Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response

5 things you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines  The Ad Council and COVID Collaborative are sharing resources, along with the latest information, to empower people to make informed choices about the COVID-19 vaccine.  You will not catch COVID-19 from COVID-19 vaccines.   Researchers made sure that the trials included adults of diverse backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and geographic areas.   People with underlying medical conditions can receive FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccines as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccines. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at risk for  severe illness from COVID-19.   We should continue wearing masks, staying 6 feet apart from people we don't live with,  avoiding crowds, and washing our hands.   Getting immunized aga...

“ To Be or Not To Be. ” This is probably one of the most well-known of Shakespeare’s monologues. In fact, it may be the most famous in all literature. And, while we know as he uttered these words Hamlet was contemplating some pretty dark subjects, a deeper review of the “nunnery scene” suggests he was asking a larger question: Is it easier to passively deal with the discomfort in life or take drastic measures to avoid it? The doubt, confusion, and eventual madness that ensued remind me of where we stand with the pandemic. Speaking in this manner indicated Hamlet was weighing the facts of each side of the question in order to make an informed decision. To a similar degree, many of us have taken this same approach to addressing the pandemic. To be wearing face coverings, or not to be wearing them? Are they effective? Should we remain socially distant? Or, can we meet in-person? Does it really make a difference? Should we get the vaccine? Is it really effective?  There is so much inf...

photo: morguefile.com United Way of Pennsylvania COVID-19 Impact Survey The United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP), has launched their 2nd COVID-19 Impact Survey!  Their first survey was a 6 month look at the impact of the pandemic on Pennsylvania families. Now UWP is conducting a second survey to help inform advocates about the experiences of Pennsylvania communities.  This survey asks about childcare, food insecurity, housing, healthcare, and employment status. The United Way is asking everyone to help by completing the survey and sharing it. Here are the links to the survey:  English: http://bit.ly/UWPsurvey Spanish: http://bit.ly/UWPEncuesta Register to become a COVID-19 Vaccine Point of Distribution (POD) The Disaster Response Ministry is working with our partners in the PA Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to provide staffing of POD sites throughout the Commonwealth. Almost every county has their own p...

photo: morguefile.com 1. CDC Guidelines on How Fully Vaccinated People Can Visit Safely with Others a. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its first set of recommendations on activities that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely resume. b. The new guidance—which is based on the latest science — includes recommendations for how and when a fully vaccinated individual can visit with other people who are fully vaccinated and with other people who are not vaccinated. c. Click here for additional information: Visit Safely with Others. 2. COVID-19 Vaccine Questions and Answers a. The CDC has shared answers for some Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. b. Click here to review and get your questions answered. VACCINE FAQ Doug Hoy Disaster Response Coordinator drc@susumc.org 717-766-7441 ext. 3402

photo: Sandii Peiffer Pennsylvania State Pandemic Orders Update from the Governor and Secretary of Health: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BQYkzxFDUdSSwaT_Fc2WV8rnc8gH3ngW/view

photo: morguefile.com 1. PA COVID-19 Gathering and Travel Restrictions Updated a . Revised maximum occupancy limits for indoor events to allow for 15% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. The 15% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement. b . Revised maximum occupancy limits for outdoor events to allow for 20% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. The 20% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement. c . Eliminate out-of-state travel restrictions. In November, the Department of Health provided an updated travel order requiring anyone over the age of 11 who visits from another state to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or place themselves in a travel quarantine for 14 days upon entering Pennsylvania. Today, this order was rescinded. d . The governor reminds everyone that core public ...