I recently had a conversation with several people about the uptick of COVID cases in Lycoming County; one person stated that they had heard the Lycoming County Courthouse was closing down completely. Another added with absolute certainty that the UPMC Hospital was at capacity in their Intensive Care Units. It is exactly for reasons such as this that the Lycoming County Commissioners have held several public press conferences to sort out the truth from rumors.

On Thursday, December 3rd, the Commissioners held their third press conference since March, which besides themselves, also featured Dr. David Lopatofsky, the Chief Medical Officer from UPMC, Jeff Hutchinson, Director of the Lycoming County Department of Public Safety, Sheriff Mark Lusk, Director of Court Administration Andrianne Stahl, Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts Tom Heap, and County Treasurer Cindy Newcomer.

Unlike the previous two press conferences, there was a much greater sense of urgency this time. Commissioner Scott Metzger noted immediately that the county had seen a very sharp spike in the number of cases, which Commissioner Rick Mirabito noted was four times what it was in the Spring. It was brought home, even more when Commissioner Tony Mussare admitted that he himself had tested positive for COVID as well as members of his family.

Yet, despite the current situation, there was confidence, and even encouragement, from every single speaker. First, Dr. Lopatofsky assured the public that UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport has been more than able to deal with the caseload. He added that UPMC is part of a system that has a number of other health care facilities in the general area, which provides an assurance that even with this spike, those who need treatment will be receiving it.

Other officials outlined that the Lycoming County Court House is still open, although access is being limited to those who absolutely need to be there. As a general rule, those who have business at the Court House or a District Magistrate office should call to make an appointment. Sheriff Lusk also emphasized that everyone will be required to wear a mask to enter these buildings. Specific directions can be found on the county’s website: lyco.org.

Behind the scenes, every effort has been made to keep the county government ship moving forward. In fact, effort is not strong enough a word. Since March, a fifteen-person team of county commissioners and department heads have met every single day as a COVID Planning and Coordination Team. The County has developed 18 different directives for their employees for safeguards, which has included protective barriers, requirement of masks in county-owned buildings, as well as daily cleaning of buildings and vehicles to help reduce the spread of the virus. All of this to ensure county employees’ safety and thus continue the necessary services supplied by county government.

And amazingly, even in the middle of a pandemic, there was great news on the economic front of a new manufacturing business coming to Lycoming County. The Digger Specialities, Inc. of Indiana, a manufacturing company specializing in aluminum and vinyl fencing and railings, has made a sales agreement for twenty acres of county land, bringing 150 family-sustaining, career-type positions to this region. I echo Commissioner Metzger in giving thanks to Jason Fink of the Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce, the Lycoming Planning Department, Director Matt McDermott, Brady Township, and the Montgomery School District for their hard work and cooperation to bring this outstanding opportunity to Lycoming County.

In times like these, it is good to remember a quote from Walt Disney, “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”