Phoenixville Area Coronavirus Updates: Borough's First Case Found

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Phoenixville's first case of coronavirus was confirmed on Saturday. The infected individual, a 28-year-old man, is one of 110 positives found in Chester County as of Saturday afternoon.

The coronavirus outbreak has led to vast impacts in Phoenixville and the surrounding area. Social distancing recommendations and stay at home orders have led to a radical shift in every day life.

Stay up to date on coronavirus developments and precautions, sign up for Patch news alerts.

"As a community we anticipated and were prepared for this scenario," Mayor Peter Urscheler said in a statement Saturday. "With this development, we need your help, more than ever, to flatten the curve by Staying Calm, Staying Safe and Staying Home. We are in this together. And Together we will Rise."

The state announced 12 more deaths due to the virus on Saturday, bringing the total to 34. There are 2,751 positives in Pennsylvania overall.

In the Phoenixville area, there are three positives in East Pikeland, two in Charleston, one in Spring City, 11 in Tredyffrin, eight in Limerick, and one in Royersford, as of Saturday afternoon. Schuylkill Township is one of the few area municipalities to not yet see a case.

All non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania have been closed, and stay at home orders have been issued in 22 counties around the state, including Chester.

>>Chesco Residents Are Trying To Flatten The Curve, Cell Data Shows

Here's a look at more local area updates:

GOVERNMENT

Mayor Peter Urscheler is offering a "virtual visit" to students in the Phoenixville Area School District to bring some excitement to children working from home. Schedule the visit here.

Any residents who are homeless, sleeping in a vehicle, fleeing domestic violence, or at risk of losing their current housing should call 211 for assistance. The Phoenixville Office of Emergency Management has compiled In This Together Phx, containing a breadth of resources for anyone who needs help.

A "disaster declaration" was issued by Phoenixville borough on March 13. Read the text here. These declarations give local municipalities greater access to state and federal funding opportunities as they become available.

Borough hall and the Civic Center are closed until further notice. All recreation department programs are canceled or suspended, including the April 4 Easter Egg Hunt.

Borough payments can be made online at Phoenixville.org or through the drop box at Borough hall.

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 in the Phoenixville Area School District for all children age 18 and under. MORE.

CENSUS

Chester 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

Small, local businesses are the heartbeat of the Phoenixville area's resurgent economy. As many operate at the margins and require immediate support, they are offering gift card sales during the coronavirus closures.

Numerous businesses have stepped forward in a big way to support the fight against the virus. Z-Best Cleaners, located on Kimberton Road, donated 100 homemade masks to Phoenixville police officers on Friday. The masks are washable and resuable.

Alfredo's in Phoenixville has donated hundreds of free sandwiches to Phoenixville Area School District families. Hog Island Steaks donated 70 free pizzas.

The Phoenixville Farmers' Market was open Saturday for one shopper at a time.

Many restaurants remain open for takeout and delivery in Phoenixville. MORE.

HOSPITALS AND DONATIONS

A local group of "makers" is working to address the shortage of critical medical supplies. MORE.

Phoenixville Hospital is accepting donations of medical supplies to handle shortages. MORE.

Chester County Hospital is also accepting donations. MORE.

TESTING AND ASSESSMENT SITES

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

Chester County has issued guidance for testing for the virus. Read more here.

CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES

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

The Phoenixville Public Library is closed until further notice.

Announcements have not yet been made on major summer and fall festivals and other events in the borough.