Health & Fitness

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

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

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

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,

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

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.