Jenkintown 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. State Representative Steve McCarter has provided very helpful information and re-opening plans below, stating that Montgomery County will not be re-opening on May 8th as other regions in the Commonwealth might.

Dear Neighbor,

It’s been seven weeks since the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Pennsylvania, and six weeks — or is it a lifetime? — since we in Montgomery County have been sheltering in place. During that time, we have all worked mightily to flatten the curve in Pennsylvania, and we have succeeded in stopping the virus’ most insistent spread.

However, here in Montgomery County — the tip of the COVID-19 spear in Pennsylvania — we are still seeing high levels of infection and death, especially in our long-term care and nursing facilities. Today, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine, M.D., reported a total of 1,599 new cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania; more than half of them were from Philadelphia and its ring counties, Montgomery, Bucks and Delaware.

Montgomery County will not be opening May 8, as other regions of the commonwealth might (see A Plan for Reopening Pennsylvania, below). We still need extensive testing, accurate contact tracing for all new cases and adequate medical supplies and beds available to handle a possible resurgence in the virus. That time is coming, and the governor, in consultation with the Department of Health, is planning for it. We are just not there yet.

In the meantime, I and my staff are here to help. We are available 24/7 to answer questions and to help to ease, as best we can, the many hardships the pandemic has wrought. Please don’t hesitate to reach out via phone at (215) 572-5210 and/or email at RepMcCarter@pahouse.netcreate new email. We will get through this, together.

A plan for reopening Pennsylvania

On Wednesday, Gov. Wolf presented a detailed, three-phase plan for incrementally opening the commonwealth on a region by region basis beginning on May 8. Named for the colors of a traffic light, the phases are red, yellow and green. Right now, the entire state is in phase red, which means all but life-sustaining businesses are closed, schools are closed for in-person instruction, stay-at-home orders are in place, large gatherings are prohibited, and travel is discouraged except for critical life-sustaining purposes. But, as our situation across regions stabilizes, some will move to phase yellow, returning to work cautiously, and then to green — all systems go.
To make decisions about what regions to reopen and on what timeline, the commonwealth has partnered with Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions of higher education to develop a data-driven approach. The Northwest and Northcentral regions are looking to be the first to begin gradually opening up. We will be watching closely to see what happens so that we can adapt when it is the Southeast’s turn.

Opening up some industries

Gov. Wolf announced an online vehicle sales process, a construction restart date and PLBC curbside pick-up.
More wine and spirits stores to offer curbside pickup
Today, the PLCB published an expanded list of stores offering curbside service — there are now five in our area.
Starting on Monday, most stores will support curbside service Monday through Saturday, taking a limited number of orders on a first-call, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m. each day and scheduling pickup between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. those days, although some stores will operate on more limited days and hours.
Curbside pickup orders will be limited to up to six bottles per order, and credit cards are the only accepted form of payment. Orders will also be limited to one order per caller, per store, per day, and all curbside pickup sales are final.

Unemployment compensation for contract workers and the self-employed

Pennsylvania is now accepting applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits for people who wouldn’t normally qualify for unemployment compensation.
Lost your job and your health insurance? Apply through the ACA
Pennsylvanians who have lost their employer-provided health insurance coverage due to COVID-19 shutdowns are eligible to get health insurance through healthcare.gov. Although the open enrollment period has passed, loss of employer-provided insurance qualifies you for special exceptions.

Saving your stimulus check

Here are tips from the Department of Banking and Securities on avoiding check cashing fees and scams.

Addressing how COVID-19 is affecting minorities

I reported on this last week, but it’s an important point, so I wanted to highlight it again: Amid growing concern for how COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting minority populations in PA and exacerbating existing health disparity issues, Gov. Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman announced the creation of a COVID-19 Response Task Force for Health Disparity to address how the pandemic is affecting the state’s minority and vulnerable populations. Fetterman will chair the task force.

Supporting the food banks that support us

Gov. Wolf announced nearly $16 million in funding for Pennsylvania food banks, where the need for both funds and food stores is growing right along with food insecurity.

Please remember our local food banks if you are able

Testing site in MontCo — a new one

After nearly 5,000 people were tested for COVID-19 at a drive-through testing location at Temple University’s Ambler Campus between March 20 to April 9, that facility was shuttered.
A new drive-through COVID-19 testing site opened at the Central Campus of the Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell. It is by appointment only. See link for details.

PECO extends its support policies through June 1

These include suspending service disconnections, waiving new late fees and reconnecting customers who were previously disconnected.

Go, AG Josh!

On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this past week, PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro and 17 other state attorneys general argued that the Environmental Protection Agency needs to enact stricter rules on products laced with cancer-linked chemicals called PFAs.

Shapiro also announced that his office will present oral arguments telephonically to the United States Supreme Court on May 6 to continue to protect a woman’s right to access birth control under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Support for domestic violence victims

Remember, even when we’re forced to shelter at home, resources and assistance are available to victims and survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence.

Community gardens are given the green

The PA Department of Agriculture gave community gardens the green light — and some guidance — to continue working.
Similarly, garden centers are now able to deliver!

Have you applied for a mail-in ballot?

Our primary election is schedule for June 2, and Gov. Wolf is encouraging voters to mail it in.

Watch for hummingbirds…

Unlike us, ruby-throated hummingbirds are not sheltering at home. They are one of Pennsylvania’s surest signs of spring.

…and spotted lanternflies

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reported the first confirmed Spotted Lanternfly hatch of the year this week in the University City section of Philadelphia, near Penn and Drexel University. If you see one, squash it!

Lastly, please use and trust the following links for direct information on COVID-19.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• PA Department of Health
• Montgomery County

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

The Borough continues to encourage everyone to continue following CDC guidelines including hand washing, social distancing and covering of your cough/sneezes.
Thank you all! Stay safe and be well.