Phoenixville Coronavirus Updates: Donations, Festivals, New Cases

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The coronavirus outbreak in Pennsylvania and across the nation continues to have vast impacts in Phoenixville, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

The number of cases of the illness 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 Wednesday afternoon, there are 182 cases of coronavirus in Chester County, including two cases in Phoenixville: a 47-year-old man and a 28-year-old man. The county's first death, a Willistown resident, was recorded on Monday.

Nearby, East Pikeland has two cases, Charlestown has two cases, East Whiteland has 10 cases, East Vincent has three cases, and Spring City has three cases.

Here are the latest local updates from the Phoenixville area:

CANCELLATIONS

All borough events planned through mid-May have been canceled. That includes the Dogwood Festival, the spring Food Truck Festival, the Phoenixville Beer and Wine Festival, and others. MORE.

BUSINESSES

Patch is putting together a public listing of local businesses that are open or closed. Business owners can add their listing here. MORE.

Phoenixville's Bluebird Distilling is among numerous spirits manufacturers across the Philadelphia region joining the war effort against coronavirus by producing hand sanitizer. MORE.

Alfredo's has continued to deliver hundreds of free pizza and meals to local families, first responders, healthcare workers, and more. They're accepting donations by phone: (610) 933-3663.

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

SCHOOLS

Free lunches continue to be handed out in the Phoenixville Area School District for all children age 18 and under. MORE.

The school district is accepting food donations for local families in need every other Thursday. The limited dates are to "limit social contact and not exhaust people's capacity" to donate. The next collection will be made Thursday, April 9 at Barkley Elementary School's back door from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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

EVENTS AND DONATIONS

Phoenixville YMCA and the Red Cross are holding a blood drive on Friday, April 10 at the Phoenixville Y from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details here.

A local group of "makers" is working to address the shortage of critical medical supplies. They're in need of more volunteers and materials for homemade masks. MORE.

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

Chester County Hospital is also accepting donations. MORE.

GOVERNMENT

All yard waste pickup, as well as metal and bulk item services were suspended April 1. All non-essential sanitation services were suspended as well.

The borough compost site will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

Regular trash and recycling services are continuing as scheduled.

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.

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.