Mercer County, Pa. - Mercer County has declared an emergency in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

County commissioners declared the emergency Thursday and are asking people to limit in-person visits.

The commissioners are asking the public to stay away from the courthouse unless they have essential business that can only be taken care of in person.

Anything that can be done by phone or online is being encouraged to be conducted in that way.

Mercer County Courts will remain open and take care of cases. Non-essential cases will be heard electronically, while essential cases will still be heard in person.

The state of emergency will continue until the county or other federal officials take other actions.