As cases dwindle, Chesco to step down as health lead for Delco’s COVID response, Aug. 1

WEST CHESTER – As the COVID-19 crisis unfolded across southeast Pennsylvania in March, 2020, Chester County was willing to stand up to help a neighbor — Delaware County, which lacked its own Health Department — to assist in the management of the pandemic. With cases now in steep decline — largely because of high vaccination rates in the two counties — that neighborly help is no longer needed...

State lifts masking mandate

Vector color chalk drawn illustration of medical mask on black chalkboard background. Although Pennsylvania did not make the 70% full vaccination rate (just under 75% have had at least one shot), the commonwealth lifted most mask mandates, effective Monday — although there many locations where Chester Countians will still be asked to wear a mask to battle COVID. “We are continuing to make progress...

3 Chesco legislators embarrass themselves — and us — on anti-abortion bill vote

By Mike McGann, Editor, the Times @mikemcgannpa Just when you think our “great” legislature can’t get worse, it has a “here, hold my beer” moment. Such as with HB 118, one of the most ignorant, hateful and useless pieces of legislation ever passed by any political body in history. Yes, it will be vetoed and purged by Gov. Tom Wolf.  But it should never have been introduced. It should never...

County: high vaccination rates have COVID case numbers falling

Chester County Health Officials announced Thursday that 83 percent of all eligible Chester County residents (age 12 and above) are partially or fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  Taking it one step further, of those age 18 and over (which follows the Governor’s benchmark), 92 percent are partially or fully vaccinated.  According to county health officials, these figures indicate that Chester County...

Extreme Pa. GOP mapping its own demise

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa You’ve probably heard about the old story about the dog who finally caught the car — and didn’t know what to do with it. In Pennsylvania, of late, assume legislative Republicans are the dog grabbing the rear bumper, but one who doesn’t see the reverse lights suddenly turn on. They’ve already moved to take emergency declaration power away from...

Survey: Chester County residents ready to return to activities, but carefully

With the lifting of many PA COVID-19 restrictions taking place next week, the results of the Restore Chester County survey reveal that vaccination status, safety measures and social distancing will continue to play a major role in individuals’ confidence to take part in community events and activities, and to return to restaurant dining. Outdoor v. indoor preference The preference for outdoor events,...

Vaccinated? CDC, Pa. Health says it’s OK to take off mask in most situations

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Vector color chalk drawn illustration of medical mask on black chalkboard background. With COVID-19 cases dropping nationally, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced Thursday afternoon that those who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks, indoors or outdoors, or observe social distancing, although masks will be required on public...

County starts COVID vaccinations for kids as young as 12 today

Following the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) recommendation of the Pfizer vaccine for those ages 12-15,  Chester County Health Department officials will offer the Pfizer vaccine at its walk-in or drive-thru clinic locations, with or without an appointment, from Thursday morning, May 13. From Thursday, May 13, the Pfizer vaccine will be available without the need for an...

Chesco health partnering with EMS to deliver vaccines at home

Kerri Barrett, Good Fellowship Ambulance Paramedic, administers the COVID-19 vaccine to an at-home individual. WEST CHESTER — As part of its effort to ensure every eligible Chester County resident who chooses to have a COVID-19 vaccine is able to receive one, the Chester County Health Department has partnered with local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies to schedule at-home vaccine appointments...

Chester County opens walk-in sites for COVID vaccine

Chester County Health Department officials announced a number of COVID-19 vaccine clinics now offer walk-in vaccinations.   County health officials encourage everyone who is eligible, but has not yet received the vaccine, to take advantage of this free, convenient option. From Friday, May 7, the Health Department’s walk-in vaccine clinic at the Exton Square Mall (former Sears store) will offer...