124792446_web1_Arrest-graphic-handcuffs

Police: ‘Lost’ walker steals, then abandons vehicle

124792402_web1_TTL081619Hazleton-Change1

Focus on Hazleton as virus hotspot

PLAINS TWP. &mdash; Just like everybody, I want my normal life back.
				Yes, we all miss our daily routines and we miss having the ability to act spontaneously and go anywhere we want, whenevr we want and do whatever we please.
				For now, sadly, this just isn&rsquo;t possible.
				And it is certainly not advisable.
				We have been besieged by this COVID-19 virus that knows no bounds. It doesn&rsquo;t play by any rules &mdash; it just spreads everywhere it is allowed.
				And that&rsquo;s whee we come in &mdash; we have to do what we can to stop the spread of this virus.
				The numbers are already staggering and they are expected to get worse before they get better. We must listen to the experts and listen to what they are saying.
				&#8226; Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
				&#8226; Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
				&#8226; Clean surfaces frequently.
				&#8226; Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
				We must follow these guidelines. If we do, we will get through this and life ad we once knew it will return in some semblance of the way it used to be.
				While being self-isolated, we are faced with the enormous challenge of coping with Cabin Fever. Not so long ago, many of us longed for quiet nights at home and away from the hustle and bustle of our jobs and social scenes.
				Well boys and girls, here we are.
				Now I am certainly missing many things about those pre-COVID-19 days, but I am determined to stick it out and get through this and I long for the day when we can gather and exchange stories about our self-confinement.
				Yes, I miss watching live sports &mdash; the March Madness of the NCAA tournament, the opening of Major League Baseball, the grueling games of the NHL, the drama and beauty of The Masters golf tournament and even the NBA playoffs. I sure hope and pray we lose the college football season or the NFL and Fantasy Football &mdash; say it ain&rsquo;t so.
				I also miss going to the movies and hanging out with my friends and playing cards on Tuesday nights in my friend&rsquo;s father&rsquo;s basement. I don&rsquo;t want to miss our annual fishing trip to Canada, either. And I would enjoy nothing more than sitting down with my closest of friends for a meal or a house party or a cookout.
				Believe me, I know how you all are feeling out there. I can sense it and I can tell you are desperate for some social-interaction. I&rsquo;ve seen many people walking on streets and levees. I&rsquo;ve seen people biking. I even saw one boat on Harveys Lake and another at Frances Slocum. I realize you are all trying to make the best of a difficult situation.
				But the fact is, we must be extremely careful to stop, not slow, the spread of COVID-19. It&rsquo;s essential to protect our own health and to protect the health of others.
				And please try to refrain from seeking reassurance on social media sites. Don&rsquo;t spread the rumors and misinformation. It is difficult, for sure, to filter through the national media and feel confident that they are doing their best job as well. We have to stop the sensationalism.
				Better days are ahead. I can&rsquo;t wait to cut my grass and then watch a Yankee game.

Coping with Corona: Play by the rules, please