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What it means here: SEDA-COG announces response to COVID-19, Geisinger welcomes supplies

SEDA-COG announces operational response to COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Tom Wolf’s order to close the physical locations of non-life-sustaining businesses, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has closed its offices during this time, and in-person meetings have been cancelled/postponed.

They continue to serve during this time of crisis. Staff are working remotely and are available by phone and email. This includes assistance to businesses and communities.

However, their Weatherization and Housing Rehabilitation work is not permitted to continue until the governor lifts his order because of in-home contact with clients. They will resume weatherization and housing rehabilitation services as soon as we are permitted.

Importantly, their Crisis services are still functioning. The Crisis program repairs a malfunctioning heating unit at no cost to residents who qualify for fuel assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Crisis program runs until April 15 this year. For residents whose heat source is malfunctioning, they should call their county assistance office. The county assistance office will forward the completed referral to SEDA-COG to assign to a subcontractor.

We encourage any clients with questions or concerns to reach out to us at information@seda-cog.org and we will direct your inquiries to the relevant department.

Geisinger welcoming supply donations

Geisinger is well-positioned to address the challenges of the shortage of supplies, a spokesperson said in a press release, however the health system welcomes donations.

Geisinger’s wish-list items include N95 or dust masks, nitrile or latex gloves, and electric construction heaters for its outdoor screening tents.

Donors are asked not to make donations directly to hospital locations but to instead call 800-739-6882 or visit geisinger.org/fightcovid to set up a supply or monetary donation.

Blood donations also are encouraged. Healthy individuals who would like to donate are asked to contact Kathryn Rowinski at 570-449-5586 or

krowinski@giveapint.org

LHU Haven Cupboard open to students in need

LOCK HAVEN — Lock Haven university’s Haven Cupboard staff announced it is staying open to serve students in need who remain in the area while face-to-face classes and on-campus activities have been canceled, according to a press release.

“The Haven Cupboard provides food to students that struggle,” Amy Downes, assistant director of the Center for Excellence and Inclusion, said in the press release. “We know that many of our students are still in the area and had jobs in the community or on campus that have been closed due to COVID-19. Making sure students have access to food is extremely important because their ability to earn money right now is significantly limited. Worrying about having enough to eat in the middle of this crisis was something that we wanted to make sure was addressed, so that students are able to focus on the adjustment to learning online and completing this semester successfully.”

The Haven Cupboard is located at the Beth Yehuda Synagogue, 320 W. Church St., across from LHU’s East Campus Science Center, and will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. every Wednesday for students to pick up non-perishable items.

The process has changed slightly, according to the press release. Haven Cupboard staff will scan student IDs and pre-bag food items to limit the amount of contact and exposure to students and staff.

If the weather allows, food will be distributed outside. If not, there will be a limit of no more than three students inside the cupboard at one time. Student workers also are required to wear gloves and staff is regularly wiping down surfaces, according to the press release.

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