COVID-19 Update, April 14: Cases level off; Wolf offers thanks to Pa. residents

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The April 14 map of COVID-19 infections in Chester County. Courtesy, Chester County Health. The positive trends in COVID-19 cases is continuing statewide and here in Chester County, although caseloads and fatalities continue to be at high numbers — as state officials caution this is not the time to end or relax social distancing, the battle against the virus...

COVID-19 Update, April 13: Mid-Atlantic states to work together to plan ‘reopening’

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Better numbers and a process to create a plan to reopen the region, Monday, may be the first signs that the tide is turning in the battle against the deadly COVID-19 virus. New case and fatality numbers in Pennsylvania and Chester County fell Sunday, as the governors of a number of Mid-Atlantic states announced process to jointly create a plan to slowly reopen...

Wolf’s conduct on the pipeline is impossible to explain

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times It runs like a scar across Chester County, a tear far more than a flesh wound, winding across the middle of the county as a reminder that the rich and the powerful can always buy off government at the expense of the people. It is, of course, the Mariner East II pipeline. It is appears to be back under construction because of a waiver from the Wolf Administration...

COVID-19 Update, April 9: Wolf moves to close schools for remainder of the year

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Gov. Tom Wolf moved Thursday to end all in person school instruction for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, as the state added nearly 2,000 new positive COVID-19 cases, although the number of deaths dropped to 29 on Wednesday after having been in the 70s the previous two days. Wolf announced the extension of the schools closure, noting he made the decision...

COVID-19 Update, April 6: Cases, deaths continue to rise

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times A map of the cases — by percentage of population — as of April 6 in Chester County. Courtesy, Chester County Health Department. The rate of COVID-19 infections continue to grow in the state and in Chester County, based on new numbers released Monday. The State Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,470 new positive tests and 12 fatalities in 65 of the state’s...

When it comes to the pipeline, what the heck is Wolf thinking?

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times So here’s the thing: I can’t get a bottle of tequila, but somehow, Energy Transfer/Sunoco (ET/S) can keep on building Mariner East II and — based on numerous photos circulating on social media — is completely ignoring social distancing rules. I get there is a crisis on — so the margaritas can wait for a better day. But building a pipeline? It’s a priority. Wait,...

COVID-19 Update, March 31: Pa. cases, deaths continue to rise; Devon Horse Show cancelled

Updated 1:35 p.m.: Adds extension of essential services only through April 30 for Chester County. Updated 1:20 p.m.: Includes seven new counties under stay at home order. By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Cases of COVID-19 continue to grow in Pennsylvania and Chester County and the death toll in the commonwealth continues to rise. The state Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday that there are...

COVID-19 Update, March 30: First death recorded in Chesco; state, local infections continue to rise

Updated, 3 pm: Adds four new counties under “stay at home” orders. By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times A map showing the cases of COVID-19 cases in Chester County as of March 30. Courtesy, Chester County Health Department. Chester County suffered its first fatality, Sunday, from the COVID-19 virus, county officials said Monday. The victim was an 89-year-old male who lived in Willistown...

COVID-19 Update 3-27: Cases continue to climb in Pa.; primary election formally delayed

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The steady growth in cases of COVID-19 and deaths continues in Pennsylvania, while growth in Chester County appears to have slowed for one day, while state government continues to add legislation and programs in order to aid the fight against the deadly virus. The new numbers, as of midday Friday from the state Department of Health said that there are 531 additional...

Wolf flawed but OK on COVID-19, but DOH dropping the ball

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times I don’t want to nitpick, but… Look, let’s be clear: Gov. Tom Wolf has done a solid job in reacting to COVID-19 crisis. Compared to knuckleheads like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, he’s been brilliant. Compared to President Donald Trump….well, he’s a super genius. But, admittedly, that’s been kind of a low bar. Compare Wolf to...