The Borough continues to update the Borough website with the latest COVID-19 information and community resources that have been provided by County, State, and Federal agencies. Please click here for the latest COVID-19 updates.
Jenkintown Borough would like to share the latest COVID-19 update along with some very helpful information provided by State Representative Steve McCarter.
The Borough continues to encourage everyone to follow the CDC guidelines including handwashing, social distancing and covering of your cough/sneezes.
You can also reach out to the Montgomery County COVID- 19 hotline at 610-631-3000 with questions and for up-to-date information.
It is highly recommended that you continue to obtain the latest updates from these Official Government websites, so that you are receiving the latest and most accurate updates available.
Thank you all. Please stay safe and be well.
April 10 COVID-19 update: Thinking about our students and teachers
Rep. Steve McCarter April 10, 2020 | 12:06 PM
STAY INFORMED HOW WE VOTED CONTACT ME
Dear Neighbor,
For many, this is traditionally a time of communion with family and friends, and not a day on which I would typically intrude with an email. But as you well know, these are not traditional, typical times.
Passover and Easter both celebrate renewal, rebirth, perseverance and hope for the future. Let us continue to act communally and to hope for our future together.
We are now five weeks into our communal response to a global pandemic. The number of positive cases in the commonwealth continues to climb, and we continue to self-isolate. But there is reason to believe that here in Montgomery County, we may be reaching the top of our curve. The next few weeks will tell that tale. In the meantime, however, I hope that this email finds you in the virtual company of people you love — and that you find this email and the information within it helpful during these trying times.
Schools closed for remainder of academic year
In what was undoubtedly an understandably crushing announcement for many teachers and students throughout our Commonwealth, Governor Tom Wolf – in consultation with Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine and Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera, declared yesterday PA schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic school year.
It is OK to be disappointed about the loss for our children and teachers, all of whom work incredibly hard at learning and educating. That teaching and learning, though, will continue. Schools are strongly encouraged to provide continuity of education for all students in the most appropriate and accessible ways possible.
The Department of Education has been providing ongoing guidance to school communities in the form of FAQs. The guidance information is available at education.pa.gov/COVID19.
Ending needless discrimination
One ugly consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a rise in hate/bias crimes and incidents targeting members of the Asian American Community. These crimes are based upon misinformation regarding COVID-19; however, the impact on the victims of these crimes are real and immeasurable.
Our police forces are taking every allegation seriously, specifically those right now against Asian Americans. Every allegation of hate/bias crimes and incidents against all groups will be investigated thoroughly.
We will not tolerate this intolerance.
Filing for Unemployment Compensation
Visit the Office of Unemployment Compensation website for information on how to file and on the federal CARES Act, which extended unemployment compensation to the self-employed and contract worker.
If you’ve already filed for unemployment compensation and are curious about the status of your claim, you can check your status here.
Questions for PennDOT during COVID-19
Helping our Veterans in need
Montgomery County Veterans Affairs is still seeking veterans in need, especially those impacted by COVID-19.
If you know a veteran who is unemployed and ineligible for unemployment compensation, or one struggling with getting medication or food, or unable to pay utilities, rent or mortgage, or those struggling with social distancing or the stay-at-home order, have them or a caretaker call 610-213-4022 or email capplegate@montcopa.org. Thank you!
Reduced service from SEPTA
Starting yesterday, SEPTA dramatically reduced its service as a means to protect riders and operators, switching to what’s called a “lifeline service.” Please do not travel unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Targeted distribution of COVID-19 PPE and supplies
Among myriad actions to support Pennsylvania’s health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tom Wolf this week signed an order to provide critical aid to hospitals with targeted PPE and supplies distribution.
Volunteers are needed
Throughout this pandemic, so many organizations need volunteers to help with their essential services. If you’re willing and able, please consider joining this group of heroes.
Supporting people with disabilities
The Department of Human Services this week hosted a virtual press briefing to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities during the public-health emergency and share information about the department’s efforts to support this vulnerable population throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Read more about it here.
Caring for those in long-term care
The Department of Health this week announced it signed a contract with ECRI, an independent, nonprofit health services research organization based in suburban Philadelphia, to help with the COVID-19 response across the state, particularly in long-term care facilities, as the pandemic continues.
PA Manufacturing Call to Action Portal
The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development – in collaboration with its strategic partners – wants to mobilize manufacturers that can produce critical medical supplies and products in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, it launched a Manufacturing Call to Action Portal.
Addressing the needs of workers and the middle class
Life-sustaining workers deserve better protections. We need to immediately pass measures like paid sick leave, quality health care and job security. That’s why we’ve worked with the PA Senate on a Working Families Relief Action Plan.
Give blood, save lives
Support for local businesses
During the COVID-19 crisis, there is help available for businesses. Here is a summary of opportunities through federal, state, local and private means.
Also, keeping in mind that wait times to get through may be long, here are some resources for businesses seeking advice on loans and other issues during the COVID-19 crisis:
U.S. Small Business Association for local assistance
PA Department of Community and Economic Development
PA Business One Stop
Certified Economic Development Organizations
Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance
SCORE
Chambers of Commerce
Support for food cupboards
I have been in touch with many local food cupboards and they are experiencing a dramatic uptick in need and critical food shortages. Please check the list of local food cupboards on my website and help in any way you can. I have updated the list with options for donating funds as well as food.
Ordering groceries online
With your help, I have updated our list of options for ordering groceries online. Delays and delivery difficulties persist, but I will continue to update our list as I hear of new opportunities.
My physical office is still closed, but I and my staff are available via phone 215-572-5210 and email RepMcCarter@pahouse.net seven days a week. In this trying time, during this test of our resources and perseverance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are all in this together.
Stay safe. Stay well. Stay home. And stay strong.
Sincerely,
Steve McCarter
Pennsylvania State Representative
Serving Cheltenham Township, Springfield Township and Jenkintown Borough