Mayor Herrin's

BOROUGH BRIEFS

 

March 12, 2020

 

3/12/2020

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC UPDATE

I will be providing regular updates on the management of novel coronavirus transmission in our community. If you have questions, reach out to my office.

Email: DHerrin@west-chester.com

Phone: 610-696-1452

 

Cases

  • No confirmed cases in Chester County. 

  • 14 presumptive and 2 positive cases in PA (n=16).

 

Critical Actions We Must All Take Now 

 

#1.  Protect the elderly and other residents who have serious chronic medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, cancer, hypertension). The risk of dying from COVID-19 increases markedly with age and with certain pre-existing conditions. Follow these prevention guidelines to reduce your own chance of infection, and thereby reduce the chance you will infect others. 

 

#2.  Practice voluntary social distancing now:

  • Avoid large gatherings. 
  • Distance yourself from others. Do not shake hands, touch, or hug acquaintances. Leave empty seats between people when you’re in a place of worship or similar setting. Avoid close contact to avoid viral transmission. 
  • Create and take advantage of work-from-home policies whenever possible.

 

Actions the Borough is Taking

 

  • All Borough-based elder facilities (nursing-assisted and independent) are sharing their COVID-19 prevention policies with the Mayor’s Office so we may work together to maximize protection of our most vulnerable residents.

 

  • The WC Police Department instituted policies to protect our officers from viral contamination and better ensure a fully-staffed police force. 

 

  • The following policies have been instituted in all Borough facilities: 
    • Social distancing of 6 feet for all public meetings 
    • All other meetings performed via teleconference or postponed 
    • No use of meeting rooms by outside groups 
    • No vendors permitted inside building; no visitors in secure areas 
    • No nonessential business travel 
    • Non-punitive use of sick time. 

 

Actions To Come

 

The Centers for Disease Control is warning of widespread COVID-19 transmission in the U.S. I will follow the strong and clear advice of experts and take proactive action to protect our at-risk citizens, our first responders, our healthcare workers, and every person who lives and works here. 

 

I am therefore preparing to issue a state of emergency. This will enable passage of temporary community-wide social distancing regulations to reduce viral spread in our Borough.  

 

I will communicate all information to you as it becomes available. I know each and every person who lives and works here will come together and support each other in every way. West Chester has always been and will continue to be a community characterized by its compassion, resilience, and unity.

 

I personally thank you for your support, and for your calm and clear commitment to following these actions as we move forward together. 

 

More information: 

Centers for Disease Control

Chester County Department of Health

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401 East Gay Street, West Chester, PA, USA

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