During the last Board of Supervisors meeting on May 11, 2020, I shared an update on the number of positive cases of COVID-19 and related deaths among residents of Montgomery Township. At the time, those numbers were 115 and 13 respectively. Sadly, within 24 hours those numbers jumped significantly. As of May 18, they stand at 186 and 27. It is hard to fathom that more than two dozen of our residents have perished from the Coronavirus in less than two months, and yet here we are. Even more regrettable is that this crisis is far from over. Montgomery Township remains in “Red Zone” status and the stay-at-home order remains in place until that status changes.

Please Use Face Masks

Governor Wolf has mandated the use of face masks when venturing out for life sustaining errands. As the weather gets warmer, and you spend more time outside, please be sure to follow safety protocols outdoors, as well. Whether you are chatting with a neighbor, or taking a walk around the park, everyone should be following CDC guidelines for social distancing and proper hygiene. Complying with these guidelines will greatly assist in reducing the spread of the disease, and will ultimately lead to the reopening of our county and municipality. 

Help is Available 24/7 

The board recognizes that the shutdown has created a lot of hardship. Many residents have been furloughed, and the shutdown has had a devastating impact on our business community. As I mentioned during the board meeting, the township is continually updating our website with a wealth of information for anyone needing assistance during this time. Visit montgomerytwp.org and follow the link at the top of the page for more details. If you would prefer to speak with someone at the township directly, you can call our offices at 215-393-6900. As always, if you have an emergency of any kind, do not hesitate to dial 911 for assistance. Someone is always available to help you, 24/7.

Appreciation for Essential Workers

While the township had to furlough several employees, the majority of the township’s employees are essential and have continued to work throughout this crisis to serve the needs of our tax payers. From our first responders, to our public works team, as well as staff in our planning, finance, parks and recreation, administrative and IT departments, the dedicated employees of Montgomery Township have risen to the occasion to ensure that your needs have been met. Whether employed by our township, or elsewhere in our community, I hope you will join me in expressing appreciation for the dedication and commitment of essential workers across our area.

Thank You for Your Kindness

One of the silver linings in this crisis has been the opportunity to witness so many inspiring acts of kindness. To everyone who donated food and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and to all who donated at one of our blood drives, many thanks for your generosity.   

Sincere Condolences

On behalf of my fellow board members, our sincere condolences go out to all those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, have tested positive, or are experiencing related hardships. These are unprecedented times we are living through and our hearts go out to all who are suffering as a result.    

In closing, I hope you all continue to remain strong, healthy and vigilant in the face of this adversity. Working together, while remaining apart, we will succeed in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and accelerating our return to normalcy. 

Yours truly,

Tanya C. Bamford, Chairwoman