COVID-19 Update, May 5: New cases look to be edging downward, statewide

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Pennsylvania is clearly either seeing a plateau or gradual decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, but the toll of the virus becomes clear as the state Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday it discovered an additional 554 new deaths over the last two weeks as new data was compiled statewide. DOH reported 865 new cases Tuesday, bringing the total...

Coroner: COVID-19 deaths appear to be declining

WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Coroner’s Office released data Monday showing that the number of new COVID-19 deaths reported for the past week was 39, down from a high of 56 in the week ending April 19, 2020. The first confirmed COVID-19 death in Chester County occurred on March 28, 2020, with rapid increases in the number of deaths reported weekly thereafter. As of midnight May 3, 2020,...

COVID-19 Update, May 4: States announce deal to work together for medical supplies; new cases appear to be trending down

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa The chart of new cases, blue and negative tests, in aqua, from the Chester County Health Department as of May 4. As the state Department of Health (DOH) continues to report a gradual slowing of new COVID-19 cases, residents in 24 counties prepare to enjoy a bit more of an open life later this week — as health officials cautioned the importance of...

So…how many people are you willing to let die?

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa We’d like it to be over, but it’s not. The news that some 24 Pennsylvania counties will move a more open “yellow” stage next week naturally has folks in Chester County asking when will things open up here? The honest answer: not that soon. June, maybe. The numbers tell the story: new case numbers are not declining, if anything, they’ve been...

COVID-19 Update, May 1: Wolf to start reopening in 22 counties; Chester likely to among last to open

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Gov. Tom Wolf began the slow process of reopening the state Friday by saying 22 counties will shift from from fully closed — or red status — to partially open — or yellow status — on next Friday, May 8. The 24 counties that will move from red to yellow on May 8 are: Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie,...

Commissioners extend tax deadlines

WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously at this week’s public Commissioners’ Meeting to extend the deadline for payment of County property taxes, due to the economic impact of the coronavirus.  Recognizing that the finances of many Chester County taxpayers have been negatively affected by the closure of local businesses, layoffs and uncertainty of financial...

COVID-19 Update, April 30: State case load stabilizes, county cases continue to grow

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa New cases of the COVID-19 virus continued bounce up and down statewide — up slightly on Wednesday — as Pennsylvania seems to be more in a plateau than a true decline — although Chester County has seen four straight days of higher numbers; meanwhile, state Labor and Industry Department officials are offering tips for those trying to navigate...

Commissioners forming COVID-19 Business Task Force

WEST CHESTER — Even as Pennsylvania remains under a stay at home order by Governor Wolf, the Chester County Commissioners have been meeting – virtually – with business and economic leaders and health officials, to formulate plans to get Chester County back to work when the impact of COVID-19 lessens. Chester County’s approach to the restoration and continued growth of its economy is the...

COVID-19 Update, April 29: State moves to address scattered food shortages

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa The number of cases of COVD-19 continued its slow downward trend — some days up, some days down, but the overall number gradually going down — Tuesday, as state officials moved to address some localized food shortages by allowing food and ingredients originally intended for the food service industry to be sold by restaurants and grocery stores. The...

Commissioners extend essential-services only order; look to reopen county parks in May

WEST CHESTER — After consultation with county health officials, the Chester County Commissioners announced Wednesday the extension of the county government’s essential services-only operation through to Friday, May 15 at all county buildings. In addition, the Commissioners announced a gradual re-opening of all seven parks owned by Chester County Government. The county’s Black Rock Sanctuary,...