The challenges of operating throughout COVID-19 have been many for Lycoming County government, but officials assured the public that all measures are being taken to deliver services and keep everyone safe from the coronavirus.

County commissioners and department leaders spoke on the impact of coronavirus and how operations will continue at a press conference Friday.

Commissioner Scott Metzger said COVID-19 has meant finding creative ways of operating government.

The courthouse and all other county buildings are open as the county enters Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan for transitioning into the yellow phase, but people are encouraged to be cautious making visits. That means wearing a mask and adhering to social distancing.

“It’s time for the government to provide the guidelines and get out of the way,” Metzger said.

Commissioner Tony Mussare urged owners of businesses impacted by the coronavirus to hang in there.

“Prosperity is right around the corner,” he said.

Commissioner Rick Mirabito likened the yellow phase to a yellow traffic light: Proceed with caution.

“There may have been times when I tried to rush through the yellow light. With this yellow light, I won’t be acting that way,” he said. “Let’s follow common sense and guidelines. Minimize where we go. If we see a crowded parking lot at a store, let’s try to go another time.”

Mirabito added that coronavirus poses serious social problems.

Keith Wagner, executive director, Lycoming/Clinton Joinder Board, said numbers of suicides have increased at an alarming rate during the pandemic.

With the loss of jobs and money comes insecurity, anxiety, anger and depression and the behaviors that those feelings can create.

“Suicides are preventable, but it helps to know the signs,” he said.

His agency and others, he noted, are available for those who need help.

District Attorney Ryan Gardner said crime was initially down at the onset of COVID-19, but has increased in recent weeks, particularly with illegal drug activity. He noted that warm weather normally introduces more crime.

“Crime is not going to rest. Either is law enforcement,” he said.

Jeff Hutchins, director of public safety, said EMS calls have been down. The reason, he said, is perhaps due to people feeling apprehensive about going to the hospital where coronavirus-infected patients are being treated.

Forrest Lehman, director of Voter Services, urged people to vote by mail.

The June 2 primary, he said, can be expected to draw longer lines than usual at polling places.

So far, more than 6,000 county voters have applied to vote by mail.

“A ballot mailed to us is just as important as one at the polling place,” he said.