Chambersburg Office Temporarily Closed
On March 19th, Governor Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses in PA to close physical locations. Per this order, we are closing our office located at 239 Lincoln Way East and will be working remotely. We will be monitoring our emails, the answering machine, mail, and fax.
The IRS has moved the national income tax filing day to July 15th. The due date for tax payments and 1st quarter estimated payments has also been moved to July 15th.
If you need to contact us regarding your taxes, payroll, or other accounting purposes, please call us at 717 267 3572, leave a message, and one of our staff will return your call. We will continue to be in touch to make arrangements for delivery of your tax returns.
If you need to place a trade, please call Denise directly at 717 860 0726.
Thank you for your understanding and we will do our best to assist you in these challenging times. We can all help each other adapt to this new normal.
Below is an update from Senator Doug Mastriano regarding the closure of non-life-sustaining businesses:
THURSDAY, MARCH 19 CORONA VIRUS UPDATE
Good evening,
As we navigate through this unprecedented time, I hope that we can work together for the common good of all.
It is easy to let fear take hold, but that helps no one – it only leads to panic & irrational decisions. We can take comfort in knowing that God is in control.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
COVID-19 UPDATES
The most up to date numbers for COVID-19 in Pennsylvania can be found at: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx.
It is with great sadness that I report we have our first confirmed COVID-19 case in the 33rd Senate District.
Currently, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed there are now 185 positive cases of COVID-19 — one in Adams County; sixteen in Allegheny County; two in Beaver County; 1 in Berks County; twelve in Bucks County; ten in Chester County; eleven in Cumberland County; fourteen in Delaware County; two in Lackawanna County; two in Lancaster County; 1 in Lebanon County; one in Lehigh County; one in Luzerne County; fifteen in Monroe County; forty-seven in Montgomery County; five in Northampton County; thirty-three in Philadelphia County; three in Pike County; three in Washington County; two in Westmoreland County; and two in York County. All are in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital. Confirmed cases also include those from commercial and hospital laboratories.
I am also greatly saddened to report that yesterday in Northampton County, the first COVID-19 related death occurred.
I am seeing many people reporting that there are inadequate testing supplies. That is untrue.
One of my staffers spoke with WellSpan Health yesterday, they are constantly accessing the situation & have adequate supplies.
Fear often breeds misinformation.
Perhaps you have heard of someone being turned away for testing.
This is because they do not fit the criteria needed for testing, not because of inadequate supplies.
You also must go through proper procedure.
If you feel you need to be tested, please do NOT go to the ER.
Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH or your primary care physician to ascertain if testing is in fact needed.
You will need a physician’s order to be tested. For COVID related charges, WellSpan Health is currently waiving all out of pocket costs.
Closures
PennDOT has now closed all Driver & Photo License Centers & has extended expiration dates. Construction has also been suspended in response to COVID-19. https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-11/pages/details.aspx?newsid=4210
Franklin County Senior activity centers are closed. Staff will remain in contact with participants during this time.
More information can be found at:
https://franklincountypa.gov/index.php?section=public_news&prrid=536.
Updated information from the Department of Aging in guidance to Adult Day Centers, Senior Centers, & Aging Services can be found at: https://www.aging.pa.gov/service-provider-quicklinks/covid-19-provider-guidance/Pages/default.aspx
All county buildings in Adams County are now closed as they try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19: http://www.adamscounty.us/Pages/AdamsCountyCoronavirusUpdates.aspx
The Governor has given authorization to the PLCB to mandate that all restaurants & bars “cease dine-in service, on-premises consumption, or risk citation, license suspension and forceable closure.” This authority is under the Liquor Code (47 P.S. §4-462). https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Liquor-Control-Board-Details.aspx?newsid=563
Help for Business Owners/Employees
If your place of employment has closed due to COVID-19, you are eligible for unemployment compensation. The waiting time is currently being waived. https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx
Franklin County Business owners – If your business has been impacted by COVID-19, the FCADC is here to help. You can find more information here: https://fcadc.com/
Township/Borough Office Updates
In an effort to keep my constituents as informed as possible, status updates on the Borough & Township Offices in the 33rd Senate District are listed below (this is not a complete listing, but rather the information we have at present):
Adams County
Gettysburg Borough – closed, meetings cancelled until the end of April https://www.gettysburgpa.gov/
Berwick Township – partial/full access
Mt. Joy Township – partial/full access
Oxford Township – partial/full access
Union Township – partial/full access
Franklin Township – staff on site/closed to the public
Hamiltonban Township – staff on site/closed to the public
Liberty Township – staff on site/closed to the public
Menallen Township – staff on site/closed to the public
Tyrone Township – staff on site/closed to the public
Carroll Valley Borough – Working Remotely
Freedom Township – Working Remotely
Germany Township – by appointment only
York County
West Manheim Township – Closed, meetings cancelled until further notice https://westmanheimtwp.com/
Penn Township – staff on site/closed to the public, meetings cancelled through the end of March
Cumberland County
Shippensburg Borough – Open (Lobby)
Franklin County
Chambersburg Borough – Open – if closure is needed, drive up window will remain open –March 23 Council meeting cancelled
Waynesboro Borough – Open (Lobby), regularly scheduled meetings are still being held
Guilford Township – Open (please use caution) https://www.guilfordtwp.us/media/Supervisors/Covid-19.pdf
Quincy Township – Open
Greene Township – Open/closed to the public, meetings remain on schedule
Updates
All rest areas had been closed down by order of the Governor. This is unconscionable!
We rely on truck drivers to deliver needed supplies, they need a safe place to rest. I sent an appeal to the governor asking that this measure be repealed.
Currently, 13 Rest Area locations are being opened back up, though it is for parking access only. Portable Toilets will be available for use. The 13 rest stops that are opening are listed below:
- I-81: Luzerne NB/SB & Cumberland NB/SB
- I-80: Venango EB/WB, Centre EB/WB, Montour EB/WB
- I-79: Crawford NB/SB, Allegheny NB only
Changes will also be coming to Turnpike Travel Plaza no later than Saturday. Indoor bathrooms will be open 24/7, one restaurant at each location will be open – take out only, all tables/chairs will be removed. The convenience store will be open 24/7.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank & Partner agencies are open & ready to serve those in need. Precautions are being taken to protect both those serving & being served from COVID-19. To find a program near you, or to volunteer, please go to: https://www.centralpafoodbank.org/.
The Department of State is now allowing Telemedicine by Licensed Health Care Providers during the COVID-19 emergency:
“Health care professionals licensed under any of the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) licensing boards can provide services to patients via telemedicine during the coronavirus emergency. Telemedicine provides health care professionals flexibility to continue treating their patients while following best practices on social distancing as outlined by the Department of Health,” Secretary Boockvar said. “The department requested, and Governor Wolf granted us, the authority to allow health care professionals from out-of-state to treat Pennsylvania residents using telemedicine, when appropriate, due to COVID-19.”
The boards this applies to: Chiropractic, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, Pharmacy, Podiatry, Psychology, Osteopathic Medicine, Nursing Home Administrators, Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure, Physical Therapy, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors, Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, & Veterinary Medicine. Further updates can be found at: https://www.dos.pa.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Waivers.aspx.
Community Outreach
In hard times, it is a blessing to see people reaching out to those around them. Tomorrow, Friday, March 30th, Maranatha Ministries will have a “Faith Feeding” for individuals & families who are having difficulties getting food during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This will take place at 195 W Loudon St., Chambersburg from 1pm-7pm. Food will be for pick up & delivery only. If you would like to help in this venture, volunteers are needed as well as monetary donations for food. For more information, please contact craiglnewcomerfoodpantry@gmail.com or Lori at 717-264-7785.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I ask that you remain vigilant in helping to curb the spread of this virus.
Please remember to wash your hands often with soap for 20 seconds, wipe off and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home if you are sick and avoid touching your eyes, nose, & mouth. Avoid crowds.
As always, my offices will remain open to phone calls & emails (no in-person meetings).
- Bottom line – we remain ready to serve you
- If you have any questions or concerns, please email senatordoug@pasen.gov
- Please have patience with myself and my staff, we are trying our best to return emails and calls.
My Offices can be reached at:
- 717.787.4651 (Capitol)
- 717.334.4169 (Gettysburg)
- 717.264.6100 (Chambersburg)
- 717.632.1153 (Hanover)
Sincerely,
Senator Doug Mastriano
33rd Senate District
