By Kevin Williams
The Amish are being affected by the coronavirus pandemic just as other communities are. In the smallest, most remote rural settlements the impact may still be limited, but larger communities and more progressive New Order settlements are actively responding and generally complying with local public health directives.
An Amish school in Adams County, Ohio. Most Amish schools are obeying state rules now and are closed.
AMISH PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS SHUTTER: In several states Amish schools have closed or reduced in-person instruction. Some are operating on alternate-day schedules so children attend in smaller groups, while others have shut down entirely in line with statewide orders. Local approaches vary, but many communities are prioritizing safety and following public health guidance.
AMISH TAKING CORONAVIRUS SERIOUSLY: This piece highlights how the Amish settlement in Bloomfield, Iowa, is responding to closures and mandates. Bloomfield offers a snapshot of how many Amish settlements are adapting: balancing traditional practices and community needs while implementing recommended precautions.
Hutterite singers serenade seniors.
HUTTERITES AND CORONAVIRUS: Hutterite communities are also taking the virus seriously. Their communal lifestyle presents unique challenges because daily life is highly interconnected; adapting to public health measures requires significant changes. While Amish families tend to separate into individual households at the end of the day, Hutterite colonies must consider more profound adjustments to reduce transmission risk.
MILLIE’S CHICKEN AND RICE SKILLET SUPPER: In Arthur, Illinois, church services have been suspended, and community life has adjusted accordingly. Millie’s column includes a comforting chicken and rice skillet recipe and reflects how family meals and home routines have become more central during closures.
This is my vinegar pie.
THE PIE YOU NEED RIGHT NOW: Vinegar pie, a long-standing favorite in many Amish households, has been recommended by more than one food writer lately. Despite its modest name, the pie delivers a comforting, old-fashioned flavor and is especially welcome at a time when simple, nostalgic dishes bring reassurance to home kitchens.