The Latest Norristown Area Coronavirus Updates

NORRISTOWN, PA — As the coronavirus outbreak continues across Pennsylvania, vast impacts are being felt in Montgomery County and in the greater Norristown area, including the closure of schools and numerous businesses.

Social distancing recommendations and stay at home orders have led to a radical shift in every day life. All non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania have been closed.

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A total of 313 positive cases of coronavirus were found in Montgomery County as of Thursday afternoon. The statewide total is at 1,687 people in Pennsylvania, and 16 are dead, including three Montgomery County residents. Two victims are from Abington, and one from Whitemarsh.

Norristown currently has three cases of the virus. Nearby, Lower Providence has 25, Collegeville has 3, Conshohocken has 5, Whitemarsh has 8, and Plymouth has 8, as of Thursday afternoon.

>>Third Coronavirus Death In Montgomery County, 94 New Cases Found

Here's a look at more local area updates:

SCHOOLS

All schools in Pennsylvania will remain closed through at least April 6 in response to the new coronavirus outbreak, state officials said.

Free lunches are being disbursed by the Norristown Area School District for all children age 18 and under. 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.

BUSINESSES

Five Saints Distilling is working with Crazy Aaron's Putty to produce hand sanitzer for first responders around the region. MORE.

Gangster Vegan Organics is working with local nonprofits to distribute free groceries and meals to hundreds in need around the Norristown area. 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.

Plaza Azteca in Plymouth Meeting donated free meals to the Norristown Fire Department on Tuesday night.

Skippack Pharmacy provided the Norristown Police Department with free Clorox wipes to keep the department clean and safe.

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

HOSPITALS AND DONATIONS

Einstein Medical Center Montgomery is collecting supplies. MORE.

TESTING AND ASSESSMENT SITES

A temporary, drive-thru coronavirus testing site has been established by the county at Temple University's Ambler campus. The site is now open to a much broader group of patients. MORE.

Abington Hospital has a testing site. MORE.

Tower Health has established assessment sites in Plymouth Meeting and Gilbertsville. MORE.

CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES

All Holy Week and Easter Sunday masses have been canceled in the Philadelphia Archdiocese due to coronavirus. MORE.

The Norristown Public Library is closed until at least April 6.

GOVERNMENT

A "disaster declaration" was issued in Norristown on March 16. These declarations give local municipalities greater access to state and federal funding opportunities as they become available.

All Norristown parks are closed.

The April 7 Municipal Council meeting will be held online.

Street sweeping has been suspended, no tickets will be disbursed for cars parked in those areas on street sweeping days.

Municipal hall was closed to the public on March 17. The Montgomery County Human Services Center and One Montgomery Plaza are also closed to the public.

Montgomery County courts and county services based in Norristown are operating on limited schedules. Details here.