MONEYSAVER APRIL 14, 2020
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NEWS
Wolf closes schools for rest of academic year By JOELLEN WANKEL Gov. Tom Wolf made an announcement closing all schools throughout the state for the remainder of the school year on Thursday. “We must continue our efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus during this national crisis,” Wolf said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision but closing schools until the end of the academic year is in the best interest of our students, school employees, and families.” The announcement also says Wolf’s administration is advising schools that the facilities “are strongly encouraged to provide continuity of education for all students in the most appropriate and accessible ways possible.” Wolf’s announcement outlines the educational facilities covered by this announcement, noting it impacts “all public K-12 schools, brick and mortar and cyber charter schools, private and parochial schools, career and technical centers, and intermediate units.” Meanwhile, Wolf explained that colleges and universities will not be allowed to reopen their physical locations until the closure of businesses not deemed “life sustaining” is lifted or there is a separate order issued in regard to those educational facilities. McKean County superintendents were prepared for this possibility, with plans in place to continue education for students from home. Bradford “Physical school buildings are closed but learning is still happening within the Bradford Area School District,” said Bradford Superintendent Katy Pude. “As much as it saddens all of us that the schools are now closed for the year, we need to understand that the Governor made his decision for the health and safety of all of our residents, respect his decision, and resume with both our teaching and learning.” Pude noted that the Bradford Area School District staff, teachers and administrators have been working very hard to make sure that learning still happens for students throughout the remainder of the year. “Our Continuity of Education plan is posted on our webpage and was recently approved by our School Board. Our teachers are hosting
online lessons and class meetings, and paper copies of lessons are being provided to families without internet access,” she said. “Students, in turn, are expected to complete as many of the lessons as possible and to return their learning logs to their teachers when they are notified to do so. We will continue with this plan for the remainder of the school year, with bi-weekly lesson plans posted to our website and with online options and paper copies continuing. “Teachers will also be available to students with established virtual office hours throughout the day. What we are seeing from our teachers is so inspiring and the work that our students are sharing is phenomenal. Everyone is truly doing their best and so many are stretching beyond our greatest expectations!” Pude noted that parents and students should not feel alone during this process. Despite the social distancing efforts in place, help is still a phone call away. “As we proceed through the remainder of this year, we want any student or parent who may need our assistance with access to schoolwork or just help in general to please reach out to our schools and leave a message if we don’t immediately answer,” she said. “We are here to support each and every one of our students and their families and know the importance of continuing education and providing some normalcy during this most difficult of times.” Otto-Eldred The Otto-Eldred School District implemented a “School Restart” on April 2, which organized education through online resources. The plan included allowing students to visit the parking lots of the Elementary and High School to access Wi-Fi and otherwise make sure that all students receive access to instruction, through either internetbased resources or paper resources for those without internet access. “We were prepared for this possibility. Unfortunately, it does not come as a surprise. We will now be able to better answer some questions that remained related to events such as prom, concerts and our graduation ceremony,” said OttoEldred Superintendent Matt Splain. “Students, parents and teachers now know what to expect for the remainder of the school year. Everyone will be disappointed, but See SCHOOLS on page 2....
McKean County SPCA receives much needed aid from Pittsburgh organization
By CHRISTINE HOLTZ
The McKean County SPCA received some much needed aid over the weekend after the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (PAART) dropped off around 1,000 pounds of food for the facility at the Bradford Regional Airport. Hannah Lawton, SPCA dog kennel supervisor, said the food will be put to good use for the 55 dogs and 90 cats currently residing at the shelter. Lawton, who’s worked alongside PAART previously, said the SPCA has been working with them since January. PAART has been known to provide relief to shelters in situations of crisis. “They have 43,000 pounds of food to give to different shelters throughout the country,” explained Lawson. “They’ve already given out about 10,000 pounds of food to shelters and food banks across the Pittsburgh region and the country.” Lawton said despite the current situation with the pandemic and social distancing, adoptions were higher than usual last month, as people currently have more time to spare for a new pet.
Wade Aiken photo Hannah Lawton of the SPCA poses with “Titan” a great dane mix, next to a pallet of food that had been recently donated.
“It’s been amazing — the amount of adoptions we’ve had,” she said. “Last month we had 52 adoptions. People are saying it’s a good time to acclimate pets into the home.” The increased adoption rate isn’t surprising, when one looks at all the positive benefits of having a pet. “People have been saying having a pet has helped them become more active and it gives them a brighter outlook,” Lawson explained. “Cats and dogs are positive and are always willing to love. I had one person tell me having a pet made them feel safe at home instead of stuck
at home — they are with their animals and they are happy.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shelter is currently closed to visitors, though they are adopting pets out by appointment. Those interested in adopting can call 814-3628850 or send a message to their Facebook page “McKean County Spca.” For the safety of the staff and animals, those who are sick or have a family member that is sick are asked not to come to the facility. When donating, Lawton said to not forget about the cats. She said they are currently most in need of
Purina Naturals Original Cat Chow, Purina Kitten Chow, non-clumping litter and kitten milk replacer. “It’s getting into kitten season, so we’re really in need of kitten milk replacer, litter and the food that they eat,” she noted. “Most of our donations are for the dogs — the cats tend to get the short end of the stick.” Donations can be made by contacting the McKean County SPCA. Additionally, you can find their Amazon wish list by visiting their Facebook page, clicking on the “About” section and scrolling down to “General Information.”
Hospital officials say preparation plans are working By MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER Preparedness plans at Upper Allegheny Health System hospitals are working, officials said Wednesday. “We’re ready,” said Jeff Zewe, RN, president, chief executive officer, UAHS and its member hospitals, Bradford Regional Medical Center and Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital. “Over the last month, we’ve worked hard and managed appropriately to plan for the surge.” The so-called surge is an anticipated exponential rise in patients with COVID-19. Dr. William Mills, senior vice president of quality and professional affairs at UAHS, said BRMC has had no patients that are COVID-19 positive, but has three patients under investigation. Olean General has three patients that are positive, two are in medical/ surgical and one is in intensive care, and six patients are under investigation. Zewe continued, “Our surge plans are ready, and include increasing bed capacity at OGH by 75 beds and BRMC by 30 beds, setting up
temporary tents by both emergency departments, and enhanced education for our staff and communities.” Mills said Dr. Jeremy Barnett, intensivist, provided training for BRMC and OGH providers who could be called upon to treat critically ill COVID patients. The “boot camp” included hands-on training using ultrasound technology, updates in the use of ventilators, and specific treatment algorithms and protocols for the COVID patient. The boot camp was created and taught by Barnett with the help of the critical nurses from OGH. This two-hour educational session was recorded for other providers to view as well, Mills said. Zewe explained UAHS has seen a low volume of patients coming in with respiratory symptoms, and the number of positive COVID cases remains low. “Our volumes are down 65 percent at the hospitals, outpatient settings and our physician practice network. The low volumes are a direct reflection of the overall plan working,” he said.
He commended everyone for working together on the important message of how to avoid getting sick — hand washing and social distancing. “The message is being heard and followed as people are staying home and this is paying off with very few positive confirmed cases in Cattaraugus and McKean counties. The pandemic is far from over but from a medical standpoint we are beginning to see a glimmer of positive signs from the New York City area. Hospitalization rates are trending down as well as ICU usage, according to Gov. Cuomo,” Zewe said. Part of the plan for addressing the anticipated surge was to decrease the volume of patients using BRMC and OGH, he said, “even though it creates a financial hardship for our hospitals. Phase I is accomplished, which was dealing with a crisis and establishing a swift plan to prepare our hospitals for a surge of patients. Again, this is far from over so people need to continue to be vigilant”, Zewe said. Mills added that
UAHS is ready. “Our clinical staff is getting the extra training they need,” Mills said. “While the financial strain with all this is significant, we’ve prepared for a surge in our local community. As a doctor, I’m concerned about people getting the healthcare they need. While we are preparing for extra volume, we want people to know we are still open for business if they really need us.” The Bradford Hospital Foundation and Olean General Hospital Foundation have established COVID-19 Response Funds. Donations to this fund will be used to directly support front line staff as we face this pandemic. Funds raised will stay with each respective hospital. For more information, or to make a donation, contact the BH Foundation, 814/362-3200, www. brmc.com/foundation, or the OGH Foundation, 716/375-7445, www. ogh.org/foundation. The hospitals are also accepting PPE donations for hospital use which can be delivered at the main entrances between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.