SEEING GREEN
Delco moves to pandemic green phase next Friday:
Delco’s about to go green. On Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that Delaware County will be among the
12 counties moving to the pandemic’s green phase as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26.
“When these 12 counties move on June 26, we will have nearly every county in green,” Wolf said. “It’s a testament to the many residents and businesses that have sacrificed over the past three months to stay home and adhere to the guidance the state has provided to protect lives and livelihoods. As we begin to reopen, I urge everyone to stay alert and continue to follow social distancing to maintain the momentum of mitigation we have in place.”
As of Friday, Delaware County had registered 7,050 positive cases and
681 deaths due to coronavirus, according to the Chester County Health Department, who has been handling all of the services and data collection pertaining to COVID-19.
On March 6, Pennsylvania reported its first two coronavirus cases, including one in Delaware County.
The governor closed all Pennsylvania schools on March 13 and all non-lifesustaining businesses on March 13. He then issued a stay-at-home order for Delaware County and others on March 23.
He moved the county to yellow phase on June 5.
“Delaware County is prepared to move to the next level of re-opening,” said Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek. “Delaware County has been and will continue to work with public health officials from the state and the Chester County Health Department, as well as the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, to ensure businesses and residents are educated and prepared as we enter the green phase. We urge businesses, organizations, and residents to continue to follow guidance from public health officials to ensure we can safely and confidently re-open.”
Several factors contributing to Delaware County’s progression included stable, decreasing or lowcount case counts in comparative two-week periods, contacts of cases are being monitored, PCR positivity rate is less than 10 percent over the last 14 days and hospital bed use is 90 percent or lower.
The Centers for Disease Control noted that Pennsylvania is among only three states with a 42-day steady decline in cases as the governor emphasized the need to continue protection measures such as wearing a mask.
“By participating in small actions recommended by the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can continue to break transmission links even while we resume our daily activities,” he said. “Things like washing hands, bringing our own water to sports practice and, of course, wearing masks.”
County officials supported that sentiment.
“Delaware County Council has been doing everything within our ability to help bring Delaware County into the green phase and to ease restrictions in both a safe and timely manner that does not jeopardize the lives of
“Delaware County Council has been doing everything within our ability to help bring Delaware County into the green phase and to ease restrictions in both a safe and timely manner that does not jeopardize the lives of our residents.”
— Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek
our residents,” Zidek said. “The green phase does not mean ‘full-throttle go.’ Just as we did throughout the yellow phase, all residents are strongly urged to continue to follow public health guidance. This includes wearing a mask in public, continue social distancing, work from home if you can, and continue proper hygiene recommendations.”
In green phase, businesses are still encouraged strongly to remain teleworking, if possible. Businesses with in-person operations must follow state business and building safety requirements. Businesses operating at 50 percent occupancy in yellow phase may increase to 75 percent occupancy in green phase.
Child care may open, as long as they comply with guidance. Congregate care restrictions are in place. Prison and hospital restrictions will be determined by those individual facilities.
Schools will be subject to CDC and state guidance.
Also in green phase, large gatherings of more than 250 remain prohibited. Masks are required when entering a business. Restaurants and bars can open at 50 percent occupancy. Personal care services such as hair salons and barbershops can also operate at 50 percent occupancy and appointments are strongly encouraged.
Entertainment, such as casinos, theaters and shopping malls, can open at 50 percent occupancy and construction many return to full capacity as long as protocols are followed.
All businesses must follow CDC and state Department of Health guidelines for social distancing and cleaning.
As of Friday, there were 54 counties in green and 13, including Delaware County, in yellow. The only county, as of June 26, remaining in yellow is Lebanon because of its increase in cases.