Coronavirus
Pa. likely has first ‘community spread’ COVID-19 cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/16/Pennsylvania-likely-first-community-spread-COVID-19-coronavirus-cases-health-Allegheny-County/stories/202003160120
Officials: 2-year-old girl diagnosed with coronavirus in Montco
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/officials–year-old-girl-diagnosed-with-coronavirus-in-montco/article_7e3ef1d4-7869-5374-b0ca-89a5ca7057e0.html
Six cases of COVID-19 now in Allegheny County
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/16/allegheny-county-covid-19-cases-coronavirus-pa-hotline/stories/202003160089
Allegheny County reports 2 more coronavirus cases, bringing total to 6
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-2-more-coronavirus-cases-bringing-total-to-6/
Officials announce Beaver County’s 1st confirmed COVID-19 case
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/03/16/Beaver-County-PA-coronavirus-first-case-COVID-19-confirmed-resident-tested-1/stories/202003160174
Beaver County officials confirm 1st coronavirus case
https://triblive.com/local/regional/beaver-county-officials-confirm-their-first-coronavirus-case/
Beaver County has first case of coronavirus; Aliquippa superintendent indicates patient member of school community
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200316/beaver-county-has-first-case-of-coronavirus-aliquippa-superintendent-indicates-patient-member-of-school-community
Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Gov. Wolf orders all nonessential businesses in the state to shut down: ‘I would like people to stay home 24 hours a day’
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-coronavirus-monday-cases-20200316-m5al2isq7fd6ldd5scfmhmdblm-story.html
Gov. Wolf orders nonessential Pennsylvania businesses to shut down
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-orders-all-nonessential-pennsylvania-businesses-to-shut-down/
COVID-19 drive-thru tests 100 people in 2½ hours
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/16/Pittsburgh-COVID-19-coronavirus-screening-test-drive-thru-central-outreach-wellness-center/stories/202003160125
Immigration courts are still operating despite the spread of coronavirus: ‘It is indefensible’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/immigration-court-coronavirus-infection-fear-eoir-20200316.html
The COVID-19 effect on transportation: No cash turnpike tolls, no license centers, no construction
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/16/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-COVID-19-toll-collectors-toll-by-plate-no-cash-payments/stories/202003160104
PennDOT closes driver, photo license centers, extends expiration dates
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/penndot-closes-driver-photo-license-centers-extends-expiration-dates/
Widespread cancelation of worship believed to be first in a century
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/03/16/Coronavirus-covid-19-church-Masses-Bishop-david-Zubik-roman-catholic-christian/stories/202003160131
Getting through together: Life goes on, even with COVID-19 disruptions
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/17/COVID-19-coronavirus-life-disruptions/stories/202003170019
Legislature
Pennsylvania Legislature will vote remotely as COVID-19 spreads
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/03/16/Pennsylvania-Legislature-coronavirus-vote-remotely-COVID-19-spread/stories/202003160148
Pa. House OKs remote voting as negotiations on coronavirus relief bills move forward
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/pa-house-okays-remote-voting-as-negotiations-move-forward/
Pa. House Republicans say Gov. Wolf’s coronavirus shutdown ‘blindsided’ small-business owners
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/pa-house-republicans-say-gov-wolfs-coronavirus-shutdown-blindsided-many-small-business-owners.html
Pa. Senate staffer tested for COVID-19; results could affect session schedule
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/pa-senate-staffer-tested-for-covid-19-results-could-affect-session-schedule/
Amid coronavirus pandemic, what information should be made public?
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-what-information-should-be-made-public-1.2608230
Marshall, Kail close district offices, postpone events
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200316/marshall-kail-close-district-offices-postpone-events
Business
Small businesses worry about coronavirus shutdown: ‘In this line of work you can’t make up two weeks’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-philadelphia-small-business-retail-closing-20200317.html
How employers, business owners, other authorities should communicate about coronavirus | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-region-workers-businesses-closures-20200317.html
Did you just pay $39.99 for toilet paper? The Pennsylvania attorney general wants to hear from you.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-emergency-disaster-declaration-price-gouging-attorney-general-consumers-20200316.html
Aldi stores change hours amid the COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/2020/03/17/Aldi-stores-change-hours-amid-the-COVID-19-pandemic/stories/202003170075
Wyoming Valley restaurants and bars cope with closures
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776584/wyoming-valley-restaurants-and-bars-cope-with-closures
Area movie theaters close due to coronavirus concerns
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776547/cinemas-drive-ins-adjust-to-coronavirus-concerns
Business owners fear long-term impacts of Wolf’s order
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/business-owners-fear-long-term-impacts-of-wolf-s-order-1.2608167
Gyms, day cares among ‘non-essential businesses’ closing; banks, repair shops, convenience stores stay open
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/gyms-day-cares-among-non-essential-businesses-closing-banks-repair-shops-convenience-stores-stay-open/
What’s open or closed under Wolf’s closure order?
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/what-s-open-or-closed-under-wolf-s-closure-order-1.2608229
‘Nonessential’ business owners grin and bear state-ordered closure
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/nonessential-business-owners-grin-and-bear-state-ordered-closure/
Lackawanna County businesses anticipated governor’s call for shutdown
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-businesses-anticipated-governor-s-call-for-shutdown-1.2608121
Distilleries using high-proof alcohol to make hand sanitizer
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/distilleries-using-high-proof-alcohol-to-make-hand-sanitizer/
Berks County grocery stores encounter ‘snowstorm that never ends’ in coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/berks-county-grocery-stores-encounter-snowstorm-that-never-ends-in/article_9a042042-67bf-11ea-bead-47192c7eb135.html
Some Berks bars and restaurants face ‘massive hit’ in fight against COVID-19
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/some-berks-bars-and-restaurants-face-massive-hit-in-fight/article_cfea4d76-67d3-11ea-b177-5fe288ead3be.html
Redner’s and Weis Markets change hours in response to COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/redner-s-and-weis-markets-change-hours-in-response-to/article_fdcb8f64-67df-11ea-8bb6-dfcc0a66f9bd.html
‘It was awful’: Restaurants reflect on day without dine-in service as Wolf business shutdown order extends statewide
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-biz-bucks-county-restaurants-struggle-after-wolf-coronavirus-order-20200316-fmazxo2rc5dshpzbkrbi5ncfqa-story.html
Coronavirus shutdown in Pa. forces small businesses to adapt – and wonder if they can survive
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/coronavirus-shutdown-leaves-pa-small-businesses-adapting-and-wondering-whether-they-can-survive.html
I’m a Pa. restaurant worker. And thanks to COVID-19, I’m out of work | Hannah McDonald
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/im-a-pa-restaurant-worker-and-thanks-to-covid-19-im-out-of-work-hannah-mcdonald/
Can I still buy beer and wine as coronavirus closes stores? Short answer: Yes
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/even-with-pa-coronavirus-related-closures-you-still-should-be-able-to-find-beer-and-wine-to-buy.html
Chesco officials to hold phone town hall for businesses impacted by coronavirus
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/chesco-officials-to-hold-phone-town-hall-for-businesses-impacted/article_3daf11b4-6781-11ea-a447-af752afc5f9c.html
Crime/Punishment
Prisons and jails in Pennsylvania halt visits in light of virus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/16/Pennsylvania-Prisons-jails-halt-visits-visitations-conronavirus-Covid-19/stories/202003160126
An argument between two men escalated into a fatal, roving gun battle on a suburban street, DA says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/murder-cheltenham-township-montgomery-county-20200316.html
Education
Educators in NEPA face uncertainties with coronavirus shutdown
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/educators-in-nepa-face-uncertainties-with-coronavirus-shutdown-1.2608114
LIU 18, school districts working to make continuity of education plan
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/liu-18-school-districts-working-to-make-continuity-of-education-plan-1.2608226
Meal distributions begin at local schools amid closures
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/meal-distributions-begin-at-local-schools-amid-closures-1.2608224
Western Pennsylvania food distributions help keep children fed
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/western-pennsylvania-food-distributions-help-keep-children-fed/
These Berks County schools are providing lunches to students during coronavirus shutdown
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/these-berks-county-schools-are-providing-lunches-to-students-during/article_185b26bc-6797-11ea-8b43-63ba52956bd0.html
The kitchen is open: Many Pa. students will be able to pick up lunches as schools tackle coronavirus separation
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/many-pa-students-will-be-able-to-pick-up-lunches-as-schools-tackle-coronavirus-separation.html
Fox Chapel Area School District offering grab-and-go food distribution during closure
https://foxchapel.triblive.com/fox-chapel-area-school-district-offering-grab-and-go-food-distribution-during-closure/
Fox Chapel Area School District cancels plans for students to collect belongings from schools
https://foxchapel.triblive.com/fox-chapel-area-school-district-cancels-plans-for-students-to-collect-belongings-from-schools/
Gov. Wolf and PIAA will decide fate of WPIAL spring sports
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hsother/2020/03/16/PIAA-Governon-Tom-Wolf-WPIAL-spring-sports-COVID-coronavirus-Amy-Scheuneman/stories/202003160151
Penn ‘left us stranded on the streets.’ Vulnerable students are desperate as coronavirus shuts down Philly colleges
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-university-of-pennsylvania-swarthmore-shuts-down-dorms-20200316.html
Wharton will fast track a course on managing business during a pandemic crisis
https://www.inquirer.com/business/wharton-management-epidemic-covid-19-coronavirus-financial-uncertainty-20200316.html
Some colleges will offer refunds, credits to students
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/some-colleges-will-offer-refunds-credits-to-students-1.2608218
Pennsylvania State System universities suspend off-site internships
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-state-system-universities-suspend-off-site-internships/
Coronavirus: State universities extend safety measures to students in off-site placements
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-state-universities-extend-safety-measures-to-students-in-off-site-placements.html
Elections/Politics
A special election in Bucks County won’t be delayed because of coronavirus, judge rules
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/judge-rules-bensalem-bucks-county-special-election-turzai-coronavirus-20200317.html
Coronavirus concerns will not stop Tuesday’s special election in Philly suburbs: judge
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/coronavirus-concerns-will-not-stop-tuesdays-special-election-in-philly-suburbs-judge.html
Bensalem special election to go on despite coronavirus concerns
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200316/bensalem-special-election-to-go-on-despite-coronavirus-concerns
Westmoreland County special election for House 58th District still scheduled Tuesda
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-special-election-for-house-58th-district-still-scheduled-tuesday/
State, county working to address safety of voters, poll workers
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200317/state-county-working-to-address-safety-of-voters-poll-workers
Pennsylvania may delay its presidential primary election because of coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/pa-primary-election-delay-coronavirus-20200316.html
The rest of Pennsylvania’s Democratic establishment is coming off the sidelines for Joe Biden
https://www.inquirer.com/news/joe-biden-pa-2020-endorsements-20200316.html
Joe Biden wins Washington state Democratic primary, capturing 5 of 6 states that voted last week
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/joe-biden-bernie-sanders-washington-democratic-primary-20200317.html
Uncertainty surrounds Democratic primary as Ohio scraps vote
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/uncertainty-surrounds-democratic-primary-as-ohio-scraps-vote/
Governor says Ohio primary will not be held Tuesday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/16/Ohio-primary-voting-Governor-DeWine-coronavirus-Tuesday-election/stories/202003160159
Gaming
With 6 casinos already closed, the remaining 6 ordered closed by Tuesday morning
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/03/16/Rivers-Casino-and-five-others-in-Pennsylvania-close-in-wake-of-coronoavirus/stories/202003160092
Mohegan Sun Pocono shutters amid pandemic
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mohegan-sun-pocono-shutters-amid-pandemic-1.2608141
Health Care
As coronavirus closes businesses, health-care facilities cut back on elective surgery, other services to prepare for coming surge
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-philadelphia-health-system-restrictions-20200316.html
UPMC closes central Pa. FastCare clinics, reallocating resources to fight coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/upmc-closes-central-pa-fastcare-clinics-reallocating-resources-to-fight-coronavirus.html
LVHN COVID-19 test center open in Stroudsburg
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200316/lvhn-covid-19-test-center-open-in-stroudsburg
Local News
Lackawanna County, local municipalities declare state of emergency
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-local-municipalities-declare-state-of-emergency-1.2608110
Diocese of Scranton suspends Masses and other gatherings
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/diocese-of-scranton-suspends-masses-and-other-gatherings-1.2608066
Reading issues emergency declaration, closes City Hall amid coronavirus crisis
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-issues-emergency-declaration-closes-city-hall-amid-coronavirus-crisis/article_b68a9e4e-67c4-11ea-8ca6-17e6f80edcb4.html
Westmoreland County first responders safeguard against coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-first-responders-safeguard-against-coronavirus/
Westmoreland County to limit courthouse business, close senior centers
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-continues-to-prepare-for-coronavirus-restrictions/
Pedri: Active Adult Centers closing as of Tuesday; meals will be provided
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776534/pedri-active-adult-centers-closing-as-of-tuesday-meals-will-be-provided
State of emergency declared in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-of-emergency-declared-in-wilkes-barre-1.2608127
County council will meet to adopt emergency ordinance
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-will-meet-to-adopt-emergency-ordinance-1.2608142
Municipalities announce closures, postponements
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/municipalities-announce-closures-postponements-1.2608143
Natural Gas
A fight over fracking at a Pennsylvania steel mill is forcing a reckoning among Democrats
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/us-steel-edgar-thomson-works-braddock-fracking-20200317.html
Philly
MANNA, Meals on Wheels, and other food services for the homebound are losing volunteer drivers afraid of coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-meals-on-wheels-manna-elderly-20200317.html
Quiet at the airport, kids out of school, and bars closed. This is Philadelphia, as the coronavirus makes its way through the region.
https://www.inquirer.com/photo/inq/coronavirus-philadelphia-new-jersey-pictures-20200316.html
Philadelphia just extended its paid sick leave law to cover public health emergencies such as coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-paid-sick-leave-law-coronavirus-public-health-emergency-20200316.html
Free breakfast and lunch begins, but not many students in North Philly bite
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-schools-free-lunches-grab-and-go-20200316.html
Before Philly shut down, they just wanted to have fun
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-bars-concourse-dance-bar-20200316.html
Coronavirus slowed Philly courts to a halt — but not before some reported for jury duty
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-jury-duty-probation-trials-courts-larry-krasner-20200316.html
As Philly restaurants shutter, massive amounts of food are at risk of going to waste. Here’s how to help.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-shutdown-philadelphia-food-waste-restaurants-closing-philabundance-20200316.html
Philly DA Krasner: Curb low-level arrests to slow spread of coronavirus
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/philly-da-krasner-curb-low-level-arrests-to-slow-spread/article_5a9ecd91-4a1b-5061-9a8e-b3bf63ff17c8.html
The Penn Relays, the nation’s oldest track and field event, canceled amid COVID-19 concerns
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/the-penn-relays-the-nations-oldest-track-and-field-event-canceled-amid-covid-19-concerns/
Former Philly mayor: The city needs bold leadership to weather coronavirus | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-michael-nutter-20200316.html
U.S. Attorney William McSwain slams DA Larry Krasner over fatal shooting of Cpl. James O’Connor IV
https://www.inquirer.com/news/us-attorney-william-mcswain-district-attorney-larry-krasner-police-shooting-cpl-james-oconnor-20200316.html
Cop was one of 7 people killed in 3 days of violence in Philadelphia
https://www.inquirer.com/news/homicide-murder-james-oconnor-philadelphia-police-gun-knife-violence-20200316.html
6 homicides reported in Philadelphia; no arrests announced
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/homicides-reported-in-philadelphia-no-arrests-announced/article_873693d7-ccfd-56b4-8cc6-c9a93ee51a05.html
Pitt
City offices, rec centers close; essential services, such as trash pick-up, to continue
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/16/Pittsburgh-City-offices-rec-centers-close-essential-services-trash-emergency-continue-Covid-19/stories/202003160097
City Council will meet via conference call; chambers closed to the public
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/16/City-Council-Chambers-closed-public-urged-to-issue-comment-via-email-mail-or-drop-box/stories/202003160079
Pittsburgh foundations pledge $10 million to help those hardest hit by COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/03/16/Emergency-fund-COVID-19-coronavirus-vulnerable-social-services-foundations-Mellon-Hillman-Heinz/stories/202003160078
Pittsburgh region’s foundation community responds to coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburgh-regions-foundation-community-responds-to-coronavirus-pandemic/
Pittsburgh’s restaurants, bars and breweries woke up Monday to a new world of takeout
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2020/03/17/restaurants-bars-breweries-Pittsburgh-COVID-19-takeout-workers-coronavirus/stories/202003160134
Are you essential? Allegheny County mostly leaving it up to businesses to decide
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/03/16/COVID-19-Gov-Wolf-Allegheny-County-recommend-nonessential-businesses-voluntarily-close-coronavirus/stories/202003160143
County, federal courts in Western Pa. postpone cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/16/Federal-courts-Western-PA-postpone-cases-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202003160119
Pittsburgh Public Schools activate emergency plan
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/16/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-activate-emergency-plan-covid-19-closure/stories/202003160077
Pittsburgh doctor discusses attempts to avoid coronavirus ‘nightmare’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-doctor-discusses-attempts-to-avoid-coronavirus-nightmare/
Allegheny suspends poll-worker training, limits trips for seniors at Kane centers
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-suspends-poll-worker-training-limits-trips-for-seniors-at-kane-centers/
Pittsburgh Diocese postpones sacraments, limits attendance at weddings, funerals
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-diocese-postpones-sacraments-limits-attendance-at-weddings-funerals/
Pittsburgh college student recounts ‘bizarre experience’ getting screened for covid-19 at Detroit airport
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-college-student-recounts-bizarre-experience-getting-screened-for-covid-19-at-detroit-airport/
Pittsburgh Virtual Tip Jar launches to help service workers during coronavirus closures
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-virtual-tip-jar-launches-to-help-service-workers-during-coronavirus-closures/Content?oid=16959265
State News
Pa. marijuana dispensaries call for volunteer ‘caregivers,’ ask state to allow home deliveries
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/medical-marijuana-caregivers-terravida-volunteers-delivery-20200316.html
Gun and ammunition sales soar; permits issued more than double in Western Pa.
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/as-applications-jump-allegheny-county-sheriff-closes-gun-permit-office-amid-coronavirus-concerns/
Consumers scramble as Pennsylvania liquor stores set to close over coronavirus concerns
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-liquor-stores-set-to-close-over-coronavirus-concerns/
State closing all Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores and discontinuing online sales
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/drinks/2020/03/16/State-closing-Allegheny-County-Fine-Wine-Good-Spirits-stores-PLCB/stories/202003160112
All state’s Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores to close indefinitely
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/all-state-s-fine-wine-good-spirits-stores-to-close-indefinitely-1.2608090
Transportation
COLTS remains fully operational, buses running on regular schedules
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/colts-remains-fully-operational-buses-running-on-regular-schedules-1.2608078
Washington
Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey wants to change how paid sick leave for coronavirus is funded
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/pat-toomey-coronavirus-paid-sick-leave-20200316.html