Sanchez district office closing as Montgomery County ramps up coronavirus mitigation efforts

ABINGTON, March 12 – State Rep. Ben Sanchez, D-Montgomery, announced the temporary closure of his district office at 1175 Old York Road starting now and continuing for the next two weeks, or until Gov. Tom Wolf lifts restrictions for commonwealth employees that he announced during Thursday afternoon’s update on Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

This decision to close the office to the public was made to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. As of Thursday afternoon, the state’s total of presumptive positive cases reached 22 individuals, with 13 of those in Montgomery County.

“In order to best serve our constituents and to focus on the health and safety of our residents and my office staff, we are absolutely participating in the mitigation phase that Governor Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced earlier today for our county,” Sanchez said. “We remain eager to assist our community in the best ways possible, and we will continue to work in its best interest during this unprecedented time.”

Sanchez stressed that he and his staff will do their best to continue to answer and respond to phone calls and emails. The phone number is (215) 517-6800, and the email address is RepSanchez@pahouse.net. Any changes in status will be announced quickly via Sanchez’s website – www.pahouse.com/Sanchez – and via social media – www.facebook.com/RepBenSanchez.

His office will be closed to the public completely, meaning no in-person meetings at this time. However, Sanchez assured his staff will answer any messages as soon as possible if they are unable to answer immediately, though he is also urging patience in this unique time.

The state Department of Health continues to provide regular updates, along with information on prevention and preparation on the virus.

Older adults and people with severe underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, appear to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Those interested can visit the CDC site here for advice on precautions those individuals should take.