COVID-19 Precautions

(updated 3/20/2020)

The City of Lock Haven is following public health advice to take precautionary measure to limit the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS-CoV-2).  Balancing health and well-being with public service, the City strongly recommends social distancing as one of the most important tools to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.  Below is some guidance for members of the public when interacting with City facilities and employees to consider as this national public health emergency develops.

Can I come to City Hall?  No.  City Hall has been closed to the public until April 6, 2020.  Limited staff work each day to process payments that are received in the daily mail and online and to continue to keep the city’s essential services operating. 

Do I still need to pay my water/sewer bill or parking ticket by the due date?  Yes.  In order to limit exposure to both our customers and our employees, the City strongly encourages the use of online payment options for water/sewer bills and for parking tickets, and phone and email for all other requests.  If you are not able to use online resources, we would encourage using US mail to submit your payment to limit potential exposure for both yourself and our employees.

Do I still have to pay my real estate taxes?  Yes.  Real estate taxes are due as stated on your bill.  Please keep in mind that the city uses these funds to pay our vendors, many of which are small businesses and local businesses who need paid for their goods and services so that they can take care of their families too.  City taxes also pay the electric bill to keep street lights on, traffic lights functioning and pay the dedicated first-responders still reporting to work to keep us safe.

How do I report a public works issue?  A small crew of Public Works employees have been assigned to cover each week through April 6, 2020.  With this limited crew, the public should expect a reduction in response time to non-emergency public works concerns.  The City strongly encourages the use of our smartphone MyCivic app “Lock Haven City” to submit requests for service (like potholes or streetlights) or to use email for requests.  This app is available in both Android and Apple stores for free download.  As always, if you have a water or sewer leak, customers are requested to call the County Communications Center at 570-748-2936.

Can I visit other City buildings?  City employees have been directed to only permit current employees, approved subcontractors and emergency services to access the Department of Public Works operations center at 99 Second Avenue and at the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 20 S Hanna Street.  Visitors, salespersons, and guests will not be permitted access to these sites through at least April 30, 2020 and will be turned away.  Those with business at the Piper Memorial Airport are requested to use the same recommendation of social distancing and those using the facility for essential travel and work are encouraged to follow the Centers for Disease Control and PA Department of Health guidelines of how to prevent illness while traveling.

Will City Council meet?  At this time, City Council has postponed its regular in-person meetings until at least April 20, 2020.  In order to limit exposure to both members of the public and the City’s elected officials and employees, members of the public interested in the proceedings of City Council who do not have comments are encouraged to watch the meetings online live through our streaming service.  Members of the public who do have comments they wish to share with City Council can always do so via email.  The email addresses of members of City Council and administrative staff are available on our website directory.  Under the Emergency declaration, Council is enabled to meet by video conference to addressing pressing business that cannot wait.

Will committees meet?  All meetings of authorities, boards, committees and commissions are postponed until at least April 6, 2020 and thereafter these boards are requested to limit their regular meetings through April 30, 2020 unless there is emergency business that must be decided on immediately that will impact the community’s essential services.

Will my recycling be collected? In an effort to minimize exposure to curbside collection workers, Wayne Township Landfill will be suspending residential curbside collection at this time.  Customers are asked to take materials to the drop-off location located at the Myrtle Street Drop Off Center. 

Can I still go to the parks? We recommend that all residents avoid public spaces, but if you choose to go to the park, only green spaces will be open.  All play equipment and courts are locked and not be used by the public.    As always, maintain social distancing  (6 ft apart) at all times in any public space, including parks, and restrict activity to fewer than 10 people in any park at one time.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health is responsible for infectious disease emergency planning and response in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to try to identify possible cases and work to prevent the spread.

The best way to reduce your risk of becoming infected with, or spreading, COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) is to practice good hygiene:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Try to stay away from people who are visibly sick
  • Everyone should always cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or the crook of their elbow; wash your hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth
  • People who are sick should stay home from work or school until they are well

COVID-19 Relief Program for ASO Customers

The City has been notified of the following agreement with Highmark which is available to the City residents. Under this temporary program, cost-sharing associated with physician-ordered diagnostic testing for novel coronavirus will be waived for all fully insured members. Highmark will also default all members, including High Deductible Health Plan members, as recipients of this cost-sharing relief.

For helpful tips and to stay up-to-date on the latest information,
visit pa.gov or readypa.gov.

You can also find information at the following links:

PA COVID-19 Update Archive