Chesco extends service reduction

13 new cases reported in Chesco

WEST CHESTER » Chester County government offices and their services will continue on a reduced, so-called “mission essential,” basis for another two weeks beyond the initial ending date set earlier this month, according to the county commissioners.

In a press release issued late Tuesday, the three commissioners said jointly the continuation of essential services only operation was intended to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The extended period runs to Monday, April 13, beyond the date of March 30 first set when the trio announced their partial shutdown effort 12 days ago, the day the county recorded its first presumed positive case of the potentially deadly disease.

The commissioners said the decision fully embraces the “Stayat-Home” order issued by Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday for Chester County and other suburban Philadelphia counties, and “helps to protect the health and safety of both Chester County’s 2,400 full and part-time employees, and individuals and families throughout the county.”

“The county’s essential services have long been identified in our continuity of operations plan, so while making the decision was not an easy one, enacting it was relatively straightforward,” said commissioners’ Chairwoman Marian Moskowitz in the release.

“Making that decision has proven to be very prudent,” added Moskowitz. “The build-up of prevention measures put in place over the past week by us, by the state and our neighboring counties have been necessary to make every effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. And although we have put an end-date of April 13 on our plan to return to full services, we will continue to evaluate and monitor the need to remain at essential services only beyond that date.”

To date, there have been 54 identified cases of residents infected with the virus in the county, compared with 86 in Bucks County, 101 in Delaware County, and 172 in Montgomery County. There have been no deaths from coronavirus identified in the county

as of Wednesday. The total across the state has climbed to more than 900, with 10 deaths.

The essential services identified by the county range from the 9-1-1 Center, Chester County Prison, Pocopson Home long-term care facility, the Chester County Youth Center and the Coroner’s Office, to crucial court-related and Human Services functions. Following state guidelines, a no-visitor policy remains at the Chester County Prison and at Pocopson Home. Visitors to the Chester County Youth Center are answering a series of questions to determine if they are showing signs of coronavirus, and if they are, they are not allowed to enter.

County Health Department and Emergency Services staff continue to work every day alongside the state Department of Health and other partners, to provide education, mitigation, communication and investigation services related to COVID-19 for both Chester County and Delaware County residents.

“The systems in place, and the efforts of the Health Department staff, are amazing to witness,” said Commissioner Josh Maxwell. “And as would be expected, we take measures every day to screen every person that enters the Health Operations Center and Emergency Operations Center, so that we can ensure that the people doing critical work during this pandemic are removed from the possibility of infection of coronavirus.”

As for government buildings, the county Justice Center remains open but not to the general public. President Judge John Hall last week ordered all but emergency matters continued, and the courthouse off limits except to those needing emergency attention for cases such as custody and protection from abuse until April 14. The county’s administrative offices at 313 West Market Street are closed, but the Government Services Center in West Goshen is open. County parks are closed, but trails such as the Chester Valley Trail are open to the public.

Many services through county offices, such as the Recorder of Deeds and the Office of Voter Services are available online, and those wishing mail-in ballots for the upcoming Primary Election, can be ordered through the county website.

About one quarter of the county’s workforce is still coming to their offices. All others are working from home, and being paid as usual.

In the weeks since moving to essential operations, the commissioners, the county’s administrative staff and department heads have established special programs, services and public information to support individuals, families and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Commissioner Michelle Kichline said, “We are focusing our time on strengthening links with all county-based hospital systems to determine current and future testing capabilities for COVID-19. We have also held a remote Town Hall gathering with vital information for our businesses through partnerships with the Chester County Chamber and Economic Development Council, and we maintain communication with all municipalities – all in an effort to meet the needs of everyone who has been hard-hit by this situation.

“We will not stop our focus on meeting the food, shelter and employment needs of everyone in Chester County, and encourage everyone do their part by following the governor’s stay-at-home order and taking all precautions to get us through the coronavirus crisis,” said Kichline.