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 very helpful information provided by State Representative Steve McCarter regarding the “Latest statewide news and resources regarding COVID-19.” 

In addition, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine are recommending wearing masks for anybody who absolutely needs to leave their house. This is for the protection of all of us. We should NOT use N95 or surgical masks that our medical personnel need right now. Instead, use cloth (like a bandana) or build your own.

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  610-631-3000opens phone dialer 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.

Dear Friends,

On a call this morning with area state legislators and staff, my friend and former colleague in Harrisburg, U.S. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, discussed the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She said, “This is an extraordinary test for government and an extraordinary test for our humanity.” She could not be more right.

We are now four weeks into our communal response to a global pandemic. The number of positive cases in Pennsylvania continues to climb, and we continue to self-isolate. But life, of course, continues as well. The bills keep coming, the stressors don’t stop. And we are not able to help each other face-to-face, the way we’d like.

Hopefully, the links below will provide you with information, answers and even a little peace of mind. But, please, do not hesitate to reach out to my office for help. My physical office is still closed, but I and my staff are still available via phone (215-572-5210) and email (RepMcCarter@pahouse.netcreate new email) seven days a week. In this trying time, during this test of government and humanity, I will keep striving to bring you both.

A call for universal masking

Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine are recommending wearing masks for anybody who absolutely needs to leave their house. This is for the protection of all of us. We should NOT use N95 or surgical masks that our medical personnel need right now. Instead, use cloth (like a bandana) or build your own. There are guides to building your own through the link above.

Resources for businesses during COVID-19 crisis

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

Filing for unemployment compensation

If you are out of work because of the COVID-19 crisis, and you need to file for unemployment compensation, this video guide can be helpful

You can also visit the Office of Unemployment Compensation website for more information, including on the federal CARES Act.

If you’ve already filed for unemployment compensation and are curious about the status of your claim, you can check your status here

Assisting our Veterans

While the Veteran Shuttle service remains suspended, the Office of Veteran Affairs is fully operational and looking for Veterans in need — especially those impacted by COVID-19 such as:

• Veterans unemployed as a result of COVID-19 and ineligible for unemployment compensation.
• Veterans struggling to get medication and/or food due to transportation or funding problems.
• Veterans temporarily unable to pay utilities, rent or a mortgage.
• Veterans struggling with social distancing and isolation and needing help.

Please call 610-213-4022 or email Christina Applegate at capplegate@montcopa.orgcreate new email for help.

More resources and links

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers information on how to protect yourself and what to do if you’re sick.
• Similarly, our PA Department of Health regularly updates its website with numbers and information critical to mitigating the COVID-19 crisis.
• Closer to home, the Montgomery County site posts frequent updates, crucial contact information and details on the daily county news conferences.
• Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Agriculture Food Safety Director Jeff Warner today assured Pennsylvanians that there is no evidence that human or animal food or food packaging is associated with transmission of COVID-19. Redding also reviewed the department’s recommendations to retail food and agriculture operations for continuity of business, inhibiting transmission, and maintaining a healthy workforce to ensure continuous access to food during COVID-19.
• 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.
• Speaking of businesses, so many need assistance right now as COVID-19 cripples our workforce and our economy. To help, here is a list of federal, state, local and private assistance that is available
• If you have to continue working on location during this pandemic, it’s critical to protect yourself and those around you. The Department of Labor & Industry put together a resource guide to help keep you safe.
• Today, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn reminded Pennsylvanians that being outdoors is good health care and self care, but recommendations for social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus still apply. Engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking, or running is allowed if social distancing is maintained.
• Continue to be vigilant about watching out for scammers during this crisis. Our Attorney General, Josh Shapiro, has recommendations that are helpful on detecting scams. Additionally, continue to alert him about any price gouging you see by emailing pricegouging@attorneygeneral.govcreate new email. He also reminds landlords that Pennsylvanians cannot be evicted during a state emergency
• Did you know the federal CARES Act package includes nearly $31 billion in aid to both students and institutions and also includes temporary relief for students with federal loans? We will provide more information on this in the coming weeks.
• While we’re mostly stuck at home during this COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a perfect time to fill out your U.S. Census. Our representation and billions of dollars in funding for critical resources is dependent on an accurate count. So, please, make sure you’re counted!

Stay safe. Stay well. Stay home. And stay strong

Sincerely,
Steve McCarter
Pennsylvania State Representative
Serving Cheltenham Township, Springfield Township and Jenkintown Borough