Resources and info for you during this COVID-19 pandemic

Rep. Ed Neilson    March 18, 2020 | 3:01 PM

I realize that this health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic will affect people in multiple ways in our community and my office is committed to assisting however we can. 

My office is closed, but my staff is still here to help

While my staff and I decided to close our office in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, we are still here to help you. We will be responding to emails and returning phone calls. You can reach my office at 215-330-3714, or email my staff and me through the form you can find online by clicking here.

Important updates about local/regional services

• The PA Turnpike Commission (PTC) has announced that to keep travelers from interacting with tolling personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic, cash and credit cards will NOT be accepted at any interchange statewide. Click here for more info.

• SEPTA has announced it will be operating the Severe Weather Plan for Regional Rail. Click here for more info.

• If you’re employed in Pennsylvania and unable to work because of COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers' Compensation benefits: Click here for more info.

• PennDOT has issued an announcement about expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards, vehicle registrations and safety and emission inspections. Those dates have been extended. Click here for more info.

• The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has activated a Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline. It's available 24/7. If you have questions about symptoms and risk factors, what to do if you think you may have been exposed, testing resources, or recommendations for social distancing, you can contact the helpline at 1-800-722-7112. Click here for more info.

• The School District of Philadelphia is working with city offices to provide meals and activities in safe spaces for children throughout the city. Families in the Philadelphia School District can pick up meals Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until noon. Click here for a listing of all places to find meals during the week.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program will make funds available to businesses impacted by COVID-19. For more information if your small business has been affected: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources, or email business.dced@pa.gov.

If you don’t need to go out, STAY HOME!

The most important thing you can do for yourself and for others’ well-being is to STAY HOME. I understand that not everyone can stay home, but please consider that the less interaction you have with others, the less likely you are to be exposed to others who may be sick or to expose others if you are sick.

In a time like this one, I hope we can all consider our fellow neighbors, and think of the people in our community who will be at the most risk of serious, life-threatening illness if we don’t all act selflessly.

Also keep in mind that the City of Philadelphia has put new restrictions on commercial activity and a halt to all nonessential City government operations. You can read more about the City’s announcement here.

If you must go out of your home, please do what you can to limit exposure and follow some simple steps to stay safe:

Check in with the Pennsylvania Department of Health online for updates on developments across the state.

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