Limerick-Royersford Coronavirus Updates: How To Help, New Cases
ROYERSFORD, PA — As the coronavirus outbreak continues across Pennsylvania, vast impacts are being felt in Montgomery County and in the Limerick and Royersford area, including the closure of schools and many businesses.
Social distancing recommendations and stay at home orders have led to a radical shift in every day life. All non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania have been closed.
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A total of 1,134 positive cases of coronavirus were found in Montgomery County, as of Tuesday afternoon. The county has seen 27 residents die from the virus.
In the local area, Limerick has seen 15 cases, Royersford four, Upper Providence 27, and Spring City five.
Here's a look at more local area updates:
SCHOOLS
All schools in Pennsylvania will remain closed through indefinitely, state officials said.
All Spring-Ford school board meetings are being held online. The public can still view meetings live. See here for details.
Free lunches are available to students who are participating in the free and reduced lunch program. Meals can be picked up Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m.t o noon, at Spring City Elementary, Royersford Elementary, and the 5/6/7 Grade Center.
BUSINESSES
Patch has put together a directory for Limerick and Royersford 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.
Limerick Station has been called "grossly irresponsible" by local officials for bringing 1,400 new workers into the area from around the country and going ahead with a planned refueling project despite the county urging them not to do so. MORE.
Montgomery County has launched a new 'MontcoStrong' program to provide $1 million in relief to eligible businesses. MORE.
Stickman Brews has raised more than $1,1000 to support Royersford police amid the crisis. The local craft brewery also received an offer from an anonymous donor who promised to give $1,000 to the Chester County Food Bank, if Stickman is able to bring in 200 orders this week. See here for details.
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
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.
TESTING AND ASSESSMENT SITES
A temporary, drive-thru coronavirus testing site has been established by the county at Temple University's Ambler campus. The site is now open to a much broader group of patients. MORE.
Tower Health has established assessment sites in Plymouth Meeting and Gilbertsville. MORE.
CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES
All Holy Week and Easter Sunday masses have been canceled in the Philadelphia Archdiocese due to coronavirus. MORE.
The annual Easter Egg Hunt in Victory Park has been cancelled. Royersford borough is hosting a virtual hunt. See here.
GOVERNMENT
A "disaster declaration" was issued by Lansdale borough on March 16. Read the text here. Montgomery Township issued a similar declaration on March 18. These declarations give local municipalities greater access to state and federal funding opportunities as they become available.
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.
This article originally appeared on the Limerick-Royersford-Spring City Patch
