Montco issues emergency declaration

Man in Worcester, woman in Lower Gwynedd isolated in their homes

NORRISTOWN » Montgomery County officials and the Office of Public Health provided an update on the two presumptive positive cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Montgomery

County Sunday from the Emergency Operations Center in Eagleville.

The individuals are an adult male Worcester resident and an adult female who lives in Lower Gwynedd.

Both individuals have mild symptoms that do not require hospitalization and are currently in isolation at home. Each was exposed to the virus while traveling in an area of the United States where COVID-19 is present.

The Office of Public Health is continuing to monitor the patients and identifying anyone who may have been in close contact. No other details about the patients will be released to protect their privacy.

“Spread is expected, but please don’t panic. There has been no evidence of community transmission in Montgomery County,” said Valerie A. Arkoosh, chairwoman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “If you have coronavirus symptoms, please stay home and call your healthcare provider for further instructions.”

“We are asking all employers to consider alternative work models such as working remotely and staggered schedules,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., vice chairman of the county commissioners. “Employers should also consider offering or adding paid sick time.”

The commissioners also signed a Declaration of Disaster Emergency, which will enable the County to mobilize resources with less red tape.

To get the latest information and updates regarding COVID-19, please visit the Montco COVID-19 Data Hub at www.montcopa.org and click on “Corona Virus Update.”

A total of four cases of coronavirus have been reported so far in Pennsylvania, two in Montgomery County, one in Delaware County and one in Wayne County.

The woman in Delaware County tested positive for coronavirus after seeking treatment at Crozer-Chester Medical Center after she attended a conference in Boston, according to State Rep. Greg Vitali, D-166, of Haverford.