Montco COVID-19 Cases Reach 'High' Level

NORRISTOWN, PA —Montgomery County Office of Public Health announced Friday that the county has jumped from a medium level to a high level of COVID-19 cases, advising the residents to wear masks in public and get vaccinated.

Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness.

On Thursday, Christina Miller, administrator of the county health department, informed the county commissioners that the county was not far from moving into high, which is a strain on the county's healthcare system.

Wear Masks

The CDC strongly recommends masking in all indoor public settings when in the High COVID Community Level.

The public is encouraged to wear the most protective mask you can that fits well.

Wearing a well-fitted mask along with vaccination, self-testing, and physical distancing, helps protect you and others by reducing the chance of spreading COVID-19.

To find a free N95 mask near you, visit the CDC website.

The public can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to locate free masks in your area. Please check with the location for availability.

Visitors to all County owned and leased facilities are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when indoors.

Vaccines locations

Montgomery County continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations at the following locations:

• Bethel Community Church of Pottstown, 575 North Keim Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
• Human Services Center, (Second Floor, OPH Clinic), 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA 19401 (Use the DeKalb Street entrance)
• Willow Grove Annex, 102 York Road, 3rd floor, Willow Grove, PA 19090

Yesterday, the CDC authorized boosters for children ages 5 to 11. Beginning Monday, May 23, Montgomery County clinics will offer a booster dose for children ages 5 to 11.

Appointments can now be scheduled for the children’s booster, and walk-ins will be accepted for all COVID-19 vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccine is offered at no charge to residents. The public can also visit www.vaccines.gov for a list of all vaccine providers.

For general COVID-19 questions or to register for the vaccine by phone, call the Montgomery County COVID-19 hotline at (833) 875-3967.

The hotline is open five days a week, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General questions can also be emailed to covid19@montcopa.org.

Home testing urged

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order up to three rounds of eight free at-home COVID-19 tests from the Federal government. Visit https://www.covid.gov/tests to place your order or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to order by phone.

IF YOU TEST POSITIVE: If you test positive for COVID-19, follow the latest CDC guidance for isolation and notify your recent close contacts.

If you test positive and have a weakened immune system or other health conditions, talk to a doctor as soon as possible about available treatment options.

For the latest COVID-19 guidance including information for schools and workplaces, visit www.montcopa.org/COVID-19Guidance.