As we begin the GREEN phase of reopening Washington County during COVID-19 pandemic in this National State of Emergency and following the advice of Health officials, the Township continues to take prudent and proactive steps to protect the general public, as well as our employees, by limiting public personal contact as much as possible.  Be assured the Township will continue to provide all services, as we have throughout this state of emergency as normal with little or no interruption.  These steps help ensure that we can continue to keep your Township services functioning, so that we can continue to serve our residents in a safe manner, especially for emergency situations. The following policies are being implemented for the GREEN phase, but will be evaluated on a regular basis as information changes.

• Residents are strongly encouraged to mail in checks for real estate taxes and sewer payments, to utilize the drop off box outside the Township office or to use their bank’s bill-pay system. We will mail you a receipt.  Beginning in July, we will be offering credit card and on-line payment options.  We will provide more information regarding this option later in the month when things are finalized.

• The Municipal building will operate during normal business hours, but with limited access. The lobby is open, but the administrative offices are closed to foot traffic.  Most staff offices are too small to maintain a social distance.
  • Again payments can be placed in the outside drop box, which is checked several times throughout the day.
  • We have bins for touchless payment and documents submission in the lobby.  They are retrieved immediately upon deposit.    We do have payment station in the lobby where we can serve you via a plastic shield to limit personal contact for everyone’s safety for those that require immediate response.
  • Residents are asked to limit walk-in visits to municipal offices to those that require an in-person meeting.
  • If you need to meet with a staff member, we have a meeting area set up to accommodate social distancing.  Please call first to arrange the meeting if possible.
  • We are asking anyone entering the building to please wear a mask as recommended by the CDC and State Health Department.
  • We are always available to answer questions via phone (724-745-3415) or email. An email directory for our staff can be found on our website or via our E-Gov Citizen Request System on the website.

• Township meetings will be conducted in person.
  • We are asking the public to limit attendance to those with business before the Boards or Commissions and are asked to wear a mask and maintain a social distance of 6’ from others in the building. 
  • Occupancy capacity of the meeting room is limited to 40 based on CDC guidance, so access may be limited.
  • We are encouraging residents to submit any comments in writing as an alternative. 
  • Also, anyone who wishes to attend the meeting virtually, should contact the Township Manager for the Zoom call in information.

• Parks
  • Parks remain open for passive recreation opportunities, but residents are asked to maintain a 6’ social distance   
  • Playgrounds are reopened, but residents are advised to play at your own risk, as playground cleaning will be limited in accordance with CDC recommendations. 
  • Parents are reminded to help their children maintain a 6’ social distance from others, and avoid crowded play areas.
  • Please wash your hands or hand sanitize before or after playing on any equipment
  • Parents are advised to bring hand sanitizer from home in case restrooms aren’t available.
  • Always avoid touching your face to prevent the spread of germs.
  • PLEASE stay home if you are sick.
  • Pavilion rentals are expected to  resume July 1, 2020,  but with 50 % capacity in accordance with CDC guidelines
  • Restrooms will be open whenever possible and cleaned and stocked throughout the day
  • Restroom doors will be propped open to limit the spread of germson door handles
  • Basketball courts will be available, but residents are asked to refrain from large gatherings of groups greater than 25 on or around the court.
• The Township meeting room remains closed to outside use

• The Chartiers Township Community Center will reopen to all rentals, groups, activities and classes during this period.
  • Maximum capacity is limited to 100 people to comply with CDC capacity guidelines.
  • People entering the facility are asked to wear masks and maintain a social distance of 6’ from others. Observance of universal protocols from the CDC are encouraged
  • Everyone should hand sanitize upon entering the building
  • A waiver is required from renters.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep the public informed though our website and Facebook page. All emergency notifications will be delivered through the SwiftReach notification system.

Thank you for your cooperation understanding during this time and we apologize for any inconvenience that may occur.  Please contact the Township Manager with any questions or concerns:  Jodi Noble, Township Manager, 2 Buccaneer Drive, Houston, PA 15342, 724-745-3415 or jnoble@chartierstwp.com

USEFUL LINKS:

Again if you would like more information regarding COVID-19, we urge you seek it from legitimate sources, such as:
http://www.co.washington.pa.us/180/Public-Safety

CDC Guidance on what to do if you are sick.

FEMA Rumor Control Line

Washington County has established a Public Inquiry line to receive questions and distribute information related to the CoVID-19 pandemic.

Email PublicInformation@co.washington.pa.us and a member of the DPS staff will respond in a timely manner. You can also use the Send Email button at the top of the Washington County Department of Public Safety Page.

One of the best ways to complete an initial screening for COVID-19 is telemedicine or telehealth. Many health insurance providers have waived copays and increased capacity to make this process easier. Telemedicine allows you to answer screening questions and determine the appropriate next steps. Follow these links for information on plan enhancements from Highmark, UPMC Health Plan, and Aetna or check with your provider for details.

Please find on this page, some information, resources and links regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic.