Phoenixville Coronavirus Updates: How To Help, 1st Area Death

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

The number of cases continue to rise, though Chester 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.

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As of Thursday afternoon, there are 9 cases of coronavirus in Phoenixville, and no deaths.

The local area saw its first death on Thursday, when an East Pikeland resident passed away. Chester County has 7 fatalities and 425 cases overall, as of Thursday afternoon.

Nearby, Lower Providence has 48 cases, East Pikeland 4, Schuylkill 4, and East Vincent 13, and Spring City 5.

Here are the latest local updates from the Phoenixville area:

BUSINESSES

Patch has put together a directory for Phoenixville 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.

Foresta's Market prepped 30 packages of chicken and 30 of ground beef as donations for Phoenixville Area Community Services.

SCHOOLS

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

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

The Phoenixville Area School District recently received an "epic" amount of donations, and was able to provide boxes of food to 70 local families in need. MORE.

TRANSIT

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

DONATIONS/HOW TO HELP

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. MORE.

The hospital received donations from the following local businesses: B&G Manufacturing Company: 250 Masks; Daniel Foundation: Gloves; FM Global: Gloves, Masks and Hazmat Suits; LaFrance Corp: 500 face masks; MSI Tool Repair & Supply: Masks; Nations Photo Lab: 100 Face Shields; NIKO Construction Supply: Masks.

Chester County Hospital is also accepting donations. MORE.

GOVERNMENT

Chester County is the first county in Pennsylvania to begin antibody testing. The effort will hopefully identify healthcare workers and emergency responders who have built up some immunity to the virus. MORE.

HOSPITALS

All hospitals in Chester County currently have available ICU beds, regular beds, and ventilators. Here's a look at where things stand. 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.

CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES

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