LANCASTER TWP — The township has canceled its scheduled March public government meetings in the face of the novel coronavirus 2019 pandemic.

Benjamin Kramer, township manager, said the planning commission meeting, which was scheduled Thursday night, as well as the upcoming Monday supervisors meeting have been canceled “after careful evaluation and consideration with respect to the health crisis currently impacting our nation.”

Kramer did not give any more specifics, but added that there will likely be updates to the township's scheduled events “in the next several days.”

CRANBERRY TWP — All non-essential programming, meetings and events in the township are canceled or postponed as of 4 p.m. Friday.Although the township is still working to determine what is “non-essential programming,” all parks and recreation offerings are included in that definition, according to a township spokesperson.That does not include preschool and Kids Club programs, although those would be canceled if Seneca Valley School District closes.Administrators are currently reviewing which services offered by the township are essential.Public works, emergency, and building and code workers will continue to work on-site. The township also will make available customer service representatives.The township's nine departments will individually determine which services they must provide and which employees will be able to work from home, especially with school closures, said township manager Jerry Andree.“These changes will not only ensure the township can continue to provide essential services, but will help slow the spread of the virus,” a Friday news release stated. “Again, while there are currently no reported cases in our area, eliminating the amount of social interaction in public spaces is key to slowing the overall spread of the illness.”Inside the municipal building, the Cranberry Public Library will be closed to the public starting at 4 p.m. Saturday and extending through March 31.

The state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Friday that all public programs, events and trainings in state parks and forests will be canceled for the rest of March and April amid concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019.However, the parks will remain open — with the exception of three state parks in Montgomery County.Moraine State Park confirmed that its events were canceled, although it will remain open for visitors.“As the coronavirus continues to spread, we want to assure our visitors that their health and safety is a primary concern,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, DCNR secretary.“We are taking extra precaution by canceling group activities in an effort to minimize the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19, while still allowing visitors access to the recreation and beautiful outdoor places, including fishing during the upcoming trout season, that can help their physical and mental health,” she said.Events canceled at the parks include all public educational programs, special events such as races and festivals, and teacher and other training sessions. Other services — including tent camping, cabins and camping cottages — will remain open.The state's Fish and Boat Commission will continue to stock trout, and fishing on mentored youth days and opening days will be permitted.

The Rich-Mar Rotary Club's 50th anniversary banquet scheduled March 28 at the Butler Country Club has been canceled due to concerns about the novel coronavirus 2019.John Chips, Rotary president, said Friday the decision was made to combine the anniversary observance with an installation of officers dinner at the Butler Country Club sometime in June.Chips said most of the club members are in the 50- to 70-year old age range and that continuing with the anniversary banquet would be an unnecessary risk.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “older adults” and people with severe chronic illness are more likely to become severely ill from coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Infectious disease experts define “older adults” as anyone age 60 and older, so people in that age group should be cautious.Chips, who has been a member of the service organization for 39 years, said the Rotary sponsors vocational and college scholarships and supports the Lighthouse Foundation and MHY Family Services in Mars.

ZELIENOPLE — The borough is taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019, including closing the borough building from March 16 through April 3.The public and non-essential personnel will not be admitted, although essential staff will be present, allowing residents to conduct business with the borough via phone or email.Residents may continue making utility bill payments using the lock box or a drop box in the rear parking lot.The occurrence of borough council meetings “will be determined” as the outbreak progresses, and the borough noted in a Friday news release that there is an option to extend the closure.“Be assured the borough will continue to provide all services as normal with little to no interruptions if our staff remains healthy to do so,” the release said.