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Coronavirus In Pennsylvania: Westmoreland County Declares Disaster Emergency

GREENSBURG (KDKA) -- Westmoreland County leaders have declared a disaster emergency in response to the coronavirus.

"So that we can respond immediately to the needs of our first responder communities and citizens," Westmoreland County Public Safety Director Bud Mertz said.

At this point, they said people have been tested but none have been presumptive positive as of 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

They activated their county emergency operations center and put it at an enhanced stage. According to their public safety director, that's one step before they get outside help.

"We are not implementing any policies other than directives that are coming down from the state and federal government," Board of Commissioners Chairman Sean Kertes said Saturday morning.

They are asking people to stay away from the courthouse unless you have to be there. County commissioners say jury duty has been suspended.

They are not allowing people to assemble outside in courthouse square outside the county courthouse.

"If you have to come here for court or other mandated things we understand that but if you can find a way to stay home and not come here. We would rather you not enter the building," Kertes said.

As for testing, Excela Health Chief Medical Officer Doctor Carol Fox said there are limited tests available in their region.

"With that said, we are collaborating very closely with the dept of health and their epidemiologist to ensure individuals who need testing can get testing," she said.

They are asking people who feel they may need to be tested to reach out to their primary care doctor to get the process started.

At the conference, County leaders addressed the special election that is scheduled for Tuesday. It is still one. They will have the machines wiped down after each person.

At this point, they are not imposing a large group bans like we've seen in other communities. They are recommending to follow what the governor has said about social distancing and his limiting of groups.

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