COVID-19
With the COVID-19 virus outbreak, be assured the Fairview Township Police Department will continue to serve you as needed. In order to reduce the chance of spreading the virus we will be making some slight changes in the way we do business.
For example, an increasing number of non-emergency incidents may be handled by telephone. If an officer does meet you in person, do not be offended if they do not shake your hand or wear gloves during the interaction. This is for both your and our protection. In addition, should you come into the police station, know that we are disinfecting our lobby area on a daily basis. We have also suspended all in-house fingerprinting through the end of April.
With all of the media attention to COVID 19, it can be hard to separate the truth from sensationalism. This website www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries appears to have relatively accurate and up to date information about the virus, and the ability to drill down to different countries, ages, deaths, etc…
As of Monday morning Match 16th, 174,464 have been diagnosed world-wide with the disease. Of those diagnosed, 6,685 have died and 77,866 have fully recovered. 89,913 people are still battling the disease, but of that number 83,966 (93%) show no or only mild symptoms.
In the United States, we have 3,807 cases with 70 deaths. Only 12 cases are currently considered to be serious or critical (statistically 0%). There are currently 63 cases in PA.
With those relatively low numbers are we saying there is no need to reduce your time in public or interaction with others? No!
The infection rate will rise, as will those who die from the disease. However, steps you can take can help reduce those numbers.
The restrictions and recommendations from the President of the United States and the Pennsylvania Governor were put in place to slow the spread of the virus and protect those at high risk of death or serious complications. We have the best healthcare system in the world, but we do not want the system to be overwhelmed.
The primary job of the government is to protect its citizens. The changes in travel, at our borders, airports and seaports are put in place for your safety, as are the closings of the schools and large gatherings. However, these steps will not be effective if you do not follow them.
One of the concerns is you becoming a carrier and infecting others. Practice good hygiene and regularly wash your hands. You should also disinfect your vehicles, work areas, and homes. Utilize social distancing. Do not shake hands and try to keep a distance of 6 feet from other people when you are out in public.
Also remember to be courteous to others. There is no need to hoard basic supplies and food staples. Buy enough to provide for you and your family, but panic-buying hurts others who also need it.
If you know someone who is elderly or who has a compromised immune system, offer to do shopping for them. When delivering their items, limit your stay and personal contact. Even if you feel fine, healthy people can still spread this disease.
You may also want to be cautious about the sources of information you use to stay up to date on this evolving situation. Some of what is being put out there is not accurate and is only spreading the fear. Good sources are the briefings from the US Government, CDC, and the PA Department of Health.
Finally, remember to thank those in the medical field who may be putting in long hours- doctors, nurses and EMS workers dealing with this disease.
Hopefully any restrictions will be relatively short-lived. Use common sense and don’t panic. The more everyone does their part to reduce the spread, the quicker the virus can be addressed and things can get back to normal.
PA Department of Health: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
