Wellspan Health has asked residents to be sure to come to the hospital if they are experiencing symptoms of heart attack or stroke, saying that they will be protected against catching the coronavirus in the hospital. Since late March, hospital officials have noticed a 50 percent drop in patients seeking care at WellSpan Health’s six
Every evening many of the residents of my neighborhood go into the streets at 8:00 p.m. to ring bells and bang on pots to support our essential workers. In this podcast I got a chance to talk with two of those workers who are on the very front lines, charged with saving the lives of
To ensure that Pennsylvanians have opportunities to safely enjoy outdoor recreation as a way to maintain positive physical and mental health, and in keeping with the commonwealth’s stay-at-home orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tom Wolf today announced that the Wolf Administration is lifting some restrictions on businesses related to certain outdoor activities.
The Adams County workforce has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus shutdown with almost ten times as many workers receiving unemployment benefits now than before the health crisis began. Statistics gathered by the Pennsylvania State Center for Workforce Information and Analysis show that in early March, 599 people (about 1% of the total county labor
Governor Tom Wolf presented this week a plan for reopening the Commonwealth using a three-phase red, yellow, and green system and said the first orders for moving from red to yellow could be given in the north-central and northwest regions of the state as early as May 8. Wolf said that just as the administration
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 disease continue to climb in the county, increasing by over 40 percent over the past week. The total number of cases increased from 67 cases last Thursday to 95 cases today. And Adams now has three COVID-19 deaths. According to county coroner Pat Felix, two of these deaths were in nursing
In a personal, heartfelt, and candid speech to the state’s residents on Friday, Governor Tom Wolf announced a plan to set citizens and businesses on a path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to protect residents from the dangers of the deadly virus. Watch the governor’s full remarks here. Read the governor’s full
Governor Tom Wolf today announced nearly $16 million in funding for Pennsylvania food banks, which are providing critical assistance to Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 health crisis. “COVID-19 has caused severe economic stress for many Pennsylvanians, and as a result our food banks have been working in overdrive with unprecedented demand,” Wolf said. “We’re proud of
The workday for Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) teachers and families has changed dramatically as the district has moved to online learning for the remainder of the school year. In this article I talk with Scott Jones, a GASD Middle School Science Teacher, about his experiences. This article is the first in a series of
The Fifty-first Pennsylvania Judicial District, which includes Adams County, is operating under emergency court orders, at least until May 1, 2020. The guidelines have created many procedural changes and are leading to fewer cases being heard in the county. Most hearings originally scheduled for April have been moved until May or June. District Court Administrator
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine today required all employees and customers at essential businesses to wear face masks, and also created other protections for employees. Levine also ordered meetings for essential businesses to be conducted online and that appropriate social distancing and hygiene measures be enforced. “This order provides critical protections for the workers
The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help
Dear Friends, Leon Reed did an outstanding job at Gettysburg Rising’s April meeting informing us about the struggles of people who are economically disadvantaged in Adams county and highlighting how the problem is being magnified during the coronivirus pandemic. After his presentation, we had a group brainstorm about ways we can help. Please click here
Following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, WellSpan requests that patients and visitors wear a protective face covering when visiting any WellSpan facility. Hand-made fabric masks and other face coverings can help slow the spread of COVID-19. By covering your face, you help to stop
The Salvation Army today sent a truck with eleven pallets of canned goods from Philadelphia to help restock SCCAP’s food pantry. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY SMITH According to Gettysburg Area Salvation Army chair Amy Smith, there were eleven pallets on the truck, with foods including peanut butter, cereal, dry pasta, canned fruit, canned soups, cookies,
WellSpan Health today announced it is joining the 100 Million Mask Challenge, an initiative launched by the American Hospital Association to help meet growing demand for masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we prepare for the expected increase in COVID-19 patients in our community and hospitals, the safety of our caregivers is critically
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf updated the public on Pennsylvania’s response to the 2019 novel coronavirus today. The following are his prepared remarks: “My fellow Pennsylvanians, thank you for joining me. I want to talk with you about where we are with this pandemic and where we hope to be. “Each day we face a new
With school buildings closed for the rest of the school year, the Upper Adams School District (UASD) is identifying ways to deliver online instruction to students. But before a curriculum can be offered, appropriate technology must be in place. District superintendent Wesley Doll said there were not currently enough computer devices for all students
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and the United Way of Pennsylvania continue to operate referral and support helplines for residents in need. Dial 211 if you need to connect with resources in your community, but don’t know where to look. From help with a utilities bill, to housing assistance, after-school programs for kids,
Governor Tom Wolf announced today the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is implementing new federal unemployment compensation benefits provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The COVID-19 relief package temporarily provides an additional $600 per week, makes self-employed, independent contractors and gig workers eligible for benefits and extends unemployment compensation
Because the possibilities for social distancing are limited in a prison, officials at the Adams County Adult Correctional Facility are being vigilant to avoid a COVID-19 contamination. The effort is being led by prison Warden Katy Hileman. “So far we do not have any presumed positive or confirmed positive staff members or inmates,” said Hileman.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf today ordered Department of Corrections officials to establish a Temporary Program to Reprieve Sentences of Incarceration to help aid the department in the transfer of qualifying individuals to community corrections facilities or home confinement amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wolf Administration continues to take every possible action – and asks
South Central Pennsylvania Community Action Programs (SCCAP) CEO Megan Shreve reported yesterday that the organization was having trouble getting enough food for its pantry. . “On Tuesday when we went to place our order through the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank they were short on food,” said Shreve. “The order we typically get is significantly
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported today there has now been one death from COVID-19 in Adams County. According to Adams County Coroner Pat Felix the death occurred in a nursing home and the deceased was an elderly male with underlying medical conditions. It is unknown at this point if there are currently any COVID-19
Wellspan Health announced today a new non-emergency health treatment location for patients who are either confirmed or suspected by a healthcare provider to have COVID-19. The new location is at the WellSpan Digestive Health practice at 37 N. Fifth Street in Gettysburg. The previous clinic location at the WellSpan Adams Health Center on V-Twin Drive
As the number of Pennsylvania COVID-19 deaths increased 240, Governor Tom Wolf ordered commonwealth flags on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds fly at half-staff until further notice to honor the victims of the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic. “Too many Pennsylvanians have lost their lives to COVID-19, and, unfortunately, many more will die,” said
As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 increased to 25 in Adams County and 12,980 in the state, Wellspan Health today announced plans to double the number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds at its acute care hospitals in anticipation of a significant increase in COVID-19 patients in the coming weeks. “WellSpan is leading
Wellspan Health’s engineering team has tested several models of home-sewn face masks and has provided a pattern for making masks that can be used by their hospitals. Wellspan hospitals will begin accepting donated masks on Monday. Wellspan said a mask with a center pocket in the back for additional filter materials which could catch and
At the Gettysburg Borough COVID-19 Emergency Task Force meeting on Thursday, Police Chief Glenny announced changes to the active policing of the borough. “First and absolutely foremost, if you have emergency or believe you have an emergency, dial 911 and the police will respond. I don’t want you to have to think about that,”
Governor Tom Wolf recommended today that all Pennsylvanians wear a mask any time they leave their homes for life-sustaining reasons, as COVID-19 cases increased to 8,420 in Pennsylvania and 19 in Adams County. No-sew facemask: Click here to learn how to make a facemask using only a pair of scissors “Wearing a mask will help
A host of community organizations have stepped in to provide meals for families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many thanks to the work of Yeimi Gagliardi from Wellspan and others for providing this update. SCHOOL MEAL OFFERINGS BY DISTRICT Bermudian Free bagged lunches for all students 18 year of age and younger
The Adams County Conservation District has closed the Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Center (Ag Center) and grounds to the public until at least April 10. USDA customers are by appointment only. The District is still answering phones and emails, receiving plans, and processing permits, but the staff is operating remotely. Community gardening, native
Adams County saw another large jump in COVID-19 cases today, increasing to 18. Just two days ago, on Tuesday, the count was only nine. COVID-19 Testing Station at Gettysburg Hospital The Pennsylvania state total again increased by 20 percent to 7,016. Residents in the state remain under a stay-at-home order that will continue until at
Gettysburg Borough has launched an aggressive effort to manage current challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The taskforce will also work to anticipate and plan for future threats of the pandemic. “In this time of uncertainty, Gettysburg Borough has assembled local and county leaders to address the needs and concerns of the Borough’s residents”, said
Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced that Adams County, as well as all of the other 66 Pennsylvania counties, will be under stay-at-home orders effective tonight, Wednesday, April 1, at 8:00 p.m. “This is the most prudent option to stop the spread of COVID-19 across our commonwealth, where cases
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDOH) today confirmed 756 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 4,843. The daily increase was again the largest since coronavirus cases have been reported in the state. The death toll in the state grew to 36. Outdoor Screening Area at the Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital One more case
Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced today that all Pennsylvania schools will remain closed until further notice. This announcement comes as the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDOH) confirmed 693 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 4,087. The increase was the largest since coronavirus cases have been reported
WellSpan Health announced it has opened care locations across southcentral Pennsylvania dedicated solely to providing non-emergency care for COVID-19 patients. Patients in Adams County who have no emergent health needs and are either confirmed or suspected by a healthcare provider to have COVID-19 can visit either: WellSpan Adams Health Center, 40 V-Twin Drive, Gettysburg. This
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDOH) today confirmed 643 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 3,394. The department also reported four new deaths. PDOH said over half of the coronavirus cases have been among young and middle-aged Pennsylvanians, giving the following age breakdown of those who have tested positive: Less than
Adams County Emergency Services Center Director Warren Bladen said the system is now at Level 3. Level 3 is a “situational awareness posture where we gather information on COVID-19 and communicate with agencies such as the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the county’s first
A community conference call on Tuesday brought a dozen Adams County for-profit and non-profit organizations together to share their activities during the coronavirus era. The call was representative of many ways the county is serving the community. The call was initiated by Ralph M. Serpe, representing the Adams County Community Foundation. “We are grateful to
Governor Tom Wolf has announced that new funding is available to help small businesses impacted by the coronavirus through a new program under the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority’s (PIDA) Small Business First Fund, the COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA). The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) recently authorized the transfer of $40 million to the Small
Gettysburg Connection recently asked Will Lavery, Manager of Public Relations and Communications at WellSpan Health, to comment on Gettysburg Hospital’s readiness for an expected increase in coronavirus cases in the county. Lavery took time out of his busy schedule to answer them for us. Here are his responses. Lavery asked us to remind the community
Kennie’s Gettysburg Store Manager, Nathaniel Brusby, said Kennie’s markets have added a senior hour every day between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. “The time is for seniors, but we’re not policing,” said Brusby. “We’re pretty good in terms of stock. We’re working to maintain our supplies. We have limits on a few items, but we’re
To protect workers from contact with potentially contaminated items, bulk item pickup in Adams County will be suspended until at least May 1. At that time we will re-assess the situation and either resume the pickup of bulk items or request an extension. Trash bags and taters are handled with just hands, which can be
Following the Pennsylvania K-12 school schedule, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries has extended the closure of all Pennsylvania public libraries until least April 6, 2020. All library materials have an extended due date of April 16th and this date will be moved as necessary. Nothing is due during the closure and no fees will accumulate.
Effective Thursday, March 19, the Wellspan health system has made the following access changes: Prohibiting all visitation, with certain clinical exceptions (noted below) Suspending all volunteer activities Allowing on-site visits only from approved and screened third-party vendors Restricting deliveries of food, flowers only if they can be left with staff at the main entrances outside
Borough Manager Charles Gable announced today the borough’s police department and other enforcement officials will make the enforcement of the governor’s order closing all non-life sustaining businesses a high priority. The order does not pertain to retail food establishments, which are still permitted to serve food via take-out, delivery, and curbside pickup. Retail food establishments
Please join us the Adams County Community Foundation for a Community Call-In on Tuesday March 24 at 2:15 pm to hear updates and Questions and Answers from leaders of: Adams County Community Foundation Adams Economic Alliance The Chamber, Gettysburg & Adams County County of Adams Gettysburg Times Pennsylvania Interfaith Community Programs, Inc. South Central
Birds chirped in the background and the council members wore coats as the Gettysburg Borough Council held a special meeting in the amphitheater at the Gettysburg Recreational Park Thursday morning. At the short meeting the council ratified and extended of the Declaration of Disaster Emergency initially issued by Mayor Theodore H. Streeter on
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed there are now four cases of COVID-19 in the county. The Department of Health will not be releasing further information about the individuals out of respect for their privacy and in line with the requirements of the 1955 Disease Prevention and Control Law.
The Gettysburg Times published today a letter from publisher Harry Hartman that explained the paper would be reducing its print schedule to a Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday schedule. The Times also said that its coronavirus-related stories will remain free for all to read without a subscription on their website. “This reduction of print days is
Reminding the public that the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern, that the U.S. Department of Health has declared COVID-19 creates a public health emergency, and that he has already proclaimed the existence of a disaster emergency throughout the Commonwealth,
Gettysburg Borough has updated policies regarding brick and mortar restaurants and food trucks during the state of emergency. Brick and Mortar Restaurants To encourage take-out food service from the Borough’s brick and mortar restaurants, portions of the Borough’s Chapter 15 Parking Ordinance have been waived. Effectively immediately, any restaurant who operates take-out food service may
The following are excerpts from Governor Wolf’s statement this afternoon: I come to you with a heavy heart. Earlier today the Department of Health confirmed that a person in Northampton county passed away from COVID-19. This is the first death from the novel coronavirus in Pennsylvania. For the sake of the family’s privacy we will
It was not your normal St. Patrick’s day evening at the bar. But Ben Wenk and his musical group, Chuck Darwin and the Knuckledraggers, brought joy and Irish celebration to people who could not attend the scheduled show at the Ploughman Cider Taproom last night. Ploughman Cider Taproom The Knuckledraggers’ show, cancelled due to the
Although the Gettysburg Borough has reserved parking spaces in Lincoln Square for food trucks*, these are not the only sources of takeout food available during the COVID-19 emergency. Local Restaurants, as well as food trucks, are providing meals during the emergency Local brick and mortar restaurants have followed governor Wolf’s recommendation to close indoor service
Giant food stores has announced changes in store hours and placed limits on paper goods and disinfectants. Beginning Thursday, March 19, store hours will be 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The hours of 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. will be reserved for customers who are age 60 and older. Beginning immediately, there will be a limit
As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has closed schools in Adams County, many children who eat at school may have difficulty finding enough food. In response, each Adams County school district has created ways for children and families to pick up food during the week. Backpack programs that provide food for children on weekends are also
The Wolf Administration continues to strongly urge non-essential businesses across the state to close for at least 14 days to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The governor’s request protects employees, customers, and suppliers and limits the spread of the virus through personal contact and surfaces “We strongly urge non-essential businesses across the commonwealth to
Students will not be returning to the Gettysburg College Campus this school year, although their education will continue with online learning. The decision was posted on the College website in the form of a letter from College President Bob Iuliano. Parts of that letter are reproduced here: After careful reflection, and based on our informed
The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center will temporarily close Tuesday, March 17 through Tuesday, March 31, 2020. This is a precautionary measure to limit the health risks associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) based on the guidance of state and federal officials. The battlefield will remain accessible. All Gettysburg Foundation and Gettysburg
After consultation with the Wolf Administration and Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has announced the indefinite closure of all Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores effective at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. “This was a tremendously difficult decision to make, and we
Governor Tom Wolf today announced that mitigation efforts put into effect over the past few days in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester and Allegheny counties will now be in effect statewide, beginning at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, March 17. “Earlier today, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut imposed similar restrictions, and I thank the residents of these
DECLARATION OF DISASTER EMERGENCYCoronavirus (COVID-19)Monday, March 16, 2020 WHEREAS, a novel coronavirus (now known as “COVID-19”) emerged in Wuhan, China, began infecting humans; and WHEREAS, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) have declared COVID-19 a “public health emergency of international concern,” and the U.S. Department of Health and Human
All public meetings are cancelled until April 27, 2020 Public Access to Borough Facilities Prohibited until April 27, 2020 Click here to be directed to an informational video on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Gettysburg Borough Implements Alternate Operations Plan in Response to COVID-19 Participating in the national effort to mitigate and contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide
Attention all visitors and YWCA staff • If you have visited Italy, China, Japan, South Korea of Iran we ask that you self-quarantine for 14 days. • If you have been out of the country and have any of the following symptoms: fever, shortness or breath of cough, please see your healthcare
Gettysburg Borough continues to monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of State, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Adams County Emergency Management Agency regarding the status of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Borough utilizes continuity of operations plans should staff members and/or police officers not be able
Gettysburg College has posted statements on their website about the coronavirus, including letters from the college president, provost, and vice president for information technology. The website indicates there are no current confirmed or suspected cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) at Gettysburg College but that spring break will be extended by one week, through March 22.
