As the developing COVID-19 pandemic made its entrance into Pennsylvania and eventually Northampton County, the borough of North Catasauqua decided to close borough hall and North Catasauqua William J. Albert Memorial Park, in addition to making strategic changes to police protocol.

The borough announced March 12 borough hall will be closed to the public until further notice. The borough council meeting planned for March 16 has been canceled. Mayor William Molchany Jr. expects the next council meeting, scheduled for April 6, will also be canceled.

The borough office staff asks residents to place all payments in a secure lock box located outside borough hall using an envelope labeled with your name and address. Permit and moving applications can be found on the website, northcatasauqua.org, or requested by email at ncboro@rcn.com.

A statement from the borough office explained these decisions were made as a pre-emptive measure to “minimize the risk to both our employees and our residents,” but it quickly became clear further precautions would be beneficial.

The announcement was made March 14 to close the park until further notice.

A statement on the borough website said, “We are doing our best to limit any health risks to our residents and feel this is a necessary and hopefully temporary step.”

Signs declaring the closure have been posted around the perimeter of the park. The borough will soon be sanitizing permanent park equipment and has already begun removing others, such as swings.

North Catasauqua Police Chief Chris Wolfer released a statement March 14 detailing how the police department will be adjusting protocol when responding to calls.

Officers frequently respond to calls that require them to enter residents’ homes and come in close contact with them, both of which could potentially expose officers to the virus. To avoid exposure, dispatch has begun triaging emergency calls differently, so they can determine if there is any medical threat.

Wolfer explained officers may ask callers to step outside their homes to address their concerns, or an officer may ask to speak with a caller over the phone before determining if the matter requires direct, physical police intervention.

Despite these changes, the chief clarified a police report will always be filed regardless of whether the matter is handled over the phone or in person.

“Officers will not hesitate to respond quickly and safely if you need them to take immediate action, or if you are in a situation where the presence of the police is required and appropriate,” he added.

It is not clear how long these changes and closures will continue, but the hope is proactive measures like this will slow the spread of the virus, so hospitals do not become overwhelmed by an extreme spike in new cases.