DEAR MOUNT POCONO:
There is no reason to be fearful or to panic, but we need to take this disease seriously. Please, stay home. Make as few in-person contacts as you can. – Governor Tom Wolf
In an effort to protect our residents and employees and in light of Governor Wolf’s proclamation to shut down non-essential services across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania due to the risk presented by novel coronavirus strain nCoV2019 and its associated illness COVID-19, the Borough Offices of Mount Pocono will operate in limited capacity until further notice.
The governor’s proclamation directed governments across all levels to continue to provide essential services. While the Mount Pocono Borough Offices will remain open for business and functional, we ask that you contact us ahead of time before visiting our office. As much as possible, public health advice is to practice social distancing and limit or cease non-essential services and events, and while our staff will be available in-person by appointment, we will be accessible via phone and email so as to allow business with the Borough without personal contact.
Sick employees, or those with a fever, are required to go or stay home and to use leave, and we would ask anyone who is sick or with a fever to remain at home as well and not to visit Borough Offices.
While social media and news outlets are great resources to help mitigate the risk potential of this virus, our role in local government is to continue to provide essential services such as police, fire, emergency medical services, essential services for vulnerable populations, water, sewer, trash collection, code enforcement, maintenance of Borough roads, coordinated emergency response when called upon – and not to contribute to unnecessary panic.
As such, we rely on the advice of scientific, epidemiological, and public health experts on preventive procedures and recommendations, symptoms, medical intervention, and current statistics and outcomes. Some helpful resources include:
- The Pennsylvania Department of Health – charged with the Commonwealth’s response and updating the situation status daily: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
- The Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus
- Community preparedness and procedures materials: https://www.pacast.com/m?p=17885
Local hospital hotlines for phone screening to determine if you need testing [if you are experiencing the illness’ three main symptoms (1) fever, (2) cough, and (3) shortness of breath]:
- Lehigh Valley Health Network – (888) 402-5846
- St. Luke’s University Heath Network – (866) 785-8537, option 7
Preventive measures include:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- If you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.
- Practice social distancing, such as no longer shaking hands and staying six feet apart.
- Avoid large gatherings and events of more than 10 people.
An infectious disease expert offered what is being hailed by many as the single best piece of advice on our current situation:
Don’t think about changing your behavior so you won’t get the virus; imagine you have the virus and think about changing your behavior so you don’t give it to somebody else.
As I am sure you are aware, this situation is fluid and constantly changing. We are here to answer or to help find answers to specific questions you may have. Please reach out via email if you should have any questions: mayor@mountpocono-pa.gov or cwilliams@mountpocono-pa.gov.
On behalf of Mount Pocono Borough Council, we appreciate your understanding and encourage you to stay safe!
Michael Penn, Mayor
Claudette Williams, President of Borough Council
Mount Pocono Borough Offices
1361 Pocono Boulevard
Mount Pocono, PA 18344
(570) 839-8436