From time to time we will have updates on resources and actions concerning the Coronavirus 19 pandemic.
Updated 1/9/2021
The PA Department of Health has updated its
COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan. The
plan is available on the PA Department of Health website.
Also available is
a feedback form for all interested parties to provide input to be considered by the Department of Health. This form helps to fulfill the administration’s goal of promoting transparency and making this dynamic process as inclusive as possible.
The
plan updates Phases 1A, 1B, and 2, and adds a 1C section.
- Phase 1A remains centered around healthcare workers as defined by ACIP as paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. These include, but are not limited to emergency medical service personnel, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, technicians, chiropractors, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, health professions students and trainees, direct support professionals, clinical personnel in school settings or correctional facilities, contractual HCP not directly employed by the health care facility, and other persons when working in health care settings, such as regulatory staff who perform on-site assessments in hospitals and 1A long-term care facilities, long-term care ombudsmen, Older Adult Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and Child Protective Services staff that are required to do on-site assessments in hospitals and 1A long-term care facilities, and volunteer personnel not directly involved in patient care but potentially exposed to infectious material that can transmit disease among or from health care personnel and patients.
- Phase 1B now includes all adults aged 75 and older, residents of non-1A congregate care facilities, and additional front-line essential workers, defined by CDC as “essential workers who perform duties across critical infrastructure sectors and maintain the services and functions that U.S. residents depend on daily and likely at highest risk for work-related exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, because their work-related duties must be performed on-site and involve being in close proximity (<6 feet) to the public or to coworkers”. These include, but are not limited to, law enforcement, fire/rescue personnel, PA National Guard not included in 1A, emergency services personnel, corrections officers and other staff of non-1A congregate care settings, public transit workers, grocery store workers, education workers, manufacturing workers, and childcare workers.
- A Phase 1C has been created to include adults aged 65-74, adults 18-64 with a serious underlying condition that puts them at increased risk if they contract COVID-19, and essential workers in critical industries not covered under 1B. Per ACIP guidance, these industries include, but are not limited to, water and wastewater, finance, information technology, energy, food service, and federal/state/county/local government.
- Phase 2: On December 22, 2020, the CDC adopted the recommendations of the ACIP to vaccinate any individual over the age of 16 who agrees and does not have a contraindication for vaccine. Note that at this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech product is approved for those age 16 and 17.
new housing resources as of Dec 2020:
The Self-Determination Housing of PA (SDHP) is a statewide organization that advocates for accessible, affordable, and integrated housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout the Commonwealth. They leverage their collective knowledge to connect stakeholders with information and resources to increase choice and affordability in housing for people with disabilities, so that a person’s disability, or wealth, is never a barrier for accessing a home that is properly configured for their enjoyment and personal comfort. To further their vision, they work closely with partnering organizations, government institutions, and other entities to promote sensible public policies and inclusive regulatory rules in the field of accessible housing on behalf of individuals with disabilities. SDHP is holding a series of webinars in January. Details can be found in the attachments and these links:
- Addressing a Housing Crisis, Thu, Jan 7, 2021, 12pm – 1pm
- Navigating Income-Based Housing Options, Thu, Jan 21, 2021, 10– 11:30 am
- Eviction Prevention and Processes, Thu, Jan 14, 2021, 1pm – 2pm
- Faith Communities and Housing Crises, Wed, Jan 6, 1pm – 2pm
- Faith Communities and Housing Crises, Wed, Jan 20, 12pm - 1pm
Prepared Renter Education Program Series:
- Prepared Renter Education Program (PREP) Part 1, Tue, Jan 5, 2021, 10am – 11am
- Prepared Renter Education Program (PREP) Part 2, Tue, Jan 12, 2021, 10am – 11am
- Prepared Renter Education Program (PREP) Part 3, Tue, Jan 19, 2021, 10am – 11am
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Keeping Businesses, Customers, & Employees Safe
from Governor in Nov 2020
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Businesses play a critical role in protecting workers, customers, suppliers, and the general public. Yesterday the Wolf Administration issued the Mitigation, Enforcement, and Immunity Order that consolidates previous business orders and includes reiterating cleaning and social distancing requirements, mandatory telework requirements, unless impossible, and other safety measures.
To help with enforcement of existing masking orders in businesses, those businesses that maintain in-person operations and are open to the public will receive immunity from civil liability only as it relates to the Secretary’s masking order given that individuals and entities are engaged in essential emergency services activities and disaster services activities when enforcing the order. |
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To help slow the spread of COVID, businesses must reduce their indoor and outdoor capacity for events or gatherings. Those venues must determine their occupancy limit as defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code and then apply the attendee calculator to determine how many attendees are permitted to attend the event or gathering. These new occupancy restrictions apply only to distinct events or gatherings, and not regular business operations such as restaurant service or retail shopping. An event or gathering is a temporary grouping of individuals for defined purposes, that takes place over a limited timeframe, such as hours or days.
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Maximum Occupancy for indoor events:
Maximum Occupancy
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Allowable Indoor Rate
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0 - 2,000 people
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10% of Maximum Occupancy
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2,001 - 10,000 people
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5% of Maximum Occupancy
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Over 10,000 people
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No events over 500 people
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Maximum Occupancy for outdoor events:
Maximum Occupancy
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Allowable Outdoor Rate
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0 - 2,000 people
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15% of Maximum Occupancy
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2,001 - 10,000 people
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10% of Maximum Occupancy
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Over 10,000 people
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5% of Maximum Capacity up to 2,500
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With the upcoming holidays, gatherings are not advised to be held with guests that are not part of your immediate household. To learn more about holiday gathering safety tips, visit the pa.gov/COVID website.
Specifically, to address large holiday crowds, on Nov. 25, 2020 only, all sales or the dispensing of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption at businesses in the retail food services industry, including bars, restaurants, and private catered events must end at 5PM. Read more about the Retail Food Services Mitigation Order.
Indoor dining may continue, and takeout is strongly encouraged. |
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Together, we can and will defeat the virus. We are in the fall resurgence of COVID and as Pennsylvanians, we must do everything we can to stop the spread.
Orders already in place and those announced yesterday are enforceable. Law enforcement and state agencies will be ramping their efforts with the issuing of citations and fines. Individuals and businesses who fail to comply with an order may be fined $25 - $300 dollars.
The following orders must be followed:
- Out of state travel
- Mask-wearing
- Business safety, including telework, occupancy, cleaning, social distancing
- Restaurant mitigation, including occupancy, masking, social distancing,
self-certification
- Gathering limits
- School attestation and mitigation
Individuals with concerns of possible COVID-19 health and safety violations in a workplace can submit a complaint to the PA Department of Health (DOH). Following a complaint, the DOH will send a warning letter to the business of potential consequences, including fines and closure if the business is not compliant with the current mitigation orders.
Included in these efforts and the new enforcement order, local governments have now been granted the authority and guidance on enforcement of the various COVID-19 orders in place. Local leaders can implement their own orders, ordinances, or directives in order to protect health and safety as long as they are stricter than those mandated by the state.
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COVID is tough, but together, Pennsylvanians are tougher. United, we can defeat the virus. You matter, and so do your actions.
Let’s work together to stop the spread. For more information about what you can do to protect yourself, your family, business, neighbors, and community from COVID, visit PA.GOV/COVID. Check out our Community Resources for downloadable posters, social media materials, and other free marketing materials.
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Homeless Assistance Program
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The Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) helps to assure that homelessness can be avoided, people who are homeless can find refuge and care and homeless and near homeless clients are assisted in moving toward self-sufficiency.
Visit the Homeless Assistance Program page on the DHS website for more information and a list of county specific contact information.
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updated Mental Health Information from PAVOAD July 3, 2020
Pennsylvania State-based helplines for COVID-19 mental/spiritual/emotional health support
PA DHS Support and Referral Helpline – 1-855-284-2494
For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.
This 24/7 helpline is staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers to help Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions due to the COVID-19 emergency and refer them to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs.
Keystone Disaster Spiritual Care Network Helpline - 1-888-255-6520
This 24/7 helpline for spiritual and emotional support is open to anyone who is looking for guidance or just needs to talk to someone during this time of uncertainty and fear.
Trained volunteers from the religious community will be available to assist people of all
faiths by listening actively and providing encouragement without judgement based on
the best practices of the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters for
spiritual and emotional care in times of crisis.
PA Get Help Now Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Individuals with substance use disorder seeking treatment and recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call this toll-free helpline which is staffed by trained professionals who directly connect callers to local supports and services. A live chat option is also available online or via text message at 717-216-0905 for those seeking help who may not be comfortable speaking to a helpline operator.
Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741
National helplines that have COVID-19
specific services
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990
Text: “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Disasterdistress.samhsa.gov
Many are struggling to cope emotionally with the COVID-9 outbreak. The free, national Disaster Distress Helpline is a source for 24/7 crisis counseling and emotional support.
Calls to 1-800-985-5990 and texts (text TalkWithUs to 66746) are answered by trained counselors from a network of independently operated crisis centers located across the United States.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) HelpLine
Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, EST at 1-800-950-6264
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
This 24/7 free and confidential hotline provides support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources.
Veterans Crisis Line: Suicide Prevention Hotline, Text & Chat
Free, confidential support for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text to 838255
More Information Here
The Trevor Project — Saving Young LGBTQ Lives
A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. 1-866-488-7386 (Open 24/7). More Information Here
American Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center
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The American Red has developed a program to support individuals and families who have lost family members to death as a result of COVID-19. The program will link crisis counselors with families to provide emotional and spiritual support, as well as targeted short-term case management to assist with navigating through the challenging processes which might include challenges with moving the family member’s body through the hospital, nursing home, medical examiner and funeral home systems in this time when those systems may be overwhelmed and their processes may be different than they normally are. They may also include linkage to legal resources for estate, custody, immigration or other issues related to the death.
Connect with the Red Cross immediately by calling us toll-free at 833-492-0094. Language services for non-English speaking callers will be provided.
Pennsylvania-specific resources can be found at –
https://www.redcross.org/virtual-family-assistance-center/pa-family-assistance-center.html
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Chester Country Dept of Human Services
A Comprehensive List of Resources to Address Community Needs during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak in Chester County
Chester County Resource List June 2020
Below is a menu of resource categories.
b. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
c. United Way of Chester County 2-1-1 (All Resource Phone Line)
i. This is a phone line which call specialist connect callers with local resources needed.
Resources such as food, housing, employment, etc.
211 call specialists are available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-866-964-7922.
TTY and language services are available in more than 170 languages and dialects.
Chester County residents can also text their zip code to 898-211.
d. Chester County Information and Referral Agencies
i. Human Services Inc. (West Chester Area): 610-429-3033
ii. La Comunidad Hispana (Kennett Area): 610-444-7550
iii. Maternal and Child Health Consortium (Coatesville Area): 484-378-4030
iv. Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center (Southern Chester County): 610-932-8557
v. Phoenixville Area Community Services (Phoenixville Area): 610-933-1105
2. Mental Wellness
a. Warm Lines
i. If you're feeling lonely, worried, anxious and need to talk to someone, call:
Chester County Warm Line: 1-866-846-2722.
Pennsylvania COVID-19 Statewide Support and Referral Line: The toll-free number to call is 1-855-284-2494.
b. Crisis Lines
i. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, call:
Return to Table of Contents
Chester County Valley Creek Crisis Center (24 hours a day, 7 days a week): 610-280-3270.
National Suicide Prevention Life Line: 1-800-273-8255.
If you would rather be in touch via text message, use the National Crisis Text Line: 741-741.
ii. Veterans Crisis Line
National Veterans Suicide Prevention Life Line: 1-800-273-8255 PRESS #1.
c. Mental Wellness Resources
If you have health insurance, call the number on the back of the member card to ask about mental health or behavioral health coverage.
If you have Medical Assistance/HealthChoices, contact Community Care Behavioral Health at 866-622-4228 for information about services.
In PA, most children under age 19 with serious mental health needs qualify for Medical Assistance regardless of family income. By using both private health insurance and Medical Assistance, the family gets more treatment choices as well as more financial help. You can apply for Medical Assistance by completing the COMPASS application. Our local service providers shown below can help you get the benefits for which you qualify.
o Adults and children:
Human Services, Inc.
Thorndale: 610-873-1010
Oxford: 610-998-1807
Spanish language services at some locations
Holcomb Behavioral Health Services
Exton: 610-363-1488
Kennett Square: 610-388-7400
Spanish language services available
Creative Health Services
Pottstown: 484-941-0500
o Adults Only:
Fellowship Health Resources
Phoenixville: 610-415-9301
o Children Only:
Return to Table of Contents
Child Guidance Resource Centers
Coatesville: 610-383-5635
Toll free: 866-799-3325
Devereux Community Services
Phoenixville - 610-933-8110 - Until 03/31/2020
Malvern - 610-933-8110 - Effective 04/01/2020
800-935-6789
3. Substance Use
a. Substance Use Recovery Support Groups and Virtual Meetings
i. General Substance Use Recovery Resources
ii. Veteran Substance Use Resources
Virtual All-Recovery Meetings for Veterans in Recovery Zoom Meetings:
o Thursdays at 6:00pm ET
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o Meeting ID: 469 605 9639
o Dial in Phone Number: 929-205-6099
iii. Parent/Loved One Substance Use Resources
b. Accessing Substance Use Treatment
i. If you have insurance, including Medicaid, please call the number listed on the back of your insurance card to get information on how to access drug and alcohol services.
ii. If you do not have insurance, please call one of the following agencies which is closest to you, for help:
Gaudenzia Coatesville(Coatesville) - 610-383-9600
Mirmont Outpatient (Exton) - 484-565-1130
Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems (Kennett Square) - 610-388-9225
Creative Health Services (Phoenixville)- 610-933-1223
Gaudenzia West Chester(West Chester) - 610-429-1414
iv. PA Get Help Now:
24/7 Help Line: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
v. PA Get Help Now Chat:
c. Other Resources
4. Resources for Parents and Caregivers of Children
a. How to Help your Child Cope with COVID-19
Return to Table of Contents
b. School District COVID-19 Updates
c. Other Tips and Resources
Return to Table of Contents
iv. ChescoLife a free program supported by Chester County Dept. of Human Services and serves families who have a child or adolescent that struggles with emotional behavioral, social needs, intellectual disabilities involved with the dependency or delinquency systems.
Families can call 1-484-348-6392.
5. Food Providers and Hot Meals
a. Finding Locations
iii. 211 Services from the United Way available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-866-964-7922.
TTY and language services are available in more than 170 languages and dialects.
Chester County residents can also text their zip code to 898-211.
b. Applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
c. School District COVID-19 Meal Updates
Return to Table of Contents
d. Other Resources
b. Utilities
7. Employment Resources
a. Unemployment
b. Finding Jobs During COVID-19
8. Financial Resources
i. Businesses
Return to Table of Contents
ii. Federal Student Loans
9. Other Resources
a. Seniors
Rider must be registered before booking a trip.
Registration can be completed online or by calling 484-696-3854.
iii. Meals on Wheels of Chester County is continuing to provide this service:
https://mowcc.org/
b. Veterans
iii. Virtual All-Recovery Meetings for Veterans in Recovery Zoom Meetings
Thursdays at 6:00pm ET
Meeting ID: 469 605 9639
Dial in Phone Number: 929-205-6099
c. Transportation
d. Domestic Violence
i. 24-hour, free hotline 888-711-6270 or 610-431-1430
ii. If you are in immediate danger, DIAL 911.
If you cannot call, you can TEXT 911 if you are in Chester County.
***If you were not able to find what you were looking for in this guide, please contact one of our Information and Referral Agencies listed below, try calling Chester County 2-1-1- by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-866-964-7922 (TTY and language services are available in more than 170 languages and dialects) also Chester County residents can also text their zip code to 898-211.***
Chester County Information and Referral Agencies
Human Services Inc. (West Chester Area) or 610-429-3033
La Comunidad Hispana (Kennett Area) or 610-444-7550
Maternal and Child Health Consortium (Coatesville Area) - or 484-378-4030
Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center (Southern Chester County) or 610-932-8557
Phoenixville Area Community Services (Phoenixville Area) or 610-933-1105