COVID-19 & Coronavirus

How are COVID-19 and novel coronavirus affecting the Amish? What about schools, church, stores, mud sales? Are the Amish somehow protected from this pandemic? Read on for our coverage and commentary on this ongoing topic.

I was sad to learn yesterday that my friend Mose Smucker is shutting down his sandwich and meats business at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia after 12 years. A new city vaccine mandate on food establishments (taking effect January 3rd) means The Grill @ Smucker’s will shut down for good on New Year’s Eve. Mose, […]

Continue Reading Popular Philadelphia Amish Sandwich Stand Closing Due To New Mandate

I saw and was sent a story on the Amish, COVID, and specifically herd immunity, and I wanted to share a few thoughts on it. It is an interesting report which I learned a few things from – but I’ve also got a few issues with it. Do Amish communities have herd immunity?  So we […]

Continue Reading Amish & COVID: “Of course we got herd immunity”?

I recently checked in with the head of a large tourist business in one of the main Amish settlements. He told me that 2020 “was certainly an absolute disaster.” Things are somewhat better this year, but apparently not by a ton. That said, it is only May, and states are still in the process of […]

Continue Reading Tourists Not Too Worried About Low Holmes County Vaccination Rate

Why are Amish opting out of the COVID-19 vaccine? This Cedar Rapids Gazette article about Iowa Amish and the COVID vaccine is one of the better that I’ve seen. We get a deeper look at the Kalona Amish community, in some ways one of the more progressive settlements. Author Brooklyn Draisey speaks with several Amish […]

Continue Reading 4 Reasons Why Amish Are Skipping The Vaccine

Similar to reports from northern Indiana and Lancaster County, the Amish in Daviess County, Indiana mostly seem to believe they have already had COVID-19, according to one of their own. And there is one further implication to that which you’ll see in this quote: “The COVID-19 went through the community last year,” said spokesman for […]

Continue Reading Daviess County Also Believes Everyone Had COVID Already

Another head-scratching headline following last week’s example. On Friday NPR published a report titled “Convincing Amish Communities To Get Vaccinated As Their COVID-19 Cases Surge“. The bold was added by me to draw your attention to that scary word. This was an “All Things Considered” audio report which became the article linked here. This headline […]

Continue Reading NPR Reports Non-Existent Amish COVID “Surge”?

Up to 90% of Lancaster County Plain families have had at least one family member infected with COVID-19, according to a local health center administrator. From Lancaster Online: Late last spring a COVID-19 wave tore through the Plain community when they resumed church services, infecting an untold number of Amish and Mennonites in Lancaster County. […]

Continue Reading Have The Amish Reached Herd Immunity?

I notice that people are wondering lately if the Amish are going to vaccinate for COVID-19. A recent study showed that 75% of Amish in one large community would reject the COVID vaccine. So you see why it is a concern for the people paid to worry about these things. Image: David Arment Here’s one […]

Continue Reading Will Amish Get Vaccinated For COVID?

In her latest column “Being Amish during a pandemic“, Amish Cook Gloria Yoder addresses the contention that “many Amish” are not wearing masks: I gaze out the window of our little office, wondering what tidbits to share with you all. My mind turns to the letters and notes I received from those of you who […]

Continue Reading Gloria Yoder: Why Aren’t Amish “Masking Up”?

Amish have been regularly faulted for failing to follow COVID regulations – going back to early on in the pandemic experience. Now, a public health body in Canada says local Plain groups are in fact complying with COVID regulations regarding church gatherings. This, despite apparent complaints from non-Plain neighbors. Farming in an Ontario Old Order […]

Continue Reading Notice: Amish & Mennonite Church Meetings Shouldn’t Be Blamed For COVID Spread