rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
TOWANDA — Bradford County Commissioners discussed COVID and the county testing site at the Jan. 14 ZOOM meeting.
Commissioner Daryl Miller began the public comment portion of the meeting discussing updates on COVID and the COVID testing site at the Bradford County Regional Airport in Towanda.
“It’s a good opportunity to get tested,” said Miller.
Miller continued to say that the “rollout” of Phase 1A of vaccines is almost completed. This was the phase to get local EMS and medical personnel tested. The Phase 1B portion of vaccines will soon be available to the general public.
Matt Williams of the Bradford County Department of Public Safety says the agency is working directly with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and noted that so far, 1,429 Bradford County residents have been vaccinated.
He also wanted to address a rumor.
“Guthrie is not wasting vaccines,” said Williams.
Rather, Guthrie is working on Phase 1B and a scheduling system to get more vaccines out to residents.
“Now is the time to consider getting the vaccine,” urged Williams, as vaccines are currently limited by the DOH and will be available as they are sent. He urged employers to talk with their employees about whether or not they will receive one and get the numbers prepared a head of time so when it comes to their turn, they may receive one.
“My office can help with ‘intake forms’ which will determine how many vaccines you will need. We need to be prepared,” he said.
Williams also reported that as of the first administration of vaccines in late December, four of Bradford County’s long-term care facilities have been vaccinated.
“This virus is here and persistent,” said Williams, “In the past two days, 223 people have been tested. It is 100% free to get tested.”
Williams said that in order to find more information on the virus and determine what phase you are in to receive a vaccination, go to the Department of Health’s website at: www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx.
“When more information becomes available, we will release it to all of our local media outlets.”
Other news
Starting the meeting, Commissioners declared Jan. 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, thanking all local law enforcement for their service.
“They run towards danger instead of away and that says a lot,” said Commissioner John Sullivan.
Commissioners also announced work on “Bridge 8,” which is located outside of West Burlington on Route 6.
Visitor’s comments
A resident asked commissioners about the CYS assessment, to which Commissioner Daryl Miller replied it is simply just an evaluation of the department to see if there are any needed improvements.
The next Bradford County Commissioners meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. A full video of the ZOOM meeting can be found on the BC Commissioners Facebook page.