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April 3 Erie County Updates: Pennsylvanians Asked to Wear Masks
Kathy Dahlkemper reported on recent numbers and was joined by Director of Human Services, John DiMattio
April 3, 2020 at 3:57 PM
WQLN livestream
Sign language interpreter Mark Blakeley (left) and Kathy Dahlkemper during the April 3 address
On Friday, April 3, Governor Tom Wolf asked all Pennsylvanians to wear masks when out in public, with universal masking likely to be recommended by the CDC shortly.
Both Wolf and Dr. Rachel Levine recommended using cloth masks or bandanas (and to some extent, scarves), explicitly asking residents to not use N95 masks, saving them for medical professionals.
On the issue of masks, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper echoed the suggestion by Wolf and Levine that all residents wear a mask when leaving their house. She noted that "the mask should be worn in a low-risk situation."
In her daily address through WQLN's livestream, Dahlkemper noted that there were two new cases of COVID-19 reported. One of the cases was in their 80s, while one was in their 20s. This brings Erie County's positive-case total to 19, with 530 total negative cases.
Statewide, there have been 8,420 positive cases, with 102 total deaths. There were 1,404 more cases reported yesterday, with 12 more deaths.
Warren County now has one case of COVID-19, with Crawford County seeing five cases.
So far, 30 Pennsylvania counties have higher numbers of cases than Erie, which is the 15th most populous county in the Commonwealth.
"Every day that we keep our numbers low is a day that's better for Erie County and saving lives here," Dahlkemper stated.
Yesterday, there were 74 new complaints delivered to the Environmental Taskforce, who engaged in field inspections. Many calls have been from life-sustaining businesses asking how they can better be in compliance with guidelines. As of yet, there have been no citations or fines issued.
With the upcoming Palm Sunday holiday this weekend, Dahlkemper encouraged churches to distribute palms via drive-thru, with the person dispensing the palms wearing a mask and gloves, maintaining a proper distance between cars.
Every person coming into Erie County via plane, train at the Amtrak station, or Greyhound bus will be given a printed sheet of guidelines for travelers in order to promote safety and proper procedures and more.
John DiMattio, Director of Human Services for the County of Erie, Pennsylvania also addressed listeners. DiMattio reported that a majority of these county services were still operational, despite using many different techniques to facilitate proper social distancing. He encouraged residents to utilize their services if they are in need.
(800) 932-0313 - PA's ChildLine
(814) 451-6600
Office of Drug & Alcohol Abuse
(814) 451-6877
Office of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
814-528-0600
For emergencies, or if you or a loved one are currently experiencing a crisis such as depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide, please call Crisis Services at (814) 456-2014 or 1 (800) 300-9558.
For non-emergencies, please call the warm line to talk to someone Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (814) 273-7007
There is also a new line, launched by the state, 1-855-284-2494, available 24/7 that people can call for comfort or clarification.
Office of Housing and Homeless Services
814-SHELTER, or 814-743-5837
DiMattio also encouraged PA residents able to volunteer to contact PA211nw.org
Nick Warren can be reached at nick@eriereader.com