Norristown Area Coronavirus Updates: How To Help, 3 Deaths

NORRISTOWN PA — As the coronavirus outbreak continues in Pennsylvania, the Norristown area has seen vast impacts on the economy, schools, stores, and everyday life.

The number of cases continue to rise, though Montgomery County officials are optimistic that the peak of the outbreak could be approaching. The governor has declared a statewide stay-at-home order. All non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania have been closed.

Stay up to date on closures and precautions; sign up for Patch emails.

As of Thursday afternoon, there are 43 cases in Norristown and three deaths.

Nearby, Lower Providence has 48 cases and no deaths, Upper Merion has 39 cases and 2 deaths, Plymouth has 35 cases and one death, and Bridgeport has 4 cases and no deaths.

There are 1, 402 cases of coronavirus in Montgomery County, along with 43 deaths. The total number of cases in Pennsylvania stands at 14,599 as of Tuesday; more than 1,300 of those people have have been hospitalized.

Here are the latest local updates from the Norristown area:

SCHOOLS

All schools in Pennsylvania are closed indefinitely response to the new coronavirus outbreak, state officials said. Norristown has launched its online learning program.

Free lunches continue to be distributed. MORE.

TRANSIT

SEPTA has restricted some of its regional rail lines, and suspended others. The Manayunk-Norristown line stopped running Thursday. MORE.

BUSINESSES

Patch has put together a directory for Norristown area businesses to let the public know if they're open or closed. The public can view the directory here. Businesses can get listed here. MORE.

Elmwood Zoo has launched another unique feature: the Giraffeathon live feeding and fundraiser. MORE.

Montgomery County has launched a new 'MontcoStrong' program to provide $1 million in relief to eligible businesses. 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.

DONATIONS/HOW TO HELP

Norristown Men of Excellence and Gangster Vegan are donating more than 200 bags of fresh organic produce on Saturday, April 11, at 329 E. Main Street, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more here.

Einstein Medical Center Montgomery is accepting donations. MORE.

Abington-Jefferson Health is accepting donations for Abington and Abington-Lansdale hospitals of medical equipment and funds. 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.

TESTING AND ASSESSMENT SITES

The temporary, drive-thru coronavirus testing site at Temple University-Ambler will close on Friday, April 10 as federal funding is withdrawn. MORE.

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

All Montgomery County hospitals now offer testing sites.

GOVERNMENT

Norristown held their municipal council meeting remotely Tuesday evening.

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.

CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES

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