Category: Uncategorized

PA ORDER for everyone to wear a Face Mask

Hershey’s Mill Master Association

*****************************SPECIAL ALERT******************************
NEW COVID-19 Government ORDER
Face Masks

Fellow Hershey’s Mill Residents,

(This has been sent to all HM residents registered on the HM email platform)
Update #   (Alternatives at the end)

The PA Governor & PA Dept of Health have issued an ORDER for everyone to wear a Face Mask when entering a place of business.  Customers without Face Masks will be denied entry*.  This is an ORDER in addition to the instructions that “everyone should wear a Face Mask when leaving their home” issued by the CDC, US Surgeon General & PA Dept of Health previously.  NEW ORDER effective Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 8:00PM.

Order to wear masks

This email contains:
1) Face Masks and HM Helping Hands
2) Options for obtaining a face mask
3) 45 Second Video from Dr. Jerome Adams, Surgeon General on How to Make A Quick Face Mask
4) Short Video on Why Face Masks are Important

5) a short note from Mitchell A. Fremlin, MD. a surgeon, about masks
6) More Information on Face Masks and making Face Masks
7) Ready Made Masks from things you may already have at home
1)********************HM HELPING HANDS****************
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT FACE MASKS
Helping Hands has more requests for Face Masks than we can fill immediately.
Please be patient as we make masks.
Volunteers to make masks are urgently needed. We have materials for you to use. Please email helpinghandshmill@gmail.com with the word Volunteer in the Subject line.If you have requested and are waiting for a mask, please read the changes below:If you called and left a voice mail requesting a mask, and have NOT received a call back yet, please email helpinghandshmill@gmail.com as detailed below:

If you want to request a Face Mask, we are not able to respond to all the phone calls requesting face masks at this time. Please email as detailed below instead.

To request a Face Mask, please do the following:
EMAIL ONLY:
Name of each HM resident requesting a Face Mask
Address of each HM resident requesting a Face Mask
Number of HM residents needing a Face Mask
Phone number you may be reached on. (Answer your phone even if from an unknown phone number or area code, until you hear from us.)
Any explanation of emergency need

Orders will be filled on a first request, first filled basis
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2) Face Masks – we have located an alternate source for Face Masks.  These face masks are $10.00 each.
These masks are made with 100% Cotton, pleated, triple layered, with elastic ear loops.
a. Orders must be placed by village, no individual orders.
b. Please organize or designate one person within your village to gather  orders.
c. Payment is made directly to the seamstress at time of picking up the masks.                One check per village; no individual checks. Cash is acceptable.
d. Masks will be picked up, each mask will be placed in a plastic bag and all will be delivered back to the village representative.
e. The first bulk order goes in Friday at 4 PM.  First Order, First Receive.

3) Dr. Jerome Adams, US Surgeon General, 45 Seconds on making a Face Mask with NO SEWING.
Click here for a 45 second YouTube on how to make a face mask – no sewing

4) My Mask Protects You, Your Mask Protects Me. Scientist and Doctors, Worldwide are sharing critical and vital information with each other.  Here is an important message about Masks:

5) How to Put on a Face Mask and How to Wear It Properly, Dr. Mitchell A. Fremlin

“You may have heard that surgical masks don’t work for preventing viral infections and may increase the risk of infection. Why is this? It is because people not accustomed to wearing masks can’t keep their hands off them. They constantly fiddle with them, adjust them, pull them down to talk and so on. Every time they do this, they are contaminating their mask with their hands, and if their hands have virus or bacteria on them, then they are risking infection.
As a surgeon, I am used to standing around for hours without touching my mask or my face, but it is very difficult for someone who is not used to this. So, if you decide to wear a mask for protection against viral or bacterial infection, here is what you need to do:
(1) Start with a clean mask. If you are reusing a mask, make sure that you keep it clean when you are not wearing it.
(2) Wash your hands well with soap and water, for a minimum of 20 seconds but preferably more.
(3) Place your mask and get it adjusted perfectly. It may help to do this in front of a mirror.
(4) Now wash your hands again. You are doing this to protect everyone else since you have contaminated your hands by touching your face.
(5) Do not ever touch the mask or any part of your face again unless you repeat steps 2 to 4.
That’s it. It may be hard to get in the habit, but if surgeons can do it, you can, too!”
Mitchell A. Fremlin
Westminster, Colo.

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6) More Face Mask Information:

****PA DOH: Wearing a mask DOES NOT mean that you can go visit friends or family in person or go back to work at a non-essential business. Stay home, PA!****

CDC on Home made Face coverings – No sewing and sewing

From the PA Dept of Health – How to Make a Face Mask Sewing

Life under Stay at Home orders for the majority of Hershey’s Mill residents means leaving your home for essentially four things, including trips for:
–       food, including grocery stores or take out,
–       pharmacy,
–       doctor or vet for our pets, only after calling first as most ‘visits’ are telemedicine visits today.  Medicare has recently approved telemedicine as covered.
–       exercise
keeping a safe distance apart.  For us here in HM, we can walk on our many walking trails and for this special period of time on the golf course until it reopens for play.

7) Ready Made Masks from things you may already have at home

See photos below

NEIGHBORS:

– Please check on your neighbors regularly.  A simple phone call checking in may make all the difference in someone’s day. We are all in this together – call a neighbor or two today.  If you just moved here an don’t know any one, call one of your Village Council members.

-Please communicate this information to any neighbor that does not receive emails.

– Please check with your friends and neighbors to be sure they see the COVID-19 emails.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

1)    Please tune into Hershey’s Mill Community TV (HMTC) Channel 1971 for updates via scrolling banners

2)    Please log onto hersheysmill.org for updates on the HersheyMill website.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these unprecedented times.

On behalf of the Technology Committee,

To your health and safety,

Wash your hands, stay healthy,

Bill and Sherry Kane
Co-Chairs, HM Technology Committee

Note: Emails sent out Community wide through the HM Email Platform are for internal HM use only and not for public distribution, posting on any type of website, with the exception of the hersheysmill.org website, or used in any other manner available to the general public or those residing outside Hershey’s Mill.

Update#17: helping hands, pets, more

HM Technology Committee  Mon, Apr 13, 2020 at 8:53 PM

Hershey’s Mill Master Association

Fellow Hershey’s Mill Residents,
(This has been sent to all HM residents registered on the HM email platform)
Update#17  Funnies at the end.

This Update includes Information on:  
1) Hershey’s Mill Helping Hands: Services, Face Masks & Supplies Needed

2) COVID-19 & Your Cat

3) Concord Pet in Fraser

4) Primary Election & Mail In Ballots

5) New Date or Filing Federal, State and Local Tax Returns

6) Verizon Removal of Copper Equipment – Update & Schedule

7) COMCAST Box Removal Update

8) Masks, Gloves, Hand Sanitizer Availability
9) Tunnel Repair10) Chandler Road Tunnel Repair Completed

11) APPLAUSE to Honor Healthcare Workers and First Responders

12) Andrea Bocellis Easter Performance

There is a great deal of interesting information contained in this email.  We recommend scrolling down through the contents and reading what interests you.
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1) HERSHEY’S MILL ‘HELPING HANDS’ is Available to Assist HM Residents: 

Helping Hands is a neighbor helping neighbors, free service, exclusively for Hershey’s Mill residents by Hershey’s Mill residents, through the Safety Sub-Committee of the HM Technology Committee. This FREE service will continue for as long as we are under Stay at Home orders during this pandemic.

– Free Services:
HM Helping Hands will pick up medication, pick up groceries, pick up & deliver Take Out and deliver to your door, contact free.

How to contact Helping Hands:

Email  helpinghandshmill@gmail.com.

– Free Face Masks for HM Residents:
By now, everyone is aware of the instructions by the CDC, WHO, US Surgeon General, Governor and President to wear a face mask when leaving the home.

In keeping with this, the HM Helping Hands Volunteers are making Face Masks for HM Residents.  The masks are available FREE of Charge.

How to receive a Face Mask:
Email: helpinghandshmill@gmail.com

– Supplies Needed: HM HH Volunteers need the following supplies to make Face Masks for HM Residents:

  1. Most importantly, Elastic, any size and color from ¼” and up. No matter how large, we can cut to adapt.
      2.  Seam binding tape.
3.  Hair ties that are stretchy. (See if they fit comfortably over your ears before donating.)
  1. 100% cotton sheets and towels you can spare, any color or pattern.
  2. 100% cotton table napkins, any color or pattern.
  3. Muslin fabric.

      7. Gently used sheets, towels and napkins are fine as long as they are unstained.

Please  Email helpinghandshmill@gmail.com  to donate materials.

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2) *****CATS AND CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) by Dr. Wilbur Amand:******

Wilbur B. Amand, VMD, a Hershey’s Mill Resident, has written an interesting and informative article up to date with the most recent information on COVID-19 and Cats.  This will be particularly interesting to you if you have a Cat in your home.
“Further studies have provided evidence that cats are very susceptible to the virus……”  SEE BELOW for the Full Article
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3) CONCORD PET SUPPLIES

Concord Pet in Frazer is offering touchless curbside pickup for pet food and pet supplies. Place your order and pay over the phone. Curbside Pick Up or Delivery.

610-644-6767

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4) Pennsylvania Primary Election related to COVID 19. In order to protect the health and safety of all voters, poll workers, and election officials while also ensuring access to voting, the legislature, Governor Wolf, and the Department of State worked together to pass legislation to reschedule the PA primary election to Tuesday, June 2.
Additionally, thanks to historic legislation passed last fall, ALL Pennsylvania voters now also have the ability to vote by mail without having to provide an excuse – for any reason or no reason at all. You can apply for mail-in ballots online, by mail, or in person, until one week before the election. For the 2020 primary, mail-in ballot applications must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 26. Applying online is very easy and quick, and even better, if you enter your email address, you will receive notifications as to the status of your application and ballot along the way.  Once you receive your mail-in ballot, you now have until 8pm on June 2 to deliver your completed ballot to your county election office, but you should drop it off or mail it as early as you can to ensure it is delivered by that time.
Voters who have already requested a mail-in or absentee ballot will receive your ballot for the rescheduled primary. There is no need to apply again if you have already done so.
Other important election-related deadlines will change along with the new primary date. The new deadline to update your voter registration is Monday, May 18. Please visit www.register.votespa.com to update your registration today.

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5) FEDERAL, STATE & LOCAL TAX RETURNS:

The new due date for filing your federal, state and local tax returns is July 15th. Please check with your CPA or Tax Preparer for more information.

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6) Verizon Removal of Copper Equipment – Update & Schedule
3 of the 5 main cabinets near the entrances have been removed.  The last 2 will be removed in the next few days.  The removal of the concrete pads will follow shortly.

Equipment will be removed in this order: (This is a tentative schedule, subject to change.)

Heatherton
Kennett
Franklin
Newbury
Eaton
Vassar
Lincoln
Yardley
Ulster
Troon
Robynwood
Springton
Quaker Ridge
Zephyr Glen
Oakmont
Devonshire
Chatham
Merrifield
Chandler
Inverness
Ashton
Jefferson
Princeton
Glenwood
Brighton

If you have any questions about a box in your yard, email Sherry & Bill Kane – See HM Directory.

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7) COMCAST BOXES:

If you have a COMCAST Box in your area, please call Comcast’s Corporate Office, Executive Customer Service at 888-966-7794 or the Main Office at 215-286-1700 and ask for the President’s Office. Be prepared when you call with:

Your Name
Address
Exact location near your home or another’s home
What type of equipment it is: cabinet or pedestal
What the issue is: fallen over, door open, wires hanging out, etc..

Explain that you have an unsafe situation and want the box removed or repaired properly.

HM Residents have been calling the COMCAST Corporate Office and Comcast Techs have come and removed equipment.

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9) Masks, Gloves, Hand Sanitizer and Gowns available.
We are aware that many in HM have need of these supplies.  We have been made aware that these supplies are available through the company below:
Heron Medical Supplies
610-259-9700
Mon-Fri. 9:00 am to 5:00

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10) Chandler Road Tunnel Repair Completed
The second tunnel under the street, that connects the pond at Chandler and Mill to Ridley Creek, has been completed.

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11) APPLAUSE to Honor Healthcare Workers and First Responders
Neighbors within Hershey’s Mill are joining together at 7:00 PM on Monday nights to applaud healthcare workers, first responders and all those working to serve during the pandemic. Join in on your own front porch, wave at neighbors and applaud those in service to us all.

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12) Andrea Bocellis Easter Performance
Click here to be taken to a video and recording of Bocellis’s moving performance. Click on the video link.

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NEIGHBORS:
– Please check on your neighbors regularly.  A simple phone call checking in may make all the difference in someone’s day. We are all in this together – call a neighbor or two today.  If you just moved here an don’t know any one, call one of your Village Council members.

-Please communicate this information to any neighbor that does not receive emails.

– Please check with your friends and neighbors to be sure they see the COVID-19 emails.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

1)    Please tune into Hershey’s Mill Community TV (HMTC) Channel 1971 for updates via scrolling banners

2)    Please log onto hersheysmill.org for updates on the HersheyMill website.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these unprecedented times.

On behalf of the Hershey’s Mill Technology Committee,

To your health and safety,

Wash your hands, stay healthy,

Sherry & Bill Kane
Co-Chairs
HM Technology Committee

Note: Emails sent out Community wide through the HM Email Platform are for internal HM use only and not for public distribution, posting on any type of website, with the exception of the hersheysmill.org website, or used in any other manner available to the general public or those residing outside Hershey’s Mill.

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ARTICLE:

 

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COVID-19 and CATS

 

 

In my earlier report, I noted that Hong Kong had tested 17 dogs and 8 cats from households with confirmed COVID-19 cases or persons in close contact with confirmed patients. Only two dogs had tested positive using a test for the COVID-91 virus.  The first cat to test positive to COVID-19 was reported in Belgium. The cat lived in close contact with its owner who was COVID-19 positive.  This cat started showing respiratory symptoms a week after the owner died.

 

 

Further studies have provided evidence that cats are very susceptible to the virus when researchers attempted to infect the cats by introducing viral particles via the nose. They also found that cats can infect each other via respiratory droplets. Studies with dogs showed that they were less likely to catch the virus.

 

 

Then on April 5, the Bronx Zoo reported a Malayan tiger was reported to have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, three other tigers and three lions were showing symptoms – dry cough and a slight decrease in appetite. Public health officials believe that these cats became ill after being exposed to a zoo keeper who was actively shedding virus. All the zoo’s cats that were showing symptoms have been doing well and improving.

 

 

Despite the above experience, there is little to no evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 to people. According to a spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association, “This is almost exclusively a human-to-human transmitted disease. The risk to pets is very low, with only a handful of cases of the virus appearing in companion animals and no cases of people getting sick from their pets.”

 

 

The following are some frequently asked questions from pet owners about this new coronavirus (COVID-19):

 

 

1.     If animals (especially cats) can contract the virus, can they pass it back to people? Currently there is no evidence to suggest that pets, livestock, or zoo animals can spread the COVID-19 virus to people or other animals. However, the World Health Organization is taking a closer look at transmission of the virus between humans and animals.

 

 

2.     What should I do about my cat if I am diagnosed with COVID–19? Although it is very unlikely that you can contract COVID-19 from your pet, if YOU are infected with COVID-19 there is the risk that your pet could get the virus from you. So isolate yourself from your pet.

 

 

3.     Should my pet be practicing social/physical distancing? Yes, it is recommended that you ensure your pet practices social distancing from other people and pets.

 

 

4.     Can my pet carry the virus on their fur? Yes, according to the British Veterinary Association, cat (and dogs) can act as “fomites” – meaning the virus can linger on their fur and be transmitted through touch in the same way it can be picked up from surfaces like tables and doorknobs.

 

 

5.     Should my pet wear a mask? No. There is no good evidence that face masks protect pets from infectious diseases or air pollutants, and masks have the potential to be unnecessarily scary or uncomfortable for pets.

 

 

6.     Should we have our pets (cats/dogs) tested for COVID–19? No, Routine testing of domestic animals for COVID-19 is not being recommended by the AVMA, CDC or USDA.

 

 

7.     What should pet owners do if they think their pet has the virus? Contact your veterinary clinic if your pet shows signs of respiratory illness (coughing, sneezing, lethargy, lack of appetite, etc.) and make sure that they are prepared to treat patients that could have been exposed to COVID-19 virus. If your veterinary clinic is unable to provide the care your pet may need, ask for a referral to the nearest clinic that would be able to accept your pet.

 

 

8.     Should pet owners stop interacting with their pets? If the owner is not ill with COVID-19, you can and should interact with your pets as usual – including feeding, playing, etc. However, continue to practice good hygiene (hand washing; keeping bedding, toys, bowls, litter boxes clean; etc.).

 

 

9.     Why are animals being tested when there are not enough human COVID–19 tests? The tests differ between humans and animals. The animal tests are usually performed in a veterinary school laboratory or state agricultural laboratory and are not sent to a human testing laboratory. There is no competition for testing.

 

 

10.  Can manufactured pet food carry COVID-19 virus? There is no evidence for this. It is highly unlikely that dry or canned pet foods are potential viral vectors.

 

 

11.  What do we know about other coronaviruses in cats, dogs, and horses?

 

·      CATS: Feline enteric coronavirus causes a mild or asymptomatic infection in domestic cats, and most signs are gastrointestinal-related. Infections with this virus are more common in areas of higher cat numbers such as catteries, shelters, etc.

 

·      DOGS: Two known coronaviruses exist in dogs. One is a gastrointestinal form that ranges from asymptomatic to mild diarrhea which may become a severe inflammation of the small intestine. The second which is more commonly seen is a mild disease consisting of cough, sneezing, and nasal discharge.

 

Wilbur B. Amand, VMD

 

Inverness Village

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SOCIAL DISTANCING: Why it is so important to control the virus.

 

By Marie McCullough STAFF WRITER     Copied from Phila Inquirer, Mar 24, 2020

SEE THE GRAPHIC BELOW THIS ARTICLE

 

If you still doubt the crucial importance of avoiding other people, or if you think Philadelphia’s “stay at home” order is excessive, consider this:

 

Without the lockdown in Wuhan, China, where the pandemic started, there would have been 44,214 cases in other Chinese cities through February — instead of the actual number of 27,956, according to a new study led by University of Pennsylvania economist Hanming Fang.

 

“Social distancing and, if an epicenter can be identified, as was the case for the city of Wuhan in China, a lockdown can play crucial roles in ‘flattening’ the daily infection cases curve, giving the stressed medical system a chance to regroup and deal with the onslaught of new infection cases,” wrote Fang and his coauthors.

 

“Flatten the curve” has become a rallying cry, but in New Jersey and New York, it appears to be too late. In both states, the average daily rate of increase is more than 50%, according to an Inquirer analysis of data from Sunday. As a trickle of patients has turned into a deluge, New York City hospitals are scrambling to find more ventilators and protective gear, and New Jersey is moving to reopen the former Inspira Medical Center Woodbury in Gloucester County as an intensive care facility.

 

In Pennsylvania, which so far has 644 reported cases, the tally is increasing at an average daily rate of 34%. Though lower, that’s still a growth trajectory that will lead to an overwhelming surge in patients needing hospitalization. And because testing in Pennsylvania has ramped up only in the past week, the growth rate may actually be higher. An analysis by Politico and the COVID19 Tracking Project found that New York has done about 61,400 tests, more than any other state. Pennsylvania has done about 5,400. New Jersey, meanwhile, has done relatively few tests — 2,300 — but more than half have been positive, suggesting that undiagnosed cases are widespread.

 

No one yet knows how readily the virus can be transmitted before it causes symptoms, and asymptomatic transmission has been well documented.

 

Drawing on emerging worldwide data, University of California, San Diego biologist Robert A.J. Signer and art director Gary Warshaw created a graphic that clearly and simply conveys the effect of reducing exposure to the virus through social distancing.

 

Here’s their math: Symptoms of the respiratory illness develop on an average of five days after infection. During those five days, called the incubation period, the virus can spread. If the rate of spread is the same for those with and without symptoms, then one infected person transmits the virus to 2.5 other people on average, and those 2.5 people each transmit to 2.5 more people, and so on. Within 30 days, 406 people would be infected.

 

Social distancing that reduces interaction by 50% would halve the chances of spreading the virus, so one person would only infect 1.25 other people on average, and there would only be 15 infected people in 30 days, Signer calculated.

 

But if people stay home and transmission is cut by 75% — so that an infected person spreads the disease to less than one other person on average — new infections will eventually subside and stop. That’s what has happened in Wuhan, where the 50-day lockdown is now being eased.

 

“The major purpose of our graphic was to educate people about the importance of social distancing to safeguard our communities,” Signer said on Monday.

 

Can Philadelphia and the rest of Pennsylvania avoid a surge of patients at this point?

 

Probably not entirely, given the current uptick in admissions of patients with COVID-19, according to Meghan Lane-Fall, an intensive care doctor, anesthesiologist, and researcher at Penn Medicine. But in a piece she wrote for The Inquirer, she said social distancing is the biggest step we can take “to give everyone who falls to this virus the best chance.”

 

“Every person who does not truly need to be out, interacting with other people, needs to stay home, even if you feel well, even if you are at low risk,” she wrote. “This is not a drill. This is not an overreaction.”

 

Disruptive, depressing, and difficult as staying home is, the alternative is worse.

 

“I have never told someone that they would die because I didn’t have enough equipment,” she wrote. “But that is what we are facing.”

 

215-854-2720 reporter

Golf Course and Lagoon Use Updates
Hershey’s Mill Master Association

Hershey’s Mill Residents,

(This email has been sent to all HM residents on the HM Email Platform)

***Effective Immediately: Golf Course and Lagoon Use Updates***
***All Hershey’s Mill Sports Complex Areas remain CLOSED until further notice.***
Please read both notices.

LAGOON
For everyone’s safety and well being and to maintain social distancing, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
The walking trail on the Lagoon located between Jefferson and the Gardens and directly across from the Sports Complex is a ONE WAY WALKING Trail – Counter Clockwise.  Please only walk Counter Clockwise now and in the future.  Wheeled vehicles, with the exception of ADA approved type mobilization equipment, like, wheel chairs are Not Permitted.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation,
HM MA Board of Directors

GOLF COURSE – see below

CDC: Wear a Face Mask when leaving your home

Hershey’s Mill Master Association

 

*****************************SPECIAL ALERT******************************

Fellow Hershey’s Mill Residents, 

(This has been sent to all HM residents registered on the HM email platform)
(Note Update sequencing number is out of order.)

The Centers For Disease Control and the PA Dept of Health are advising  everyone to wear a Face Mask when leaving your home.

 

Everyone should wear a Face Mask when leaving their home: CDC & PA Dept of Health

See links below.

 

This email contains:
-more information on these advisories,
-a 45 Second Video from Dr. Jerome Adams, Surgeon General on How to Make A Quick Face Mask
-More information about making Face Masks, No Sewing and Sewing
– A Short Video on Why Face Masks are Important

-a short note from Mitchell A. Fremlin, MD. a surgeon, about masks
-see graphics below the email for postings from PA DOH on When to Seek Care, Social Distancing,
Are You Home?

Short Explanations:

“Wearing a mask helps prevent those who may be infectious but are only mildly symptomatic or not symptomatic from spreading the virus to others in the community. By increasing the overall number of people who are containing their coughs, sneezes, and other droplets, it will help us control the overall spread of the virus.” CDC

– My Mask Protects You, Your Mask Protects Me.  Scientist and Doctors, Worldwide are sharing critical and vital information with each other.  Here is an important message about Masks:
Click Here for Short YouTube Video on Masks – Are They Important for the Average Citizen?

– We are all in this together

 

– Stay Home and Break The Chain of COVID-19 Exposure

 

****Leaving Your Home:****
If you must leave your home, wear a homemade mask when:

🛒 shopping at essential business, like grocery store
⚕️ visiting health care provider
–     using public transportation
🏽 interacting with customers at essential businesses
feeling sick, coughing or sneezing
Wear a Mask when outside your home any where

****Going Outside**** for fresh air & exercise is encouraged

Yes, you can go outside for fresh air and exercise, but keep these social distancing guidelines in mind:
-stay at least 6 feet away from others who don’t live in your home
-avoid crowded areas
️-visit outdoor spaces in your community

 

When walking around Hershey’s Mill for exercise, we often see friends.  It is natural to stand close to friends and family.  RESIST the urge to stand close when greeting and speaking with each other.

****PA DOH: Wearing a mask DOES NOT mean that you can go visit friends or family in person or go back to work at a non-essential business. Stay home, PA!****

 

From The CDC
“We now Know from Recent Studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.  This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity…” and “It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.”

> Dr Jerome Adams on making a Face Mask with NO SEWING.
Click Here to be taken to a 45 second YouTube by Dr. Jerome Adams, US Surgeon General on How to Make a NO SEW Face Mask

Click Here to be taken to the CDC Page on Prevent Getting Sick

Click Here to be Taken to the CDC Page on Do It Yourself Face Mask – Sewing and No Sewing

 

Short Video on: Masks – Are they important for the average citizen?

How to Significantly Slow the Spread of Coronavirus. Featuring the Minister of Health of the Czech Republic  Click here to be taken to the YouTube video

 

 

How To Obtain or Make Face Masks – Sewing and No Sewing
The Federal Government is mulling ways to possibly distribute re-usable Face Masks to the General Public. This would take too long to help the average citizen – you and I.  DO NOT WAIT. All distributed protective personal gear must go to those on the front lines.  If we don’t protect our doctors, nurses, PA’s, nursing assistants, EMT’s, Police Officers, Fire Personnel, etc, etc., they will not be there to help us when we need it most.  Make your own, if you can.  See instructions below.
Sewing and Non Sewing Tips:
– for those making elastic ear-lopes, try the following for elastic:
Cut Off the: Elastic band at top of socks, top of knee highs, anything with elastic in it.
– For the Nose Pinch, use twist ties you may have saved from bread bags, cut them off the top of fold down coffee bags, use any piece of thinner aluminum cut to size

1) A group is being organized in HM to make Face Masks for those who Do Not Sew and are not able to make a NO Sew Face Mask.  Please make your own Face Mask if you are able. Watch for more information on this in a future email.  If you would like to volunteer to make Masks, please send an email to helpinghandshmill@gmail.com.

2) Dr. Jerome Adams, US Surgeon General, on making a Face Mask with NO SEWING.Click Here for Dr. Adams

3) CDC on Home made Face coverings – No sewing and sewing
CDC Make Yourself Face Masks – Sewing and No Sewing

4) JoAnn’s Fabrics, Downingtown had Face Mask Kits.  Call ahead before going there.  Available stock will change.

5) From the PA Dept of Health – How to Make a Face Mask Sewing
How to Put on a Face Mask and How to Wear It Properly, Dr. Mitchell A. Fremlin

“You may have heard that surgical masks don’t work for preventing viral infections and may increase the risk of infection. Why is this? It is because people not accustomed to wearing masks can’t keep their hands off them. They constantly fiddle with them, adjust them, pull them down to talk and so on. Every time they do this, they are contaminating their mask with their hands, and if their hands have virus or bacteria on them, then they are risking infection.

 

As a surgeon, I am used to standing around for hours without touching my mask or my face, but it is very difficult for someone who is not used to this. So, if you decide to wear a mask for protection against viral or bacterial infection, here is what you need to do:

 

(1) Start with a clean mask. If you are reusing a mask, make sure that you keep it clean when you are not wearing it.

 

(2) Wash your hands well with soap and water, for a minimum of 20 seconds but preferably more.

 

(3) Place your mask and get it adjusted perfectly. It may help to do this in front of a mirror.

 

(4) Now wash your hands again. You are doing this to protect everyone else since you have contaminated your hands by touching your face.

 

(5) Do not ever touch the mask or any part of your face again unless you repeat steps 2 to 4.

 

That’s it. It may be hard to get in the habit, but if surgeons can do it, you can, too!”

 

Mitchell A. Fremlin
Westminster, Colo.

 

Life under Stay at Home orders for the majority of Hershey’s Mill residents means leaving your home for essentially four things, including trips for:

 

–       food, including grocery stores or take out,

–       pharmacy,

–       doctor or vet for our pets, only after calling first as most ‘visits’ are telemedicine visits today.  Medicare has recently approved telemedicine as covered.

–       exercise keeping a safe distance apart.  For us here in HM, we can walk on our many walking trails and for this special period of time on the golf course until it reopens for play.

NEIGHBORS:
– Please check on your neighbors regularly.  A simple phone call checking in may make all the difference in someone’s day. We are all in this together – call a neighbor or two today.  If you just moved here an don’t know any one, call one of your Village Council members.

-Please communicate this information to any neighbor that does not receive emails.

– Please check with your friends and neighbors to be sure they see the COVID-19 emails.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

1)    Please tune into Hershey’s Mill Community TV (HMTC) Channel 1971 for updates via scrolling banners

2)    Please log onto hersheysmill.org for updates on the HersheyMill website.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these unprecedented times.

On behalf of the Technology Committee,

To your health and safety,

Wash your hands, stay healthy,

Bill and Sherry Kane
Co-Chairs, HM Technology Committee

COVID-19 Health & Safety (part 2 of 4)

Hershey’s Mill Master Association

Fellow Hershey’s Mill Residents,
(This has been sent to all HM residents registered on the HM email platform)
Update #15

How to COVID – 19 Proof  – Part II of IV – You, Your Pets & COVID – 19

****************Special Notice******************

Local Hospitals:

1) It was reported yesterday that Chester County Hospital in West Chester was preparing for a large influx of
COVID-19 cases.
2) East Goshen Ambulance Service will do their best to take you to your hospital of choice.  As local hospitals fill, your hospital of choice may be full for the time being.
3) It has been reported that Family Members may not enter the hospitals.  Be prepared for this possibility.

Stay Healthy – Stay at Home – We will get through this together.
*******************************************************************************************

The Series covers information on Your Health & Safety related to COVID – 19.
Because the information contained in the Series is timely and important to your health, each segment will quickly follow the first.  There is a great deal of interesting and important information contained in this series.  We recommend scrolling down through the contents and reading what interests you.

Part I:     4 IMPORTANT SHORT VIDEOS & 3 INTERESTING ARTICLES
Part II:  You, Your Pets and Coronavirus Disease 2019
Part III:   Practical Ways to Stay Healthy and Safe during COVID – 19

Part IV:   The Bright Side

Part II: Update includes information on:

You and Your Pets
There is a great deal of interesting information contained in this email.  We recommend scrolling down through the contents and reading what interests you.
The information about COVID – 19 is changing and updating daily, sometimes hourly, as scientist discover more and more about it.  Worldwide, Doctors and Scientist are working on solutions, vaccines, treatment protocols and containment. Monitor Chester County Government, the Pennsylvania State Health Department, the CDC and other local news sources to keep up to date.
We, here in Hershey’s Mill, are in the at-risk category.  The information below was gathered from a number of sources.  
Life under Stay at Home orders for the majority of Hershey’s Mill residents means leaving your home for essentially four things, including trips for:
–       food, including grocery stores or take out,
–       pharmacy,
–       doctor or vet for our pets, only after calling first as most ‘visits’ are telemedicine visits today.  Medicare has recently approved telemedicine as covered.
–       exercise keeping a safe distance apart.  For us here in HM, we can walk on our many walking trails and for this special period of time on the golf course until it reopens for play.

YOU, YOUR PETS, AND CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)
by Dr. Wilbur B. Amand

General Background Information: In December of 2019, China announced an outbreak of pneumonia in people of the Chinese city of Wuhan, capital of Hubei province. The infectious agent was identified as a new coronavirus, then termed SARS-Cov-2. In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the new virus as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). By February 11, this new novel coronavirus was definitively named SARS-Cov-2 (Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19).
Coronaviruses belong to a large virus family which can infect a number of species, including mammals, birds, and fish. Canine coronavirus may cause mild diarrhea in dogs and feline coronavirus may cause a condition known as feline infectious peritonitis in cats.  These coronaviruses ARE NOT associated with the current coronavirus outbreak known as COVID-19.
Some Key Points and Current Update as of March 27, 2020:
·      Coronaviruses that infect animals can become able to infect people, but this is rare. At the moment there is no research to support human to animal spread of COVID-19.
·      We do not know with certainty the exact source of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is some suggestion that bats may have been the original source. This remains to be confirmed.
·      We DO NOT have evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19. That said, on February 26, Hong Kong health officials placed a dog under quarantine after hospitalizing its owner for COVID-19 infection. Veterinarians confirmed the coronavirus infection after taking nasal and oral swabs. The WHO published a report of the emerging disease, listing this case as the first known COVID-19 infection in dogs. This dog, a 17 year old Pomeranian who was exhibiting signs of underlying chronic illnesses prior to testing positive for COVID-19, died in mid-March without showing any signs of disease related to COVID-19.
As of March 16, no other dogs and no cats have been diagnosed with COVID-19 with the WHO.
·      People infected with COVID-19 should limit contact with their pets. Do not let them lick you. Make sure your wash your hands after your touch, feed or clean up after your pet.
·      It is important to include your pet in your family’s preparedness planning – have enough pet food, cat litter, any your pets medications to last at least two weeks. Make sure that your pet’s medical records and vaccinations are up to date in the event you can’t care for them or need to board your pet.
·      IF you think your pet may have an infectious disease, you should contact your veterinarian.
Current Update:
This is a quick update on more recent information regarding pets and COVID-19:
1.  Hong Kong has tested 17 dogs and 8 cats from households with confirmed COVID-19 cases or persons in close contact with confirmed patients. Only two dogs have tested positive using a PCR test for the COVID-19 virus.
2. These findings indicate that dogs and cats are not infected easily with this virus, and there is no evidence that [pets] play a role in the spread of the virus. However, taking a precautionary approach, it is recommended quarantining animals from households with confirmed COVID-19 human cases.
3. The first cat to test positive to COVID-19 has been reported by the Public Health Service in Liege, Belgium. The cat lived in close contact with its owner and started showing symptoms a week after the owner died.
4. Idexx Laboratories started testing samples from dogs, cats, and horses for the coronavirus strain responsible for COVID-19. More than 3500 samples were submitted from South Korea and all 50 U.S. States including from areas (but not necessarily from animals in direct contact with a human case) experiencing human COVID-19 cases. To date, zero have tested positive.
5.  To date, the American Veterinary Medical Association is unaware of any animal testing in the US of animals known to have been in contact with COVID-19 humans, although we understand that plans are under consideration to do some limited testing of dogs and cats that have been exposed to positive humans.

Below is the link to an article from USA Today reviewed by Dr. Amand and here are his wise words:

IMPORTANT NOTE from Dr. Amand:
“Even though there currently is no evidence that COVID-19 can  infect dogs/cats and no evidence that dogs can then transmit the virus back to humans, THERE IS some concern that dogs/cats that are in households where a human is infected with COVID-19 and coughing/sneezing, the fur coat of the dog/cat may become contaminated and could be a source of infection should a human pet that contaminated animal. So the directive is to wash your hands when handling pets, pet food, or pet waste.”   To date, we confirm that there is still no information proving that SARS-CoV-2 infection in a dog or cat can be passed on to other animals or to humans.
The above information is condensed from information provided by the WHO, CDC, AVMA and the School of Veterinary Medicine, Univ. of Pennsylvania.
Wilbur B. Amand, VMD

Pets
            –       Walk your pets as usual
–       Keep your distance from other humans
–       If you’re sick, ask someone you live with to take care of them while you recover
–       If you must care for them while you’re sick, wash your hands frequently

NEIGHBORS:

– Please check on your neighbors regularly.  A simple phone call checking in may make all the difference in someone’s day. We are all in this together – call a neighbor or two today.  If you just moved here an don’t know any one, call one of your Village Council members.

-Please communicate this information to any neighbor that does not receive emails.

– Please check with your friends and neighbors to be sure they see the COVID-19 emails.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

1)    Please tune into Hershey’s Mill Community TV (HMTC) Channel 1971 for updates via scrolling banners

2)    Please log onto hersheysmill.org for updates on the HersheyMill website.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these unprecedented times.

On behalf of the Hershey’s Mill Board and Master Association,

To your health and safety,

Wash your hands, stay healthy,

Karl Grentz
President
Hershey’s Mill Master Association Board

Note: Emails sent out Community wide through the HM Email Platform are for internal HM use only and not for public distribution, posting on any type of website, with the exception of the hersheysmill.org website, or used in any other manner available to the general public or those residing outside Hershey’s Mill.

Windows 10 Health Check (May 2020)

 

Technology Tips – Published May 2020 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

Give Your Windows 10 PC a Health Check

In these trying times it’s important to keep your computer in good working condition. You may  never know when it might be needed to provide vital support for you.

Before proceeding with the following information close all open windows and programs. 

The first attempt to revive a balky computer is to do a Restart, not a Shutdown. Click the white 4 pane Windows icon at the lower left corner of the screen then click the “Power” icon just above that icon then click “Restart”. This operation will refresh the memory in the computer and may fix the problem you were experiencing. In fact you should do this every few days or so to remove unneeded bits of memory that are not being released and no longer serve any purpose. After a Restart wait a few minutes for the computer to initialize then shut it down if you are done.

Windows 10 can provide many diagnostic tools to check the health of your computer. Type “windows security” (no quotes) in the “Type here to search” box. At the top of the pop-up window click on “Windows Security”. You should see green checks on all the icons except for “Device Performance & Health” and “Family Options”. Click “Device Performance & Health”. Under “Health Report” you should see about 3 or 4 items and they should have green checks. If an item has a  yellow triangle mark, click it to learn more. Further down the page you can watch a short video on this subject by clicking “Learn more about Device performance & health”.

Another good tool is “Reliability History”. It scores your computer on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the best score. Type “reliability history” in the “Type here to search” box and click it at the top of the page. You can view technical details under the “Action” column for any days that have red or yellow indications of problems. The more days that have problems, the lower the score as shown by the graph line at the top.

Windows 10 also has 23 fix-it tools to correct specific problems. Type “control panel” in the “Type here to search” box then click it at the top of the window. In the next window you will see various categories. In the upper right portion of the window look for “View by:” and click the little down arrow to select the view “Large icons”. Next click “Troubleshooting”. Select the main category rather than the sub categories that most closely relates to your problem. All 23 fix-it tools can be viewed by clicking “View all” at  the upper left in the main Troubleshooting window.

Other tools that can be invoked are commands to check and repair corrupted files and Windows system problems. Right click the Windows 4 pane icon then click either Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Type “chkdsk c: /f” (No quotes) and press the Enter key. Answer with a “Y” press Enter and restart the computer. A “/r” instead of “/f” provides a more in depth check of the drive. Another command to use is “sfc /scannow” to repair Windows system issues. If the sfc command fails to fix all of the issues use the following command: “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” (no quotes).

All of these tools are safe to run so you won’t damage your system. The last 2 commands can be very effective in the event the previous information didn’t work. I’ll cover this information at our May PC Club meeting if the Community Center has been opened. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday at 7 PM.

What is 5G? (Apr 2020)

Technology Tips – Published April 2020 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

You have seen the TV ads proclaiming that the latest cell phone technology (5G) is here and ready for you to use. If you live in certain areas of the country that may be true. Of course you will need to purchase a compatible 5G cell phone to take advantage of the claims for higher speed  and apps that that may only run on 5G.

What exactly is 5G? It’s the latest “generation” (G denotes generation) of cell phone technology that started with 1G back in 1979. It presently incorporates higher speeds (up to 2.5GB/s). It also consists of new encoding technology with higher frequencies to accomplish the higher speed. However, there are problems with this new technology that have required companies like AT&T, Verizon and T-Moble to engineer major compromises so that users can experience reliable connections. The problem stems from the fact that the higher frequencies used in 5G don’t travel as far as our present 4G. All telecoms that are involved in 5G are working to overcome the pitfalls that arise with this new technology. For instance they are using the 5G encoding format then piggybacking it on 4G. This results in slower speeds but makes for a more reliable connection.

It will be 2-3 years, at a minimum, before 5G becomes a widespread cell phone technology. Another concern will be how cell phone hardware and software evolves to take advantage of the faster 5G technology. Remember that you are only as fast as the slowest link in the equipment you are using.

On another note, we’ve become used to Wi-Fi Internet speeds as being a big factor particularly for multiple users in a home streaming video at the same time. This environment puts maximum pressure on the Wi-Fi system to deliver a smooth jitter free picture. There is 5G built into the Verizon routers we use. However, don’t confuse Verizon’s router 5G with cellular 5G. Verizon’s 5G is a Wi-Fi service that does not offer any of the cellular 5G advantages. It does have 9, 5G Wi-Fi channels, compared to 11 on the 2.4GHz band. The 5G band allows for a more reliable connection without interference from your neighbors that may be on the same 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channel as you. Comparing Wi-Fi 5G with cellular 5G is the one fact that the higher the frequency the shorter the distance the signal travels and that includes penetrating the walls of your home.

We will discuss this subject and others at our PC Club meeting on Tuesday April 21 at 7 PM. Watch our channel 1971 for a possible meeting cancellation due to elevator construction.

Buying a New Computer (Feb 2020)

Technology Tips – Published February 2020 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

The last time I wrote about buying a new computer was for the August 2016 Guide & Digest issue. Since then a number of changes have taken place. Desktop computers with a monitor are still viable and are often slightly less expensive than laptops with equal specifications. What can be confusing when shopping for a computer is the terminology and the technical specifications. Although space doesn’t allow for a complete primer on the subject, I’ll tell you what you need to know.

First, decide whether you want a laptop or a desktop. Laptops offer certain advantages over a desktop. You get portability with plenty of processing power. However there are disadvantages too. A somewhat smaller screen may strain your eyes over a period of time. A smaller keyboard makes for cramped typing. Glossy screens are great for sharpness and contrast but don’t sit with a sunny window behind you. The glossy screen acts as a mirror reflecting the light from the window thus making the screen harder to see. Another item to consider is the touchpad. A touchpad allows you to mimic the mouse. Some people have trouble using the touchpad and prefer to connect a real mouse to the laptop. That’s fine if that’s your preference.

My minimum hardware recommendations for both laptops and desktops require that they have 4 core processors. Four cores refers to 4 computer processors in one package. Names like i5 and i7 made by Intel are best. AMD, an Intel competitor, is also an excellent choice. AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors are the best choices within the AMD brand. Computers with Intel i3 processors can serve for everyday computing single task needs such as Internet surfing, email, and word processing but are limited in processing power and don’t offer much to offset higher demands now or in the future. An i5 processor can handle almost all demands put on the processor. An i7 processor is the fastest and most expensive processor and is aimed toward serious gamers and multitasking. When buying a new computer choose a computer whose processor has 4 cores and 8 threads. Threads provide additional performance to the 4 cores. The speed rating of the processor also is important. The higher it is the faster your computer will run. A good choice would be a 3GHz or higher speed processor. Keep in mind that processors have a low idle speed that extends battery life when there are no programs running. An idle speed rating around 1.5GHz is normal. When a demand is executed the speed will increase to nearly the full rated speed. The higher the speed the faster the computer will run Apps (programs). 

Here’s how to find a processor that meets my recommendations. After making a choice on a new computer note the model number of the computer. Your choice may come from an in-store or online visit. Don’t buy on your first visit to a store. Google the computer model number online and look for the specifications. It’s best to choose the specifications from the manufacturer’s website. To keep up with technology the right processor and a SSD drive will add years to the usability of the computer. 

My recommendation for an Internet, email, word processing, photo editing and light gaming computer would have a 3 GHz or higher speed 4 core 8 thread Intel i5 processor, 8 GB’s or more of RAM, and a 256 GB or higher solid state drive such as a Dell 15 3000 model 3593. There are many other options available for computers that help personalize it for your needs and of course add to the cost. A DVD drive is now an option on some laptops but unavailable on most. What I’ve outlined here would be suitable for most HM residents. Other things to consider are the number of ports (USB & HDMI) for your needs.

WARNING: STORE CONFIGURATIONS FOR ANY MODEL COMPUTER CAN VARY FROM THE MANUFACTURER’S WEB SITE OFFERING. THE DELL 3593 IS NO EXCEPTION!

Both laptops and desktops feature the Windows 10 operating system. Shop for popular brands such as HP, Dell, and others. I favor Dell because of good reliability, easy online ordering and less junkware installed compared to other brands. Before going to a store become familiar with a manufacturer’s line of computers by visiting their web sites. HP can be found at www.hp.com, Dell is at www.dell.com. Avoid the low cost ($300-$400) computers or computers that have Celeron or Pentium processors. They can be annoyingly slow if speed is a priority for your needs. A higher priced computer also offers future proofing which means the computer will operate at nearly the same speed in future years as it does now. 

More help in purchasing a Windows 10 computer can be obtained by attending the PC Club meeting on the 3rd Tuesday at 7 PM of each month at the Community Center.

Print size Adjustment

Sometimes you need to adjust the size of the print. On most computers it is easy to do.

To enlarge just hold down the Control (CTRL) while pressing the Plus (+) key as many times as needed.

To shrink just hold down the Control (CTRL) while pressing the Minus (–) key as many times as needed.

Remember the more you enlarge, the less you can see on each screen. Shrinking has the opposite effect of putting more on each screen.

For New Residents

Welcome to Hershey’s Mill. This website has many pages of information you may find helpful but to start you off, we would like to point out a few that you may want to see right away.

  • Security: Security is an important part of living in the Mill. Please keep your information current. You should have filled out a form at closing that takes care of this but inform security if there are changes. Read how to use our security features as needed.
  • FiOS: All homes in Hershey’s Mill are eligible for FiOS connections for telephone, television and internet. Follow the link to learn how to set up your FiOS connection.

    The telephone is a major part of security for both your new home and your neighbors. Please make sure it is working properly.

    The link takes you to information on our FiOS system. There is a lot of information so please read the introduction on the linked page so you can find the parts relevant to you.

  • Maps: Hershey’s Mill is a community of 1720 homes in 25 villages. The villages and various facilities are spread across over a square mile (nearly 800 acres) so here is a link that will take you to an internal map of HM as well as maps of the larger area.
  • Directories: Each house is provided a directory of residents with contact information. If you don’t have a copy or want an extra copy, see this link.
  • How to get around this website: If you want to learn more about how to use the website see this link or the other items under HELP on our menu.
  • You may want to read about our Facilities and Activities
  • If you are new to the area (or just curious) you may want to look at our Area & Government Links