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
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