Wolf to lift most COVID restrictions May 31; mask mandate to continue until 70% get 1st vaccine

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa The battle against COVID-19 has been a long — and difficult  — one, but it appears rising vaccination rates and dropping infection and death rates will allow the commonwealth to end most of its pandemic-related restrictions at the end of this month, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Tuesday, while also setting a vaccination goal to end the state’s...

A tale of two countries tells us the vaccine works; get your shot if you haven’t yet

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa It’s May and flowers (and pollen, achoo) are blooming everywhere in Chester County. You know what else is blooming: optimism that the worst of the COVID-19 is over in our area and we are working our way past this pandemic. If you want a shot, you pretty much can walk up in a number of locations and get one. About 65% of the adult population of the...

Chesco announces two more COVID vaccination sites: Exton Mall, Longwood Gardens

WEST CHESTER — Chester County residents can now get their COVID-19 vaccine in two, new unique ways: via a drive-thru clinic or — at the mall, as the county makes a push to get more people inoculated. There seems to be a clear indication that the vaccine is having a local impact: 60% of county residents have had at least one shot to date and new infections and hospitalizations are beginning...

Wolf: Starting tomorrow (April 13) all 16+ eligible for COVID vaccine in Pa.

Pennsylvania will beat by nearly a week a federal mandate to open vaccines to all over age 16, by doing so tomorrow April 13, Gov, Tom Wolf said Monday. “We need to maintain acceleration of the vaccine rollout, especially as case counts and hospitalization rates have increased,” Wolf said in a statement. “Therefore, just as President (Joe) Biden has brought forward universal adult access...

County: Everyone over age 16 eligible for COVID vaccine

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa If you’ve been waiting patiently for the COVID-19 vaccine, Chester County has news for you: it is now your turn if you are over age 16. The county Health Department announced Friday that appointments will not be available for all adults, more than a week earlier than federal guidelines required. The expansion comes in part because the county...

Get over it: COVID passports are going to happen

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa On this Easter Sunday — one that feels a whole lot different than the one a year ago — there is both hope and fear. We’re close. More than a third of the adult population of Pennsylvania, as of Saturday, has had at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, with thousands more happening daily. Just short of 2 million have had both shots. Supply,...

State to open vaccine appointments to all by April 19

Updates to add comment from Chester County Commissioners, 4:30 pm If you’ve been waiting for your chance at the COVID-19 vaccine, every resident of the state over age 16 will be eligible to schedule an appointment, but residents in the southeastern portion of the state may still find it tough to get an available appointment, as supply in the commonwealth still trails supply. The move speeds...

Chesco Health launches new vaccine reg. system; everyone in 1A eligible for appointments

WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Health Department has launched a new vaccine registration system for its COVID-19 vaccine program. The new system helps everyone who has already registered with the county health department to easily book a vaccine appointment, and ensures appointments are allocated specifically to the individuals who are being contacted. An email sent this morning to all Phase...

Chester County honors those lost to COVID

Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz is joined by Commissioners Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline, and other County elected officials, to pay tribute to the 747 Chester County residents who have died because of COVID-19. This weekend, Chester County honored the memory of the 747 people in the county who have lost their lives to COVID-19.  Three memorial tributes are being held...

Coatesville VA offering COVID vaccine to all enrolled veterans

Debora Brooks-Wilson receives her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination at Coatesville VA Medical Center on March 25, 2021 after receiving a text message last week offering her the opportunity to schedule an appointment. CALN — Coatesville VA Medical Center (VAMC) began offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all enrolled Veterans on Thursday. The decision to open vaccinations to all enrolled...