State officials have recommended that all non-essential retail businesses in Bucks County close as the area enters a 14-day “aggressive mitigation” period designed to stem the spread of COVID-19.
At a 2 p.m. Saturday press conference, Gov. Tom Wolf made the announcement that restrictions due to COVID-19 were extended from Montgomery and Delaware counties to Bucks and Chester counties.
Access to state facilities will be limited during the time frame.
The governor’s office said freedom of travel will remain, but residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel. He also recommended non-essential retail businesses close, while requesting grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations remain open.
“This is what we’re going to do, and we’re going to do it now,” Wolf said, citing the hope that the 14-day period will keep residents safe.
Officials asked “business owners for non-essential services consider the well-being of their customers, staff and community when making a decision to close or remain.”
The governor commended eateries, grocery stores, and other businesses who have offered their products with limited person-to-person contact.
The goal behind the mitigation period is to create social distancing. The less serious COVID-19 cases will mean more health care resources, which officials worry could become overwhelmed, Wolf said.
State Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine urged Pennsylvanians to “stay calm, stay home, and stay safe.”
Saturday’s announcement means all licensed child care centers and adult day cares will be closed.
All public schools will be closed for two weeks starting Monday. Additional guidance to schools was sent to officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Saturday afternoon.
State officials made clear that police, fire, emergency medical services, and essential services for vulnerable populations will remain in operation.
Wolf has encouraged the suspension of large gathering and events. He also stated that people may want to stay away from crowded gathering places like gyms, movie theaters and shopping malls
Bucks County had three COVID-19 cases as of Saturday afternoon. There were no confirmed cases of community spread.
In the region, Chester County had two cases, Delaware County had six cases, Montgomery County had 20 cases, Philadelphia had four cases, and Northampton had one case. In total, Pennsylvania had 47 cases among all counties and no COVID-19 deaths.
Levine said 150 COVID-19 tests are at labs or on their way to be tested as of Saturday afternoon.
Bucks County officials were slated to brief the media and public at 3:30 p.m.
