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Coronavirus restrictions impact Adams County

(3/31) As of our press date, March 29, Pennsylvania reported 3,394 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 22 deaths. Adams County had eight confirmed cases and no deaths. For the most current numbers visit www.gettysburgconnection.org/virus

WellSpan Family Medicine in Fairfield established a COVID-19 test tent in front of their Fairfield Road facility. Those wishing to be tested must have a doctor's referral. WellSpan was unable to provide a number of those tested at that test site to date.

On March 19, Pennsylvania Governor Wolf ordered the closure of all "non-life sustaining businesses," life-sustaining businesses to include grocery stores, gas stations, automobile parts stores, banks, laundromats, special assistance services, and take-out-only food providers (including beer distributors). Wolf said the closures "will remain in effect until further notice." That declaration has since been amended, and most likely will continue to be amended.

In response to Wolf's declaration, House Republican Caucus issued the following statement: "These actions will shut down many small, family-owned shops and businesses, not only for the duration of this event, but possibly, and probably, forever. The sprawling and confusing list provided by the governor is provided with no explanation, and we will explore all avenues available to us to determine whether the action he’s taken is allowed within our state constitution." The legality of Wolf's decree is being challenged by at least two cases in the courts.

The Wolf administration strongly encourages the suspension of non-essential travel, large gatherings, events, conferences of more than 10 people, and per White House guidelines, ask that individuals and groups cancel any gatherings planned over the next eight weeks. The restrictions against sit-in dining left many regulars who gather every morning at the Village Book and Table at a loss of where to go.

On March 18, Adams County Commissioner Randy Pheil said all county buildings would be closed to the public except for emergency court proceedings. This policy is to remain in effect until at least April 6, when it will be reevaluated.

Various local government boards struggled with decisions regarding whether or not to close offices and continue public meetings. By March 20, virtually all-local governments have canceled all scheduled meetings, with the exception of Liberty Township. Those that have closed have not made decisions regarding the resumption of meetings as of our deadline.

All schools in the Fairfield Area School District were closed on March 16, per direction of State Department of Education and will remain closed until April 6. An extension of the closure remains a possibility. All libraries of the Adams County Library System were also closed to the public.

While entertainment and many forms of recreation have ground to a halt (Liberty Mountain suspended the operations for the remainder of the winter ski season) some outdoor recreational venues remain open.

Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve’s trails remain open to the public, as well as the walking trails in Carroll Valley's three parks (Carroll Commons, Ranch Trail Commons, and Lake Kay Mini Park), and in the Hamiltonban Community Park. In all cases, park visitors are asked to refrain from using playground equipment and benches. All restrooms, soccer fields, pavilions, basketball court and baseball field in Carroll Valley are closed.

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