LINK TO THE NORRISTOWN CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE HUB
As of May 21, 2021 officials are reporting 58,694 Coronavirus COVID-19 cases in Montgomery County, including 1,323 deaths from the virus, which includes 3,274 cases and 85 deaths in Norristown. Please refer to the CDC’s website for daily updates about the virus as it pertains to symptoms, treatment and travel information. All of this can be found on their website at c0dc.gov/coronavirus/20… En español aquí: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-sp.html
Masks must be worn at all times* whenever you leave your house. (*- when out in stores, when being socially distant is not possible, on public transportation) Exceptions granted to persons with medical conditions where wearing a mask may be harmful to their health. Masks must be worn inside at all times, unless with persons of your household. When inside with persons outside of your household a mask must be worn, even when socially distancing.
For information at the state/local level, the PA Department of Health can be accessed here: https://www.health.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
It is important to take proactive steps to protect yourself by simple means like washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, covering your cough/sneeze, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and staying home if you are not feeling well.
Montgomery County has established communication tools to answer your questions about COVID-19. You can call 833-875-3967 (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or email COVID19@montcopa.org. Go to http://www.montcopa.org/COVID-19 for local information and to see what communities are affected.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is tracking the outbreak throughout the state and can be viewed here. The department can be reached at 1-800-724-3258.
Vaccinations:
Montgomery County has started administering the COVID-19 vaccination as of Jan. 2021. As of May 11, 2021, all persons 12 or older who live or work in Montgomery County are eligible for a vaccine at one of the county's six public clinics. Those who are 12 - 15 will receive the Pfizer vaccine. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to the clinics.
Need transportation to get a vaccine? Transportation to vaccine appointments at Montgomery County vaccination clinics is available at no cost to the rider, calling ahead is encouraged.
· Transnet: (215) 542-7433
· SEPTA/CCT: (215) 580-7145
· GoGo Grandparent: (855) 464-6872 or visit https://gogograndparent.com/montco.
Testing:
The Montgomery County COVID-19 testing site in Norristown is located at 1401 DeKalb St. (Norristown Regional Health Center parking lot) Testing hours are:
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, THURSDAY, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Appointments are mandatory! You can sign up for a test here starting at 7 a.m. everyday, or by calling 610-970-2937 starting at 8:30 a.m. everyday. Anyone who works, lives or attends school in Montgomery County may be tested here, or at the county’s other testing sites.
Resources:
What about unemployment? Please see the state’s Unemployment Compensation website about filing a claim and if you qualify to do so: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/Pages/UC-COVID19-FAQs.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3WYHIu7Ueez4CMVywhCGFN7zZzg_R8NfRpd-51s9UgYiK8YHdOQo6VJNU
What about evictions and forclosures? Through June 30, 2021 there is a hold on tenant evictions by order of the CDC and President Joe Biden. You can read a FAQ document outlining the order. Tenants can sign a declaration of hardship that can be presented to their landlord. (Disponible en Español aquí)
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA has provided a list of resources and information about staying in your home during this pandemic.
¿Puedo ser desalojado? ¿Puede un juicio hipotecario ser presentado en contra de mi casa? Leer aquí
Mortgage/rent assistance: In March 2021, Montgomery County/Your Way Home launched a rent/utility relief program: https://yourwayhome.org/eruc
Also in March 2021, Gov. Tom Wolf announced an Emergency Rental Assistance Program that launched: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/Public/CMPHome
COMMUNITY UPDATES!
A disaster declaration for the Municipality of Norristown was issued on March 16 and will be in effect indefinitely. This is a proactive action being taken so the municipality can get access to the resources and tools it needs to keep residents safe.
Montgomery County has established communication tools to answer your questions about COVID-19. You can call 610-631-3000 (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or email COVID19@montcopa.org. Go to http://www.montcopa.org/COVID-19 for local information and to see what communities are affected.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is tracking the outbreak throughout the state and can be viewed here. The department can be reached at 1-800-724-3258.836
MUNICIPAL HALL:
Municipal Hall (at 1700 Markley St.) is open to the public. Mask wearing and social distancing is enforced for employees and visitors.
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL:
Meetings will still be held on virtual platforms (and at council’s discretion). Meeting access information will be posted before each meeting. The meeting agenda with public participation information will be posted on our website the Friday before the meeting. Meetings will still be conducted on the first and third Tuesday of every month unless otherwise noted.
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS/SERVICES:
CODE ENFORCEMENT
All services have resumed.
RECREATION
The Norristown Recreation Center and parks are open. Mask wearing and social distancing will be adhered to.
TRASH/RECYCLING
Weekly trash and recycling collections will continue.
SEPTA
Service has been restored to most lines in the SEPTA system as of June, 2020. More information at http://septa.org/
MUNICIPAL EVENT CANCELLATIONS:
Community events are limited.
SCHOOLS AND RECREATION
Norristown Area School District
Schools are doing virtual instruction for 2020-21. In Feb. 2021, the Norristown Area School District announce plans for hybrid instruction to being in early April. You can view the video message announcing these plans on the school district's website.
Elmwood Park Zoo
Open, but reserved ticketing is required. www.elmwoodparkzoo.org.
Montgomery County- Norristown Public Library
The main building (at Powell and Swede streets) is open. Curbside pickup of materials is available. Some virtual resources are available to cardholders at www.mc-npl.org.
UTILITIES
The Pennsylvania Utilities Commission will end a moratorium on utility shutoffs on March 31.