for those trying to navigate...
Commissioners forming COVID-19 Business Task Force

WEST CHESTER — Even as Pennsylvania remains under a stay at home order by Governor Wolf, the Chester County Commissioners have been meeting – virtually – with business and economic leaders and health officials, to formulate plans to get Chester County back to work when the impact of COVID-19 lessens.
Chester County’s approach to the restoration and continued growth of its economy is the...
On Stage: Can’t go to the show? Let it come to you

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Brian Fitzy
This is spring 2020 and, because of the “shelter in place” order caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can’t go to concerts, theater shows or other entertainment.
But they can come to you.
There are hundreds of live streaming shows, online concerts and podcasts every week.
One of the best is coming up this weekend – and one of...
COVID-19 Update, April 29: State moves to address scattered food shortages

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
The number of cases of COVD-19 continued its slow downward trend — some days up, some days down, but the overall number gradually going down — Tuesday, as state officials moved to address some localized food shortages by allowing food and ingredients originally intended for the food service industry to be sold by restaurants and grocery stores.
The...
Commissioners extend essential-services only order; look to reopen county parks in May

WEST CHESTER — After consultation with county health officials, the Chester County Commissioners announced Wednesday the extension of the county government’s essential services-only operation through to Friday, May 15 at all county buildings.
In addition, the Commissioners announced a gradual re-opening of all seven parks owned by Chester County Government. The county’s Black Rock Sanctuary,...