124843578_web1_levine_0317

Drive-through virus testing site planned in Northeastern Pennsylvania

124842881_web1_TTLXXXX17Martz4

Martz discontinued service to NYC and Philadelphia extended

WILKES-BARRE &mdash; Aging Secretary Robert Torres said Monday that situations requiring immediate legal protections don&rsquo;t stop during this crisis, adding that the courts and legal advocates for older adults are available to provide essential services and assistance.
				As Pennsylvanians follow the governor&rsquo;s stay-at-home order and social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 emergency, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court&rsquo;s Office of Elder Justice in the Courts remind older adults and their families that essential court functions and legal assistance remain available.
				&ldquo;The Wolf administration is committed to protecting Pennsylvania&rsquo;s most vulnerable citizens in every aspect of their lives during this outbreak,&rdquo; Torres said.
				Supreme Court Justice Debra Todd said the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court&rsquo;s Office of Elder Justice in the Courts are committed to the protection of older Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 crisis.
				&rdquo;During these uncertain times, we want all older Pennsylvanians to know that the courts in Pennsylvania remain available for emergencies to ensure you are protected,&rdquo; Todd said.
				While courts have generally been ordered closed to the public through April 30, there are essential court functions that are still being conducted, including:
				&#8226; Temporary protection from abuse actions;
				&#8226; Civil mental health reviews;
				&#8226; Guardianship defense and representation;
				&#8226; Any pleadings or motions relating to public health concerns and involving immediate and irreparable harm;
				&#8226; Emergency petitions related to protection of abused or neglected children; and
				&#8226; Any other function deemed by a president judge to be essential and consistent with constitutional requirements.
				Learn more about the various programs offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at www.aging.pa.gov.

Essential court functions/legal assistance available for older adults