Lansdale And Montgomery Twp Coronavirus Updates: 14 Cases

LANSDALE, PA — The coronavirus outbreak in Pennsylvania and across the nation continues to have vast impacts in Lansdale, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

The number of cases of the illness, also known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced. The governor has declared a Stay at Home order, which is now in place in 26 counties through April 30. All non-life-sustaining businesses and schools in Pennsylvania are closed indefinitely.

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As of early Tuesday, there are 506 positive cases of coronavirus in Montgomery County, including four cases in Lansdale and 10 cases in Montgomery Township.

Nearby, North Wales has one case, Hatfield Township has eight, Towamencin has four, and Upper Gwynedd has five.

There have been six deaths around the county from the virus thus far.

Unemployment claims have surged in Pennsylvania and across the nation as residents are forced to stay home. Officials are reminding residents that social distancing is more important now than ever.

>>Montco Area Coronavirus Peak Could Be 'About 2 Weeks Away': Officials

“As a community we must double down on our approach to fighting this virus,” Mayor Garry Herbert said in a statement Monday. “To stop the spread we must commit ourselves to thoroughly practicing the recommendations made by the CDC without hesitation. Only by following these guidelines can we help bring this difficult chapter in Lansdale’s history to a close.”

Here are the latest local updates from the Lansdale area:

SCHOOLS

Distance learning began at North Penn this week. The district held a "virtual school spirit day" Monday. Watch it here.

Free lunches are being disbursed in the North Penn school district for all children age 18 and under. Distribution days have been consolidated to Mondays and Thursdays. MORE.

All schools in Pennsylvania will remain closed "indefinitely," Gov. Tom Wolf said Monday. MORE.

BUSINESSES

Montgomeryville's Ocean State Job Lots on Bethlehem Pike opened its doors to the public for the first time on Tuesday. MORE.

Harvest in North Wales has shut down. MORE.

Backyard Beans is matching every donation of coffee ordered for local healthcare workers. Donate here.

Boardroom Distillery is making free hand sanitizer for local first responders and customers. MORE.

Lansdale area restaurants, reeling amid the crisis, are still offering takeout deals. Many remain open for delivery and curbside pickup. MORE.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is selling gift cards to support local businesses. They're matching purchase up to $2,500 in an effort to immediately inject $5,000 into Montgomery County's economy. Learn more.

The closure of all non-essential businesses in Pennsylvania has been extended "indefinitely," the governor said Monday. MORE.

For a more comprehensive listing of local small businesses you can support, the Lansdale Borough Economic Development Committee has put together a map of establishments which fall under the "life-sustaining" category and are still open. See the map here.

PRISONS

Three officers at Montgomery County Correctional Facility have tested positive for the virus. MORE.

An SCI Phoenix inmate in Montgomery County became the first inmate in the state prison system to test positive for the virus. MORE.

CENSUS

Montgomery County officials are urging residents to take the time to complete the 2020 census. The information gathered is crucial in how federal and state funds are allocated for vital projects involving hospitals, first responders, schools, roads, and more. You can complete the census online here.

GOVERNMENT

On Tuesday, Towamencin Township closed all park amenities indefinitely, including playgrounds, courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, and batting cages. Park trails and open spaces remain open.