LOWER MERION– Citing decreasing COVID-19 cases, the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners this week abruptly canceled a planned vote on a declaration of a state of emergency.
On Jan. 18, the Lower Merion Health Advisory Council held a special meeting, citing concerns over the rising cases of COVID coming from the newer omicron variant.
As a result of the meeting, the committee recommended that the commissioners declare a state of emergency at its committee meetings this week.
“In light of the continued danger to the health and safety of the township residents, it is the consensus of the HAC that a declaration of a state of emergency be declared so as to alleviate the challenges to the health care facilities and health care providers, to aid in maintaining essential public services which includes allowing advisory boards to meet virtually, to purchase supplies and equipment as necessary, and to take any emergency response action deemed necessary. Given the rapid changes in the spread of infection and hospitalizations during the current surge, the need to maintain this declaration can be assessed weekly,” the committee said in its memo to the board.
However, as quickly as the new omicron variant began spreading, it started to die out. That prompted Todd Sinai, president of the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners, to open its committee meetings this week, announcing they would no longer vote on emergency.
“Our health advisory committee looked at the latest data, advised the health committee and the board that due to the rapid decline in hospitalizations and the spread of COVID disease, we do not need that item on our agenda,” Sinai said.
Sinai went on to add that despite the declining cases, the township continued to urge residents to take precautions to help limit the spread of the virus.
