Download the 29-page meeting packet HERE.
Author: SPY
No more indoor dining, casinos and theaters will close and new limits on retailers: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf – pennlive.com
Gov. Tom Wolf announced new steps Thursday to combat the surge in coronavirus cases, including temporary measures to prohibit indoor dining in restaurants, the closure of casinos and theaters and a halt to scholastic sports.
In a news conference, Wolf said he is imposing other limits on all businesses serving the public, capping retailers, barber shops and salons and other businesses to 50% of indoor occupancy limits. Gyms and fitness centers can offer outdoor classes but cannot offer indoor operations.
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Columbia council OKs rezoning land for Luthercare expansion
Columbia Borough Council meeting, Dec. 8:
Council unanimously voted to authorize advertising an ordinance to rezone a parcel of land at 75 S. 12th St. from rural residential to institutional residential.
The parcel is included in the land development plans for a Luthercare development project. A rezoning ordinance initiated by the borough in 2019 overlooked the parcel, since it is next to another Luthercare property at 1200 Locust St.
Luthercare needs the parcel to be rezoned to expand onto the property.
The rezoning request will be sent to the county for formal review. If it’s approved, the borough then will advertise the ordinance.
Help for residents in need: Mayor Leo S. Lutz made a statement directed to borough residents struggling financially because of COVID-19, urging them to contact Columbia Life Network, a nonprofit that connects residents in need with food, clothing, shelter and other basic necessities. Lutz also urged local residents to continue taking precautions against COVID-19.
WRIGHTSVILLE COUNCIL PRESIDENT RECOVERS FROM COVID-19, DISPUTES ALLEGED ACCUSATION FROM WIFE OF COUNCILMAN
The president of Wrightsville Borough Council announced at the regular Dec. 7 council meeting that he had been hospitalized with COVID-19 in November, less than a week after attending a planning meeting.
Council President Eric J. White also accused the wife of a fellow council member of lying about when White had been diagnosed. In the Wrightsville Rants and Raves Facebook group, Mel McDonald, wife of council member Rick McDonald, said White attended the Nov. 16 planning meeting knowing he was positive for coronavirus.
On Dec. 7, White forcefully disputed a “public misconception,” saying he tested positive for COVID on Wednesday, Nov. 18, and was hospitalized on Friday, Nov. 20. He has since fully recovered.
“According to the doctors at Lancaster General, I am now the safest person in this room,” he said, explaining they said he can no longer contract COVID or give it to others.
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PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM CORONAVIRUS | Columbia Borough Police Department
DECEMBER 9, 2020
A REMINDER FROM THE COLUMBIA BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM CORONAVIRUS:
1. Wear a mask indoors and outdoors – whenever you leave home or have people who do not live with you in your space.
2. Keep your distance (at least 6 feet) from those you don't live with and avoid crowds.
3. Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow. Do not use your hands!
4. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
5. Clean high-touch surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items.
6. If you are sick – even if your symptoms are mild – stay home until you are feeling better.
Note: Download the COVID Alert PA mobile app to be alerted if you have been near someone who has tested positive, and to alert others if you test positive.
Information from the Department of Health: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx Source: Columbia Borough Police Department
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/post/protect-yourself-and-others-coronavirus
60 have died of COVID-19 in Lancaster County so far in December as overall death toll soars to 570 | Local News | lancasteronline.com
60 HAVE DIED OF COVID-19 IN LANCASTER COUNTY SO FAR IN DECEMBER AS OVERALL DEATH TOLL SOARS TO 570
COVID-related deaths in Lancaster County are rapidly accelerating, with 60 fatalities so far in December.
There were 62 COVID deaths in the county all of November.
A single nursing home — the Gardens at Stevens in Denver — accounts for the majority of the most recent deaths, Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni told LNP | LancasterOnline on Wednesday.
The number of dead in Pennsylvania climbed to 11,762 Wednesday after the state health department reported 220 fatalities, the single-highest recorded over a 24-hour reporting period since the novel coronavirus first emerged 10 months ago.
“We have noted on numerous occasions that we often see an increase in cases, then hospitalizations lag a week or two later, and deaths a week or two after that,” Nate Wardle, a spokesman for the state health department, said in an email. “This appears to be occurring yet again, which is concerning.”
Between Dec. 1 and 7, the county averaged seven deaths a day, a pace at which, if sustained, could result in 217 COVID fatalities for the month.
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Gov. Wolf tests positive for COVID-19
December 9, 2020
From Gov. Wolf:
During a routine test yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19.
I have no symptoms and am feeling well and I am in isolation at home. I am following CDC and Department of Health guidelines. Frances has been tested and, as we await the result, is quarantining at home with me.
I am continuing to serve the commonwealth and performing all of my duties remotely, as many are doing during the pandemic.
As this virus rages, my positive test is a reminder that no one is immune from COVID.
Following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee, but it is what we know to be vital to stopping the spread of the disease.
I ask all Pennsylvanians to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, socially distance yourself from those not in your household, and, most of all, take care of each other and stay safe.
COLUMBIA BOROUGH DECEMBER – FRESH EXPRESS | Columbia Borough Police Department
DECEMBER 8, 2020
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health has partnered with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Columbia Life Network, Community Action Partnership, Hunger-Free Lancaster County, and Salem United Church of Christ to bring Fresh Express, a mobile food pantry filled with fresh produce and healthy food options, to Columbia, Pennsylvania. Please see the attached for information regarding Date, Time and Location for December 2020.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/post/columbia-borough-december-fresh-express
COLUMBIA SCHOOL BOARD ELECTS LEADERS AT REORGANIZATION MEETING; 6 STUDENTS AND TWO STAFF MEMBERS IDENTIFIED AS "ACTIVE" POSITIVE COVID CASES
During its annual reorganization meeting, the board reelected Charles Leader as president and elected Lauren VonStetten as vice president, succeeding Kathleen Hohenadel.
The law firm of Nikolaus & Hohenadel was appointed as solicitor. The board will also appoint chairs and representatives to various committees Dec. 10.
COVID-19 UPDATE: The district’s public health team was recently notified about a potential COVID-19 case “from the community” that would “impact teachers and students at all three (district academic) buildings.” Because contact tracing protocols had left schools district-wide severely understaffed, the district would temporarily switch to educating remotely. The latest data, according to Interim Superintendent Gregory McGough, confirms six students and two staff members were identified as “active” positive cases.
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Columbia Spy 