CITY OF BETHLEHEM

TAXES: Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez announced March 24 that the city is extending the deadline for paying earned income tax and business privilege tax to July 15 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal and state tax filing deadlines have been extended to the same date. City of Bethlehem 2020 real estate taxes paid or postmarked before May 11, 2020, will be eligible for the two per cent discount. The full payment due date is be extended from May 29 to August 10.

REPORT BUSINESS VIOLATORS: Bethlehem residents concerned with businesses operating in violation of the shutdown may call the Bethlehem Service Center at 610-865-7000. Do NOT call 911 for this issue.

CITY HALL: Based on Governor Wolf’s “Stay at Home” order issued for Northampton and Lehigh Counties, Bethlehem City Hall will be closed to the public effective 4:30 pm today, Wednesday, March 25, 2020 until further notice. City Hall will remain operational but closed to the public. City employees will be available to assist residents via phone and email. Until further notice, residents should access information and conduct business by using the City’s website (www.bethlehem-pa.gov).

PUBLIC FACILITIES: Recreational facilities that are closed to the public until further notice: at all parks bathrooms, Bethlehem Golf Course, Charles A. Brown Ice House, dog park, Earl E. Schaffer Ice Rink, Illick’s Mill, Sand Island tennis and basketball courts and the Skateplaza. When using trails, open space parks or the South Bethlehem Greenway, do not use the playground equipment and practice social distancing.

RECYCLING: The Theis/Cornfeld Recycling Center and Yardwaste/Compost Facility are closed until further notice. Curbside recycling pick-up is still following a normal schedule.

POLICE: Residents who need access to the police cepartment may enter through the garage entrance.

MEETINGS: All city of Bethlehem public meetings are canceled through April 3, at which time the situation will be reevaluated. If additional cancellations are needed, notice will be provided once a determination is made.

CONTACTS: Monitor the city’s website at www.bethlehem-pa.gov and on social media for additional information and updates on COVID-19.

CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

CASES: As of last Friday, the City of Bethlehem currently has a total of six cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19). A bus driver for LANTA is among the individuals who recently tested positive for COVID-19. The bus driver worked on March 20, 2020 and drove several trips between Easton and Bethlehem during their shift. The Bethlehem Health Department is working with LANTA to notify employees who may have had close contact with this individual. All close contacts will be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days. If you feel that you may have had close contact with this individual, please self-monitor for symptoms. If you begin to exhibit symptoms, contact your health care provider to determine if you should be tested. Since the start of this outbreak, LANTA has enhanced cleaning procedures to disinfect commonly touches surfaces on their buses and vans, such as seat handles, hand rails, etc.

PRECAUTIONS: During this time, the City of Bethlehem is strongly encouraging everyone to engage in community strategies to slow the spread of the disease. For individuals working for life sustaining businesses, such as grocery stores, food service, and health care, please stay at home if you are sick. For life supporting businesses, if you have any employee with symptoms, please tell them to stay at home.

CONTACT: For questions about COVID-19, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or the Bethlehem Health Department at 610-865-7083.

CITY WATER DEPARTMENT

FLUSHABLE WIPES: The City of Bethlehem Water and Sewer Resources department advises all citizens to observe the following guidelines for proper disposal of these items: Toilets should be for human waste and toilet paper only. All sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rags, diapers, baby wipes, and anything advertised as “flushable” should not be flushed down the toilet. These materials are not biodegradable and can cause blockages in your home plumbing system as well as the city’s sewage collection system which can result in back-ups, overflows, flooded basements, and damage to sewage handling equipment. The city’s sewer department is keenly aware of this situation and has stepped up maintenance efforts for sewer main flushing and cleaning to prevent overflows and back-ups.

BETHLEHEM AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY

LIBRARY CARD: It is easier than ever to get a library card online.

“I want to see as many people as possible in the community have a library card by the end of this,” Executive Director Josh Berk says. “Just go to bapl.org, fill out the form, and we’ll email you a library card number you canuse immediately to start borrowing e-books, audiobooks, and streaming free movies through the library’s platform. There are genealogy tools, databases, and all sorts of neat things for research,” Berk says. “We’ve already issued a ton of cards this week and we’d like nothing more than to send out a ton more.”

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: You can get your reference questions answered via email.

Looking for a great online resource for kids learning at home? Curious about the history of your house, or your great-great grandparents growing up in Bethlehem? Does your toddler have a strange science question like “what if everyone on Earth jumped at once?” We’ll take them all -- just email rlevy@bapl.org.

SCAVENGER HUNT: Join in BAPL’s Spirit Week Scavenger Hunt! What’s

that, you ask? It’s a social media activity where we share at-home challenges each day starting March 30. You might be asked to take a picture of a BAPL t-shirt or build something out of Lego. Maybe we’ll ask you to share the name of the e-book you’re reading or a DIY project you’ve completed. Fun stuff for all ages! There are prizes to be had at the end of the week just for playing along. “It was inspired by an online scavenger hunt that the Cancer Support Community of the Great Lehigh Valley created,” says BAPL’s Libby Ortiz. “The concept is that [this type of activity] helps boost mental health, can help our patrons stay healthy and sane,” she says. “In these trying times, we need to practice social distancing, but stay together.”

MEET THE AUTHOR: BAPL is known for its excellent author events and the library is now bringing these events to you through social media. Tonight, Wednesday March 25, Bethlehem author (and BAPL’s own) Kate Racculia will read from her latest novel, “Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts,” a “screwball gothic adventure” set in Boston--online, via Facebook Live. Stream from anywhere! A spirited Q&A will follow. We will have other authors joining us in the weeks to come, including Joyce Hinnefeld and Stephanie Powell Watts.

TAKE A CLASS: BAPL will soon be offering streaming versions of its popular yoga and Qijong (movement meditation) classes. Librarians are teaching their own online classes as well - up first is Brenda Grow sharing her famous cheesecake recipes! Follow us on social media for dates

and times.

BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOLS CLOSED: Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday that the closure of schools in Pennsylvania will be extended to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Schools will remain closed through at least April 6, according to the Department of Education. However, officials said the closure could be extended beyond that date, if necessary.

BAGGED MEALS: Bethlehem Area School DIstrict’s Emergency Food Distribution, in conjunction with Aramark, has made available free bagged breakfasts and lunches to BASD students, including charter school and parochial students, through age 18. Children must be present for pickups. Meals are available through March 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Broughal, East Hills, Nitschmann, Northeast, Calypso, Fountain Hill, Marvine and Lynnfield. BackPack Pals have priority and may pick their bags up at Broughal, East Hills, Northeast and Lynnfield.

On March 17, more than 1,000 meals were distributed. For information, menus and addresses, visit the district website.

SCHOOL BOARD:

COMMITTEE MEETINGS: The March 30 budget workshop and the April committee meetings are tentative; information will be updated online as the situation changes.

SCHOOL BUILDINGS: School buildings are closed through March 27 by Governor Wolf’s order; a longer closure is possible. Playgrounds have been officially closed. The Education Center at 1516 Sycamore St. was open for the 7 p.m. board meeting March 23, but closed at all other times until further notice.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION FOR PARENTS: Please visit your child’s school’s website for information accessing literacy and other resources during this initial 10-day closure, and in the event of an extended closure. Students are not responsible for assignments during the closure through March 27, but are encouraged to keep their skills sharp by completing the recommended work posted on school websites. If the closure is extended beyond March 27, students will be assigned work to complete.

Please stay up-to-date by continuing to visit the district website: www.BASDschools.org.

FREEMANSBURG

COUNCIL MEEETING: The meeting scheduled for April 7. We are planning to conduct some type of public meeting on April 7. This will be dependent on our ability to finds and test suitable soft wear which would allow the Borough to communicate with each other and also allow the public to listen and also participate. If that meeting does occur it will be advertised and directions on public participation will be noted.

MUNICIPAL BUILDING: The municipal building is currently closed to visitors from the outside and most of the staff is working remotely. The police and fire Department are working closely with Emergency Management and have implemented certain measures for safety of the office/fire fighter and citizen. Those calls that can be handled over the phone are being process that way. There is a drop box for citizens that desire to pass information or pay bills.

PUBLIC WORKS: The two man department is working independently when possible and covering emergency situation should any appear. There are things such as a sewer pump station that requires monitoring and maintenance on a regular schedule. Those things are being done as part of the normal work day. There will be ongoing discussion concerning schedules and tasks as we move forward but I am not able to speculate on the result of those discussions at such time that they occur.

PARKS & OPEN SPACES: We have closed the parks and removed equipment where possible and practical. The tow path along the canal, which is a multi-jurisdictional facility is open and is, as I understand, being used quite extensively by persons who are walking, getting exercise and relieving. I saw an email from the D&L earlier that indicated that use of the tow path has seen a gigantic increase in use since people are locked down. I may be an interesting story to contact the D&L office directly to get more and accurate information.

FIRE DEPT & EMTS: The fire Dept. is operating with some modifications to reflect the current virus situation. It would be best to contact the fire Chief, Don Wilcox, and speak to him concerning the situation. Don’s phone number is 610 554 2825.

POLICE: As note above the Police Dept. is functioning with some modifications to keep everyone safe. Over the phone and social distancing are being practiced

GARBAGE & RECYCLING: Residential waste and recycling. You are aware of the concerns of the hauler relative to keeping employees safe.

cooperation: The Northampton County District Attorney was instrumental in getting a Mutual Aid Agreement drafted which will allow other municipal organizations to fill in and assis a municipality that may have their workforce (police) devastated by the virus.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL BUILDING: Effective March 25, 2020 the building is closed to the public. If information is needed, please contact Township staff. Payments made by check can be dropped in the drop box, located to the right of the municipal building meeting entrance, 24 hours a day.

RESIDENTIAL WASTE & RECYCLING: Continues as scheduled. Please only put out normal Residential Waste & Recycling. The hauler is being inundated with bulk items. Do not use this crisis as an opportunity to do the clutter cleanout that you’ve been waiting years to do. TOWNSHIP PUBLIC WORKS: Continues to perform essential duties with social distancing.

COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS & BOARDS: All meetings canceled.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER: Closed with all indoor and outdoor programming through April 30, 2020 canceled or postponed.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP PARKS, OPEN SPACE & RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT: Our outdoor facilities remain open. However, we are not sanitizing the apparatus and playground equipment. We ask that you use common sense if bringing children to our parks and not congregating in groups of five or more as per CDC guidance.

FIRE & EMS: Continues to respond to all situations and calls.

POLICE: Continues to handle all emergency and non-emergency calls.

RESIDENTIAL WASTE & RECYCLING: Continues as scheduled.

CONTACT: If you have any questions, please call the township office at 610-866-1140.

LEHIGH COUNTY

SENIOR CENTERS: Lehigh County wants to assure all residents that they are taking every precaution when it comes to our vulnerable elder population. As such, they will be closing senior centers indefinately. For any questions or concerns regarding elder safety, contact the Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services directly at 610-782-3034.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

VIRTUAL TOWN HALL: Lamont McClure, the Northampton County Department of Community and Economic Development and the City of Easton will host a virtual town hall at 10 a.m. April 2 for businesses which have been affected by the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19). Speakers include County Executive Lamont McClure, Mayor Sal Panto, Alicia Karner, Director of Bethlehem DCED, Representative Susan Wild, State Representative Robert Freeman, State Representative Steve Samuelson, State Senator Mario Scavello, Michael Kane, Deputy Director of Eastern PA District, US SBA, and Carol Kilko, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Business Financing with PA DCED. (The roster of Speakers is subject to change.) Anyone wanting to take part in the town hall must register in advance: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northampton-county-virtual-town-hall-for-businesses-affected-by-covid-19-tickets-101306646908. For questions, contact Dawn Tomaino at 610-829-6309 or dtomaino@northamptoncounty.org

COUNTY COUNCIL: The next meeting on April 2, 2020 at 6:30 pm is still scheduled at Council’s Chambers, Third Floor, Northampton County Courthouse. Virtual meeting options are being urged.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE: You can reach him online at the Northampton County web page under County Executive. .

COUNTY COURTS: Currently operating under a judicial emergency in which all courts, including Magisterial District Judges, are closed to the public except for “essential” judicial functions like the protection of victims of domestic violence. Courthouse personnel are still working, though some are doing so remotely for social distancing reasons. Those with judicial emergencies can call ahead to Court Administration at 610-829-6700.

COUNTY TAXES: You can pay online, and the two per cent discount period has been extended from March 31 until May 31. The base rate applies from June 1 to August 31, 2020. After that, there’s a 10% penalty. Dog licenses and fishing licenses may be still be obtained online. (Statewide Opening Day of trout season will take place on April 18.)

COUNTY COURTHOUSE: Temporarily closed to the public. Executive Lamont McClure had plans to re-open on April 1, but that was before Governor Tom Wolf’s Shelter-in-Place Order, which will last until April 6.

RECORDER OF DEEDS: Though the courthouse is closed to the public, documents can still be e-recorded.

CIVIL DIVISION: Because the Courthouse is closed to the public, the civil division is unable to process passport applications. Moreover, the office has no e-filing capability

ELECTIONS: Though the Elections Office is closed to the public, you can still register to vote, change your registration or request a mail-in ballot at www.votespa.com. The Presidential Primary has been delayed from April 28 until June 2.

OTHER COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS and BOARDS: No meetings scheduled.

JAIL: Closed to visitors, volunteers and tours. The jail’s inmate population is being reduced.

GRACEDALE: On Friday, county officials reported that a Gracedale employee has tested positive for Covid-19. The County is following all recommended protocols. The facility has been closed to visitors and volunteers since March 11. Employees have temperature checked before being admitted and when they leave. Resident vital signs, including oxygen saturation, are measured at least once a day. Tablets are provided for residents who desire to speak with family. Exceptions to “no visitor” policy are made for compassionate reasons. Gracedale is accepting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) like surgical masks and gowns. Please contact the Gracedale Volunteer Coordinator first at 610-829-3686 to see if your donation can be accepted. No resident has tested positive for Covid-19.

SENIOR CENTERS: Closed pursuant to Governor Tom Wolf’s directive. Referrals for Meals on Wheels will be made for seniors who require that service.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: received a shipment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from PEMA to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The shipment including face shields, N-95 and surgical masks and gloves. These items have been distributed to the twelve EMS organizations in the county as well as to municipal police and those fire departments which respond to EMS calls.

COUNTY PARKS: Open, subject to social distancing. Louis Moore Park and county trails have experienced a high volume of visitors.

RECYCLING EVENTS: All events scheduled through April have been canceled.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY FESTIVAL: Rescheduled for October 10, Louise Moore Park.

MUNICIPAL COOPERATION: County officials are working closely with local, state and federal officials.

ARTQUEST

ONLINE: Local and regional performing artists are coming together to help the nonprofit ArtsQuest launch the new “SteelStacks Lunch Break” mini-concert series starting today. The concerts, which take place at noon, will feature local and regional artists who perform at SteelStacks and Musikfest offering mini-sets streamed live via the SteelStacks Facebook page. The first group to ‘take the stage’ is popular Jimmy Buffett tribute Jimmy & The Parrots today at noon. The SteelStacks Lunch Break series is part of the growing list of music and arts-related content ArtsQuest is sharing with the community via ArtsQuest@Home to keep people connect through the arts as everyone works from home and practices safe social distancing. Confirmed upcoming SteelStacks Lunch Break shows are listed below; additional artists will be announced in the coming days.

CENTER FOR ANIMAL HEALTH & WELFARE

We are currently closed for adoptions, but encourage anyone who is still interested to fill out an adoption application via our website healthyanimalcenter.org and to become part of our foster program to help our furry friends during this quarantine period.

HISTORICAL MUSEUMS & SITES

ONLINE: Get your dose of history at home through Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites’ online offerings, with new content daily.

Bethlehem Back When Photographs- Take A trip back in time with daily photos from Bethlehem, spanning decades and captures moments, big and small, in the lives of Bethlehem residents.

Free Sundays At Home E-Blast- Every Sunday, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites sends a resource to keep kids entertained at home with engaging activities, crafts, and videos.

Bag Lunch With Ilene Wood- Get your fashion fix with the daily, weekday lunchtime series, published at noon Monday-Friday.

JUST BORN

In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, we are temporarily suspending production at our facilities in Bethlehem and Philadelphia effective 3/25/20 at 6:30 a.m. through at least 4/7/20. Our PEEPS & Company Store in Center Valley closed 3/17/20 and will remain closed through at least 4/7/20. Most of our office associates have been working remotely since 3/18/20 but now all associates will work from home through at least 4/7/20. All associates will continue to be paid throughout this time period. We will take this opportunity to further clean and sanitize our production facilities, offices and corporate headquarters.

PA ATTORNEY GENERAL

RECOGNIZING ‘HELPERS’:Our office will also be launching #HereAreTheHelpers social media campaign to highlight the incredible and generous work of our neighbors, friends, businesses, and community leaders across Pennsylvania. As Mr. Rogers said, during a crisis “look for the helpers”-- and that is exactly what we intend to do. @PAAttorneyGen will release daily posts highlighting a Pennsylvanian going above and beyond which will be shared across our Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and available on our website. We are urging Pennsylvanians to tweet us, message us, or email us at helpers@attorneygeneral.gov with your suggestions for people and businesses to highlight.

STIMULUS CHECK SCAMS: Attorney General Josh Shapiro today warned consumers that scammers may try to take advantage of recent news about a federal stimulus check to steal personal information from Pennsylvanians. Shapiro encourages consumers to follow these tips to protect themselves:

• Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use “cdc.com” or “cdc.org” instead of “cdc.gov.”

• Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for other purposes.

• Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.

PA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

STATE/FEDERAL TAXES: The Department of Revenue announced the deadline for taxpayers to file their 2019 Pennsylvania personal income tax returns is extended to July 15, 2020. This means taxpayers will have an additional 90 days to file from the original deadline of April 15. The Internal Revenue Service also extended the federal filing deadline to July 15, 2020. The Department of Revenue will also waive penalties and interest on 2019 personal income tax payments through the new deadline of July 15, 2020. This extension applies to both final 2019 tax returns and payments, and estimated payments for the first and second quarters of 2020. Taxpayers are encouraged to file returns electronically to enable the Department of Revenue to process returns while state offices are closed. Tax returns can be filed for free online through the PAdirectfile system. Free tax forms and instructions are also available at www.revenue.pa.gov.

PA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

REAL ID: PennDOT has announced that the Department of Homeland Security has postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from Oct. 1, 2020, to Oct. 1, 2021, in response to COVID-19 and the national emergency declaration. REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes. A federally-acceptable form of identification (whether it’s a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must now be used on and after October 1, 2021, as identification to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building that requires a federally acceptable form of identification ID for access.

REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania. There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID; PennDOT will continue to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs once issuance has resumed.

PennDOT closed all driver and photo license centers on March 16 and paused REAL ID issuance in the state out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public health. Centers will reopen no sooner than April 3. Customers may complete various transactions and access multiple resources via www.dmv.pa.gov.

LICENSE RENEWALS: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that expiration dates for driver licenses, identification cards, learner’s permits, persons with disability placards, vehicle registrations and safety and emission inspections will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

Deadlines on the following products will be extended effective March 27, 2020:

• Driver licenses, photo ID cards and learner’s permits scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020 through April 30, 2020, the expiration date is now extended through May 31, 2020.

• Vehicle registrations, safety inspections and emissions inspections scheduled to expire from March 16 through April 30, 2020, the expiration date is now extended through May 31, 2020.

• Persons with Disabilities parking placards scheduled to expire from March 16 through April 30, 2020, the expiration date is now extended through May 31, 2020.

PA GAMING BOARD

MEETING: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has announced today that its public meeting on April 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. will occur as scheduled. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting will occur telephonically to minimize any risk associated with public gatherings. In order to assure transparency and public visibility, the Board is providing opportunities for the public and interested persons to link to the meeting through an audio interface. The Board is recommending that the public attend the meeting through it’s website by choosing the “live” link on the PGCB Meeting Videos section on the homepage. The Board’s website address is https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/. Persons accessing the website will be able to listen to the audio of the meeting

PENN STATE EXTENSION

In accordance with Gov. Tom Wolf’s executive order concerning closures, Penn State Extension offices in all 67 counties are closed until further notice. However, county-based educators and staff will continue working remotely. Residents who have questions or need assistance can call 877-345-0691. In addition, county extension offices can be found on the Penn State Extension website. County office webpages contain a directory with contact information for individual educators and staff members, who can assist, in many cases, by email or phone.

PPL

PPL has already suspended service terminations for non-payment and waived late fees until further notice, but there also are a host of programs available to help income-eligible customers during the pandemic and beyond. “The financial impact of this health crisis is significant for some customers,” said Lori Mueller, PPL’s vice president of customer services. “For a family who’s struggling because of job loss or other pandemic-related issues, utility bill assistance can help make a difference. We want our customers to know about the programs that are available and how they can apply for that help.” To find out about PPL’s programs, visit pplelectric.com/billhelp. Customers can apply online or call 1-800-342-5775 for more information.