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Bethel Park officials working through pandemic

By Cara Host for The Almanac writer@thealmanac.Net 3 min read
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Municipal-owned buildings might look empty in the midst of a pandemic, but Bethel Park officials are still working.

“We’re here,” municipal manager Laurence Christian said during an online meeting with residents and fellow municipal officials April 9.

“We will emerge from this pandemic together.”

Municipal buildings are largely closed to the public to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. However, most municipal services are still available even as many municipal workers work from home.

The police department and sewer treatment plant are fully operational. The public works department is still on call, although their work will be limited to fixing roads and making other emergency repairs. Permit applications are still being accepted, but not in person. Instead, applicants can access forms through the municipal website, bethelpark.net, and any paperwork can be either emailed or placed in a drop box at the police department entrance at the municipal building.

Barricades have been placed in municipal parks because playgrounds, athletic fields and pavilions are closed, but walking trails are open. However, those who use the trails should try to maintain social distance from others.

Bethel Park started a helpline that is manned weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone who is having problems, or has a neighbor who needs help should call 412-851-2778.

The municipality is also accepting nonperishable food donations and homemade protective masks at drop boxes at the community center.

“That’s going to help the most for the folks who are hurting the most from this pandemic,” Christian said.

The police and fire department are still responding to calls. However, the call volume has decreased significantly during the pandemic.

Bethel Park Police Department Det. Sean Gorman said his department is responding to far fewer vehicle accidents and because most stores have closed, reports of retail theft are nearly nonexistent. However, police have been responding to more domestic violence cases and fraud reports.

Gorman urged people to be weary of email or phone call that claims to be from a government agency.

“Unfortunately, in a time like this, criminals see an opportunity to take advantage,” Gorman said.

Police have seen email scams that claim to be from the Internal Revenue Service or Centers for Disease Control. Users who click the links in those emails may have malware installed on their computers or be lured into revealing banking information.

Gorman urges people to avoid giving any information over the phone. If someone calls claiming to be from a government agency, Gorman suggests looking up the phone number of that agency and call them directly.

Gov. Tom Wolf issued a stay-at-home order for all Pennsylvanians, but Gorman said Bethel Park Police has been focusing on educating people and encouraging voluntary compliance. For the most part, everyone seems to be doing their part, Gorman said.

“I encourage people to reach out to your neighbors, especially if they’re elderly,” Gorman said. “Exchange phone numbers. Offer to go to the store for them.”

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