The day county courts get shut down: a look inside district court in Columbia

The sharp smell of disinfectant hung in the air in Columbia District Judge Miles Bixler's courtroom on Wednesday afternoon.

A cleaning service comes in twice a week, but given the coronavirus outbreak, Bixler had stepped up disinfecting by spraying all surfaces over lunch before afternoon hearings had begun.

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/the-day-county-courts-get-shut-down-a-look-inside/article_39a4ffe0-69d7-11ea-aa64-4305c9fe179e.html 

LANCASTER GENERAL HOSPITAL treating patient for coronavirus

LANCASTER, Pa. —

Lancaster General Hospital is treating a patient who has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The COVID-19 diagnosis marks the first known case in Lancaster County.

MORE:

https://www.wgal.com/article/lancaster-general-hospital-treating-patient-for-coronavirus-covid-19/31738337 

Columbia Borough Operational Changes due to COVID-19

https://www.columbiapa.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Operational-changes-due-to-COVID-19-03-17-2020_1.pdf

Signs of the times - Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Columbia Borough meetings for essential business to continue with essential personnel only, public is asked to refrain from attending

https://www.columbiapa.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Guidelines-for-Columbia-Borough-Public-Meetings-03-17-2020.pdf

Borough of Columbia State of Emergency | Columbia Borough Police Department

A State of Emergency is declared in the Borough of Columbia, Pennsylvania beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. This State of Emergency will continue until the COVID-19 Virus is no longer a threat to the health and safety of Columbia Borough employees and residents. Please continue to monitor CrimeWatch (https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd) or the Columbia Borough School District website for updated information. 

Attachments:  borough_of_columbia_state_of_emergency_proclamation_03-17-2020.pdf 

Source:  Columbia Borough Police Department

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/post/borough-columbia-state-emergency

COVID-19 or Coronavirus Update and Response | Columbia Borough Police Department

The CDC is recommending social distancing among all citizens.  There will be some minor changes and responses during the next few weeks.  You will still see Officers from the Columbia Borough Police patrolling the community and enforcing laws.  We are encouraging all non-emergency calls to be handled over the telephone at (717)684-7735 when possible.  If you need to bring documents into the Police Department, you can utilize the Dispatch Center, however all communication will be done through the audio system. Please try to refrain from coming to the Station.  They will also refrain from physical contact with the general public (ie. hand shaking) except in cases of arrest or lifesaving measures.  Officers will be issued personal protective equipment (ie.respirators, and gloves), so you may see them handling certain calls wearing this equipment.  Don't be alarmed if you see certain first responders wearing masks for calls.  This is to protect the Officers and our citizens from further spread.  Wash your hands frequently and stay six feet away from other persons.   We greatly appreciate your patience during this time.

For more information visit:

Lancaster County Emergency Management - https://www.lancema.us/

PA Department of Health - https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

PA Emergency Management Agency - https://www.pema.pa.gov/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx

Center for Disease Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

World Health Organization - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situatio...

Source:  Columbia Borough Police Department

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/post/covid-19-or-coronavirus-update-and-response