With all non-essential business and travel shut down across the state due to the pandemic, Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp continues operating at full force to make sure the community stays informed and safe.
On a weekly basis, Kane hosts weekly online meetings for the local Pandemic Response Planning Group, consisting of representatives from the borough, Kane Volunteer Fire Department, Kane Police Department, Lewis Run-based state police, Kane Area School District, UPMC-Kane and other citizens with knowledge on pandemic responses.
“During these meetings, each group provides updates, addresses questions and concerns and offers solutions to be sure that all are on the same page regarding the local response,” explained Schimp.
In addition to local meetings, Schimp also participates in a weekly call with the White House’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs where state, local and tribal leaders from across the country learn more about the administration’s response to COVID-19 and updates on the CARES Act implementation.
“These calls have been extremely informative and straightforward with very little to no political talk,” she said. “From these calls, I am able to better serve our community by having a much clearer look into how the administration is handling the response and from there, able to reach out to specific individuals, businesses or organizations to share pertinent information.”
Schimp also discussed a recent conference call with Congressman Glenn Thompson.
“He was able to further break down the response as it relates to issues in our regional and local areas,” she explained. “Because things are very fluid, I try to stay updated as best I can and share local updates once daily on my mayoral Facebook page.”
Schimp said as of April 14, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported a total of 4 positive cases of COVID-19 in McKean County.
“This serves as a reminder that we must all do our part to slow the spread and follow the directives given by the CDC and the PA Department of Health,” she noted.
Schimp also sent a reminder out to residents the importance of participating in the U.S. Census.
“The McKean County Complete Count Committee is still working to get an accurate count for McKean County in the 2020 Census,” she explained. “Please do your part and complete the census. Now, more than ever, an accurate count is going to be vital.”
Schimp also said the Complete Count Committee announced that it will “award two prizes to the two municipalities with the highest rate of households that self-reported (mail, phone, online) to the Census.”
The U.S. Census is more than just a count of people. Information gathered is vital to determining congressional representation and the distribution of federal funding amongst communities for the next decade.
Though field operations have been temporarily suspended until June 1, citizens can still participate in the census by visiting www.my2020census.gov, mailing in the paper questionnaire or by calling 1-844-330-2020 (there is also a list of numbers for non-English speakers on the U.S. Census website).
Lastly, Schimp offered information on a “Support and Referral Helpline” offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for anyone “feeling scared, overwhelmed or anxious.”
The hotline, which is available 24/7 to counsel Pennsylvanians and refer them to community-based resources, can be reached at 1-855-284-2494.
