Update on COVID-19 Cases in Montgomery County

Blogger's Note: The following was released at 8 p.m. from Montgomery County officials. We post it here as a public service.

Montgomery County officials and the Office of Public Health (OPH) announced two additional presumptive positive cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Montgomery County today. There are now a total number of four COVID-19 cases in Montgomery County.

The newly identified individuals are an adult male and an adult female who both reside in the same household in Lower Merion Township.

Like the two previous patients, both newly identified individuals have mild symptoms that do not require hospitalization and are currently in isolation at home. Each was exposed to the virus while traveling out of the country to an area where COVID-19 is present. 

No other details about the patients will be released to protect their privacy.

The two cases announced earlier in the day are an adult male Worcester resident and an adult female who lives in Lower Gwynedd.

Both of those individuals have mild symptoms that do not require hospitalization and are currently in isolation at home. Each of those two were exposed to the virus while traveling in an area of the United States where COVID-19 is present. The OPH is continuing to monitor all the patients and identifying anyone who may have been in close contact. 

"Montgomery County officials have been preparing for the eventuality of COVID-19 within the County, and are taking the appropriate steps. I want to remind everyone to follow the CDC COVID-19 prevention guidelines, and if you have symptoms stay at home and call your healthcare provider," said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

“Spread is expected, but please don’t panic. There has been no evidence of community transmission in Montgomery County,” said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair, 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 Chair, Montgomery County Board of 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.

This is an evolving situation. To get the latest information and updates regarding COVID-19, visit the Montco COVID-19 Data Hub at www.montcopa.org and click on "Corona Virus Update."

Pottstown Schools Response

Blogger's Note: The following information from Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez was posted on the Pottstown School District web site:

• Our nurse and administration are working with Montgomery County Health Department, and other state/county officials to be as prepared and safe as we can be.
• Earlier this month, the state Department of Health (DOH) activated the Health Emergency Operations Center to streamline cross-sector coordination. We will coordinate our efforts locally and state-wide.
• This CDC Fact sheet is very helpful in understanding Coronavirus or COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
• Our Maintenance and custodial staff are cleaning surfaces and classrooms with appropriate sanitation methods.

TIPS TO KEEP YOU SAFE:

• If your child is sick, please keep them home until they are feeling better.

• Cover coughs and/or sneezes with your forearm/elbow. Do not use your hands.

• MOST IMPORTANTLY: Wash your hands often using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

As more information becomes available, we will share it with you. Should you have any specific health concerns regarding your child, please contact your pediatrician and connect with our school nurses."

Here is a video posted on the school district web site about the virus: