Latest Norristown Area Coronavirus Updates

NORRISTOWN, PA — As the municipality of Norristown celebrates its 208th birthday on Tuesday, the coronavirus outbreak in Pennsylvania and across the nation continues to have vast impacts on the local area.

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 six cases in Norristown. A 61-year-old Norristown woman is among six deaths around the county from the virus thus far.

Nearby, Upper Merion has 19 cases, West Norriton has seven, East Norriton has six, Plymouth has 12, and Lower Providence has 28. Bridgeport has not yet reported any cases.

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

"This is no time to relax," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said. "This is the time to redouble your efforts to stay at home."

Here are the latest local updates from the Norristown area:

SCHOOLS

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

A total of 77,484 meals were distributed to local families on Wednesday, March 24.

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

COMMUNITY

Local relief groups continue to work to protect the region's most vulnerable residents. Your Way Home Montgomery County is looking to raise $50,000 to ensure that the homeless population can safely socially distance themselves. MORE.

Norristown Hospitality Center remains open, serving takeaway meals outside the Center. "With the shutting down of all commerce, people on the streets have nowhere to go to meet some of their most basic needs like food, showers, use of restrooms," they note. Find out how you can help.

BUSINESSES

Elmwood Park Zoo has launched another online feature during the coronavirus closures, this time featuring live giraffe feedings. MORE.

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

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

Municipal Hall is closed indefinitely. Payments can be dropped in the mail slot at the main entrance.

The April 7 municipal council meeting will be held online.