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Friday, March 6, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania reported its first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Delaware and Wayne Counties. As of the time of the writing of this article (Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m.), there are 47 presumed or positive cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania spanning 12 counties. The epicenter of the virus seems to be the city of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties (Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks). In the span of a week, the daily life of Pennsylvanians has been turned upside down, as we each do our part to contain the spread of COVID-19. Yet, how did we get here? What happens next? Below is a summary of the actions taken by Commonwealth officials to keep all of us safe.
Following the identification of possible infected persons Friday, March 6, Governor Tom Wolf issued a disaster declaration in order to provide resources and support for the Commonwealth’s response. According to the Governor’s March 6 statement, the disaster declaration gives the Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency David (Randy) Padfield the authority “to assume command and control of all statewide emergency operations and authorize and direct that all commonwealth departments and agencies use all available resources and personnel as is deemed necessary to cope with this emergency situation.” In the following days, the number of presumed positive cases grew, and Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine gave multiple press updates informing Pennsylvanians on how to prepare for and prevent the spread of COVID-19. In her most recent press release, Dr. Levine stated, “Pennsylvanians should know that we are taking every precaution to keep our communities safe… It is important for residents to remember to stay calm. We have the networks in place to ensure that we continue to make a healthy Pennsylvania for all.”
Friday, March 13, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency, which gives access to approximately $50 billion “for states and territories and localities in our shared fight against this disease.” So far, the Governor’s office or other officials have not announced any reaction to the President’s action. However, on the same day, Wolf announced that “all schools in the commonwealth close for the next two weeks.” Following the 10 business days, the Commonwealth will reevaluate and decide whether or not to continue the closure. The Governor also assured Pennsylvanians that “no school district will be penalized if it fails to meet the 180 day or school hours requirements.”
According to the daily COVID-19 report on the Department of Health’s website, the Commonwealth has several action items for the near future. In the coming days, the Commonwealth plans to develop mitigation guidelines for schools and other targeted groups, hold calls with County and Municipal Health Departments weekly and/or as needed and continue to coordinate with agency partners. The Department has also admitted that they are currently facing challenges with the evolving state of national guidance and in assessing supply chain issues. Finally, the report explains that the state’s lab in Exton, Pennsylvania continues to test specimens of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes the disease COVID-19).
If you want to stay informed about the Commonwealth’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, go to On.pa.gov/COVID-19, sign up for AlertPA text notifications and follow the PA Department of Health on twitter at @PAHealthDept. Also continue to monitor your local media for important announcements regarding COVID-19. In order to protect yourself and others, the Commonwealth encourages that you continue to wash hands, practice social distancing, and create a home emergency kit.
