On Monday, March 16, 2020 organizational leaders across the Quakertown community - municipality leaders, business representatives, and the superintendent of QCSD, discussed the unprecedented situation that COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus, has presented.  We believe the COVID-19 pandemic provides us the opportunity to work together, serve in the best interest of all, and clearly demonstrate the character and community values we hold dear. Not knowing how long our lives will be disrupted, we will work through this together with the intent to support all of our citizens and local business owners to the best of our ability.  

Working together: This message is to let you know that we are working together to create a “one-stop” place for you to learn about what Quakertown is doing during this crisis period. We have established a central webpage, Quakertown.org/Covid-19 to provide details on what the Quakertown Community is doing at this time.  We will communicate with you as often as possible through as many means as possible. Please follow us on Facebook, main webpages and Twitter sites.  Here are a few other links:

Quakertown Borough link and @Quakertown_Boro
Richland Township Link and @RichlandTWP
Milford Township Link 
Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Link and @Upperbucks
Quakertown Community School District and @QCSDNews
St.Lukes University Health Network and @slhhn

Stay Safe:  Over the last week, we have been working together and with local, state and county officials reviewing the actions needed to prevent the community spread of COVID-19. Please remember it is vitally important to maintain social distancing - aka stay home - to minimize and slow down the spread of the virus in our community. This is true even if you feel fine. 

As most of you are aware daily reports are on the TV, media sites and throughout the general public. We continue to monitor this situation closely and as things progress or change, we will get the information out to help protect you and your family. 

Please faithfully take the following steps to help decrease the spread of this disease.

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, do not use your hands.

• Do not shake hands with anyone, do not fist bump anyone, and to the extent possible, remain at least 6 feet apart.  

• Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, lights switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas. We are recommending that all surfaces be wiped down daily with cleaning products.

• Contain – if you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better. Discuss this with your supervisors.

Stay Informed:  Please utilize resources from the CDC, PA Department of Health, and Bucks County Health Department to have a clear understanding of the recommendations for testing, treatment, and self-care during the pandemic.  It is human nature to be concerned, afraid, or to overreact. 

Keep our local businesses thriving: Besides our schools, the lifeblood of our community are our local businesses.  The municipalities are examining their rules and regulations for both citizens and businesses that may be eased during the pandemic to relieve the emotional and financial stress the crisis has brought.  The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce developed a survey for local businesses to complete to provide community leaders a better understanding of their concerns and needs.  If you have a local business please take the time to fill it out. Currently, municipal leaders and local law enforcement agencies are working together to determine how best to support and facilitate local restaurants grab-and-go services.

Stay focused: The Quakertown Community School District has already created its coronavirus webpage.  It includes instructional opportunities for students, information on how to have their Chromebook technology repaired during the pandemic, and how students can get meals.  Community leaders are working closely with local food banks to ensure everyone is supported in the Quakertown community.

Thank you for reading, and for your support during this pandemic!  This message and future community leader messages will be posted on several websites and be transmitted via social media. Please remember it is vitally important to maintain social distancing - aka stay home - to minimize and slow down the spread of the virus in our community, even if you are not experiencing symptoms.  

Scott McElree                                                                             
Manager, Quakertown Borough                                            

 Jeff Vey 
Manager, Milford Township

Paul Stepanoff                                                              
Manager, Richland Township 

Henry DePue
Haycock Township

Christopher Betz
Trumbauersville Borough

Christopher Willever
Richlandtown Borough

Danielle Bodnar
Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce

William E. Harner, Ph.D. 
Executive Director Superintendent
Quakertown Community School District

Dennis Pfleiger
St.Lukes University Health Network

Associated Upper Bucks County Municipalities Support Bucks County Commissioners and Bucks County Health Department 

 -Click above to read the full letter from municipalities leaders-