Lock Haven Provides Update on Coronavirus; Council Meetings to Continue
LOCK HAVEN – City Manager Greg Wilson Saturday evening provided an update on Lock Haven government’s response to Coronavirus concerns. He said the city has a page on its website devoted to the Coronavirus. The link can be found at: https://lockhavenpa.gov/residents/covid-19/
Information from that website page is reprinted below:
COVID-19 Precautions
The City of Lock Haven is following public health advice to take precautionary measure to limit the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS-CoV-2). Balancing health and well-being with public service, the City strongly recommends social distancing as one of the most important tools to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Below is some guidance for members of the public when interacting with City facilities and employees to consider as this national public health emergency develops.
Can I come to City Hall? Our City Hall front-end and other staff members that have frequent interactions with the public are following the Centers for Disease Control guidelines on how to prevent illness, which includes cleaning hands often and avoiding close contact. City Hall will continue to be open to the public during regular business hours; however, in order to limit exposure to both our customers and our employees, the City strongly encourages the use of online payment options for water/sewer bills and for parking tickets, and phone and email for all other requests. If you are not able to use online resources, we would encourage using US mail to submit your payment to limit potential exposure for both yourself and our employees.
How do I report a public works issue? The City strongly encourages the use of our smartphone MyCivic app “Lock Haven City” to submit requests for service (like potholes or streetlights) or to use email for requests. This app is available in both Android and Apple stores for free download. As always, if you have a water or sewer leak, customers are requested to call the County Communications Center at 570-748-2936.
Can I visit other City buildings? City employees have been directed to only permit current employees, approved subcontractors and emergency services to access the Department of Public Works operations center at 99 Second Avenue and at the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 20 S Hanna Street. Visitors, salespersons, and guests will not be permitted access to these sites through at least April 30, 2020 and will be turned away. Those with business at the Piper Memorial Airport are requested to use the same recommendation of social distancing and those using the facility for essential travel and work are encouraged to follow the Centers for Disease Control and PA Department of Health guidelines of how to prevent illness while traveling.
Will City Council meet? City Council will continue to meet at its regularly scheduled dates and times. In order to limit exposure to both members of the public and the City’s elected officials and employees, members of the public interested in the proceedings of City Council who do not have comments are encouraged to watch the meetings online live through our streaming service. Members of the public who do have comments they wish to share with City Council can always do so via email. The email addresses of members of City Council and administrative staff are available on our website directory.
Will committees meet? All authorities, boards, committees and commissions are encouraged to postpone their regular meetings through April 30, 2020 unless there is emergency business that must be decided on immediately that will impact the community’s essential services.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health is responsible for infectious disease emergency planning and response in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to try to identify possible cases and work to prevent the spread.
The best way to reduce your risk of becoming infected with, or spreading, COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) is to practice good hygiene:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
Try to stay away from people who are visibly sick
Everyone should always cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or the crook of their elbow; wash your hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth
People who are sick should stay home from work or school until they are well
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COVID-19 Relief Program for ASO Customers
The City has been notified of the following agreement with Highmark which is available to the City residents. Under this temporary program, cost-sharing associated with physician-ordered diagnostic testing for novel coronavirus will be waived for all fully insured members. Highmark will also default all members, including High Deductible Health Plan members, as recipients of this cost-sharing relief.
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For helpful tips and to stay up-to-date on the latest information,
visit pa.gov or readypa.gov.
You can also find information at the following links:
485 – 03/11/20 – UPD – Updated: COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Shipping Guidance
Businesses fact sheet update
COVID-19 Testing in Pennsylvania table (see table below)
Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in nursing homesOpens In A New Window
Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in dialysis facilitiesOpens In A New Window
Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning COVID-19 in Home Health AgenciesOpens In A New Window
Guidance for use of Certain Industrial Respirators by Health Care PersonnelOpens In A New Window
Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communitieswith Local COVID-19 TransmissionOpens In A New Window
DOH COVID-19 press releases
Daily COVID-19 report (updated every evening)
