What is it like to be COVID-positive? What is it like to live in the same house together with a family member who has this virus? My daughter, Elizabeth, is a healthcare worker in the greater Philadelphia area, and two weeks ago she called my wife and I with the solemn news that she had
Both President Trump and Governor Wolf have recommended the use of protective face masks when people are out in public as an aid in preventing the spread of the Corona Virus. Unfortunately, this type of facial protection is in short supply and all kinds of means are being used to alleviate this shortage. Businesses
After the first shock of the first news of the sudden death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt was absorbed by its citizenry, the city of Williamsport began to pay tribute to its leader. The memory of President Roosevelt will be honored in Williamsport and vicinity today and Sunday in special services, particularly during official special
All active cases on Lycoming County’s direct relief rolls are being re-investigated as part of a statewide effort to place more people in jobs; it was disclosed last night by Herbert H. Ertel, executive director. Started on a small scale about six weeks ago, the check to definitely re-establish eligibility for public assistance did not
STEP’s facilities are currently closed to customer walk-ins, but most of the agency’s services – considered essential – continue to offer assistance to individuals and families, many of whom are navigating social assistance for the first time due to COVID-19. “STEP is committed to protecting the health and wellness of our customers and staff, while
There is a saying that misery loves company, and if that statement is true, there must be a lot of love going around these days. It has been estimated that one-third of the world is in some form of isolation due to the COVID-19 virus. I was curious how some of these folks are coping
President Trump has likened the present Corona Virus pandemic crisis to being in a wartime situation and at times if feels like that. It might be good to look back and remember another Eastertide that took place in a real wartime situation. Easter 77 years ago was in many ways typical, but it was not
The Lycoming County Commissioners took a week off from their regular meetings, but have been in continual contact with key county leaders as well as state and federal officials. I personally realized how dedicated our county employees are during this crisis when I received an answer to an email from the commissioner’s administrative manager, Eileen
The Thursday midnight order the banning sale of adult bicycles ended one of the best bicycle business periods in Williamsport in years in the opinion of one local dealer. One store reported that more bicycles were sold during the last 3 months than at any time in the history of the store. The “freezing” order
There are many subplots to this Coronavirus Crisis. One is the continual emergence of the Law of Unintended Consequences. An example of this was Governor Wolf’s mandate that PennDOT temporarily close its 30 rest areas statewide on March 17 due to coronavirus mitigation efforts. However, this was quickly lifted because those Harrisburg bureaucrats who determined
The Lycoming County Commissioners did not meet the week of March 22nd, but this does not mean that county government has come to a standstill. Normally, I receive a press release from the county perhaps once or twice a month but in March they have been coming in at two or three a week. Some
With the Coronavirus-19, this nation and the world are currently in the throes of the most serious health emergency since the great Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918. It might be interesting to look back at that earlier pandemic. According to a Stanford University website, the flu epidemic of 1918 may have had its origins in
