Non-Essential Businesses In Chester Co. Should Close: Gov. Wolf

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf has strongly recommended that all non-essential retail businesses in Chester County should close amid the coronavirus outbreak, as the second positive test was discovered in the county Saturday morning.

Places like gyms, theaters, malls, entertainment venues and community centers should close, Wolf said during a news conference with Chester County's U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and Health Secretary Rachel Levine.

Similar restrictions and efforts to curb the illness, also known as COVID-19, were also issued in Bucks County Saturday. They mirror the same actions announced earlier in the week in Montgomery County. Similar actions have been instituted in Delaware County as well.

The second case of coronavirus in Chester County is a 30-year-old man. Health officials said he is self-isolating at home with "very mild symptoms" and is recovering.

He was one of four new positive cases discovered Saturday, bringing the statewide total to 45. The state total of known cases has doubled in less than two days.

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Wolf's order includes the closure or cancellation of day cares, YMCAs, sporting events, concerts, and other public places. Essential stores, like pharmacies, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities, will remain open.

The following businesses should close, Wolf said:

• Community and recreation centers
• Gyms, cycling studios, and yoga facilities
• Hair salons and nail salons
• Casinos
• Theaters
• Bars
• Sporting facilities and golf courses
• Shopping malls
• Restaurants can stay open to offer carry-out and delivery only.

Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores will be closing as of Tuesday.

>>First Case Of Coronavirus Found In Chester County

Officials also urged Chester County residents to stay home whenever possible.

"Stay calm, stay home, stay safe," he said.

>>>More coronavirus in Pennsylvania coverage here.