Coronavirus
As coronavirus cases increase rapidly, Pa. businesses must close unless they’re ‘life-sustaining’; officials give dire warnings
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pa-new-jersey-increase-business-shutdown-stay-home-federal-aid-wolf-murphy-20200319.html
Gov. Wolf orders ‘non-life-sustaining’ businesses to close physical locations to halt coronavirus spread
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-tom-wolf-orders-business-to-close-physical-locations-to-halt-coronavirus-spread/
Gov. Wolf orders all non-life-sustaining businesses to close physical locations in Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/all-non-life-sustaining-businesses-in-pa-must-close-gov-wolf.html
Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf orders ‘all non life-sustaining’ businesses in state to close or face enforcement action
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-wolf-mandatory-shutdown-20200319-jgrxxz474vhfvcdgn34unitw4m-story.html
FULL LIST: Which Pa. businesses must close, which are considered ‘life-sustaining’ under new mandatory shutdown order
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-list-life-sustaining-businesses-shutdown-order-20200319.html
Wolf orders all ‘non-life-sustaining’ businesses to close; face state police action if they don’t
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/wolf-orders-all-non-life-sustaining-businesses-to-close-face-state-police-action-if-they-dont/
UPDATED: Wolf orders 1000s of ‘non-life-sustaining’ businesses to close
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777068/wolf-all-non-life-sustaining-businesses-must-close-by-8-p-m
Wolf orders all non-life-sustaining businesses to close physical locations by tonight
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/03/19/Pennsylvania-all-non-life-sustaining-businesses-close-coronavirus-governor-order/stories/202003190151
Gov. Tom Wolf’s business shutdown order draws support, criticism
https://triblive.com/local/regional/wolfs-business-shutdown-order-draws-support-criticism/
Republicans call for appeal process for businesses hit by Wolf’s shutdown order
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/republicans-call-for-appeal-process-for-businesses-hit-by-wolfs-shutdown-order/
House GOP leaders blast Wolf’s shutdown order
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777108/house-gop-leaders-blast-wolfs-shutdown-order
Gov Wolf accused of overreach as he orders ‘non-life-sustaining’ businesses to close their doors
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/gov-tom-wolf-siginificantly-tightens-belt-on-pennsylvania-businesses-in-coronavirus-war-ordering-all-but-life-sustaining-businesses-to-close.html
How do I find out if my business has to close under Gov. Wolf’s coronavirus order? Can I get an exemption?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/how-do-i-find-if-my-business-has-to-close-under-gov-wolfs-coronavirus-order-can-i-get-and-exemption.html
Some county health departments releasing more specific coronavirus patient details than state
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/some-county-health-departments-releasing-more-specific-coronavirus-patient-details-than-state-1.2609177
Demand for ICU beds will greatly outstrip availability if coronavirus hits Pa. hard
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/03/20/Pennsylvania-coronavirus-hospitals-ICU-beds-demand-availability/stories/202003200061
‘Significant hospitalization rates’: Coronavirus taking a toll in Pa.
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/significant-hospitalization-rates-coronavirus-taking-a-toll-in-pa/
Are Western Pennsylvania hospitals prepared for the coronavirus?
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/are-western-pennsylvania-hospitals-prepared-for-the-coronavirus/
Allegheny County now has 18 total COVID-19 cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/19/Allegheny-County-reporting-18-positive-COVID-19-cases/stories/202003190108
2 confirmed coronavirus cases in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/2-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-in-westmoreland-county/
Monroe County COVID-19 cases double
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200319/monroe-county-covid-19-cases-double
Younger adults are large percentage of COVID-19 hospitalizations in U.S., new CDC data show
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/20/CDC-coronavirus-hospitalizations-young-adults-US-COVID-19-report/stories/202003200069
Pa. will likely see ICU bed shortage as coronavirus cases grow; immigrant detainees could be at greater risk
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/live/coronavirus-covid-19-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-confirmed-case-updates-news-20200320.html
As the coronavirus halts some Census Bureau operations, Gov. Wolf asks for 2020 Census extension
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/2020-census-coronavirus-covid-19-suspend-20200319.html
Covid-19: The new coronavirus
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/coronavirus/
Dealing with mental health and the coronavirus: ‘It’s triggering.’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-philadelphia-pennsylvania-mental-health-ocd-depression-anxiety-20200320.html
Parents, police struggle to sequester the young in COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/corona2020/2020/03/20/Parents-police-struggle-to-herd-teens-young-in-virus-outbreak-COVID-19/stories/202003200068
Keep your distance: Patient 31 illustrates need for social distancing
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/20/Patient-31-South-Korea-social-distancing/stories/202003190019
Cartwright: Prepare for lengthy coronavirus pandemic
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/cartwright-prepare-for-lengthy-coronavirus-pandemic-1.2609294
Trump says he always knew coronavirus was a pandemic. His words say otherwise.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/trump-coronavirus-fact-check-20200319.html
Legislature
Rep. Toohil: Hazleton synagogue awarded state security grant
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776899/rep-toohil-hazleton-synagogue-awarded-state-security-grant
Rehab state universities
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/rehab-state-universities-1.2609221
Business
Layoffs spark surge of unemployment claims in Pa., elsewhere amid pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/03/19/unemployment-claims-coronavirus-jobless-layoffs-surge-US/stories/202003190166
Disaster declaration brings low-interest loans for small businesses in Pennsylvania, elsewhere
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/disaster-declaration-brings-low-interest-loans-for-small-businesses-in-pennsylvania-elsewhere/
Groceries delivered with SNAP benefits? Not in Pa., N.J., or most states.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/snap-benefits-grocery-delivery-eligible-coronavirus-pennsylvania-20200319.html
Workers in the poorest big city in America are reeling as coronavirus leaves thousands jobless
https://www.inquirer.com/economy/coronvirus-philadelphia-economy-layoffs-jobs-furloughs-20200319.html
Philips looking for workers to assemble badly needed ventilators
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/03/19/Philips-ventilators-assembly-jobs-COVD-19-Murrysville-employees/stories/202003190107
In the wake of coronavirus, families and funeral homes are livestreaming services
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-burial-funeral-memorial-service-deaths-grief-cdc-20200320.html
Banks offering breaks to customers struggling during pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/03/20/banks-breaks-COVID-19-pandemic-PNC-Bank-Citizens-FNB-Dollar-KeyBank-coronavirus/stories/202003180143
Amazon confirms first COVID-19 case in U.S. warehouses
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/03/19/Amazon-warehouse-worker-tests-positive-coronavirus-confirms-first-case-COVID-19/stories/202003190192
Status of work on Mariner East pipeline is unclear
https://www.inquirer.com/business/mariner-east-construction-coronavirus-calls-halting-dinniman-20200319.html
Some PNC branches to close, others to operate ‘drive-up’ services amid coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/regional/some-pnc-branches-to-close-other-to-operate-drive-up-services-amid-coronavirus/
LBC Distillery turning vodka into hand sanitizer to combat shortage amid coronavirus pandemic
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lbc-distillery-turning-vodka-into-hand-sanitizer-to-combat-shortage-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-1.2609327
Giant Eagle stores opening earlier for seniors during coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/regional/giant-eagle-stores-opening-earlier-for-senior-customers-during-coronavirus-pandemic/
Coronavirus cripples hospitality industry
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus-cripples-hospitality-industry-1.2609235
East Penn Manufacturing, Berks County’s largest employer, will shut down as part of governor’s order
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/east-penn-manufacturing-berks-county-s-largest-employer-will-shut/article_e6098660-6a4b-11ea-863e-6f15d372b6ec.html
Central Pa. restaurant owner apologizes for ‘hateful’ message on sign about Rachel Levine
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/cumberland-county-restaurant-owner-apologizes-for-hateful-message-on-sign.html
Pa. child care providers dealing with ‘a lot of really, really sleepless nights and hard decisions’
https://papost.org/2020/03/19/pa-child-care-providers-dealing-with-a-lot-of-really-really-sleepless-nights-and-hard-decisions/
J.P. Mascaro hiring to meet increased demand during COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.dailylocal.com/business/j-p-mascaro-hiring-to-meet-increased-demand-during-covid/article_5de55dcb-d989-54e3-a258-176801919b2b.html
Crime/Punishment
Action urged to protect state prison inmates from COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/19/Prisoners-prisons-jails-inmates-outbreak-Covid-19-coronavirus-Pennsylvania/stories/202003190138
Joint task force of Pa. and federal authorities will investigate virus-related fraud
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/19/Joint-task-force-of-Pa-and-federal-authorities-will-investigate-virus-related-fraud/stories/202003190137
Pennsylvania police cut services, plan for shortages as COVID-19 spreads
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/19/Pennsylvania-police-cut-services-plan-for-shortages-as-COVID-19-spreads/stories/202003190133
Education
Pennsylvania cancels school assessment tests
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/19/Pennsylvania-school-assessment-tests-canceled-PSSA-PASA/stories/202003190149
State standardized testing canceled for year
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777066/state-standardized-testing-canceled-for-year
PSSA, Keystone testing canceled
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pssa-keystone-testing-canceled-1.2609318
Some Pa. school districts told to stop mandatory instruction, grading during closure
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/school-districts-told-to-stop-mandatory-instruction-grading-during-closure/
Restarting kids’ education won’t be easy: ‘It’s putting superintendents in a tremendous bind’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/restarting-kids-education-amid-coronavirus-wont-be-easy-its-putting-superintendents-in-a-tremendous-bind.html
Derry Area sends Grandview Elementary staff home as it awaits coronavirus test results
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/derry-area-sends-grandview-elementary-staff-home-as-it-awaits-coronavirus-test-results/
New Kensington-Arnold adds 4 food-distribution locations
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-arnold-adds-4-food-distribution-locations/
Burrell delivers meals to students’ doorsteps during school shutdown
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/burrell-delivers-meals-to-students-doorsteps-during-school-shutdown/
Deer Lakes School District to provide remote instruction starting Wednesday
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/deer-lakes-school-district-to-provide-remote-instruction-for-all-grades/
Judge dismisses case against Hershey School in girl’s death
https://www.inquirer.com/news/judge-dismisses-case-against-against-hershey-school-girls-death-20200319.html
With classes canceled for weeks, schools must embrace innovation — and choice | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-school-district-choice-cyber-charter-remote-learning-20200319.html
Some universities moving away from letter grades as students, faculty adapt to remote learning
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/19/pass-fail-grading-satisfactory-Penn-State-Carnegie-Mellon-COVID19-university-online-remote/stories/202003190117
Kutztown University students move out, try to come to grips with changes
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/kutztown-university-students-move-out-try-to-come-to-grips/article_6ec2eb4e-6a11-11ea-89fd-5736371ec6eb.html
I’m a University of Pittsburgh senior: This is how COVID-19 changed things for me
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/im-a-university-of-pittsburgh-senior-this-is-how-covid-19-changed-things-for-me/
Elections/Politics
These Pennsylvanians love Bernie Sanders. What will they do now that he probably can’t win?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/bernie-sanders-primary-2020-coronavirus-pennsylvania-supporters-20200319.html
Musto, Gegaris withdraw from 117th, 119th races
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/musto-gegaris-withdraw-from-117th-119th-races-1.2609209
Gaming
Gaming industry preparing for hit
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/gaming-industry-preparing-for-hit-1.2609179
Wind Creek Bethlehem casino employee tests positive for coronavirus
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-biz-wind-creek-bethlehem-employee-tests-positive-coronavirus-20200319-obnlepjvebfxrdc4n7vmblz5be-story.html
Health Care
AHN bans visitors to facilities because of COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/19/AHN-allegheny-health-network-bans-visitors-all-facilities/stories/202003190143
Coronavirus exposures among doctors at St. Christopher’s, CHOP worry families that weren’t notified
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-family-notification-exposure-st-christophers-chop-20200319.html
Geisinger sets further limits on hospital visitors
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777094/geisinger-sets-further-limits-on-hospital-visitors
UPMC emergency medicine doctor reacts to first coronavirus death in state, dispels myths
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-emergency-medicine-doctor-reacts-to-first-coronavirus-death-in-state-dispels-myths/
Anxious times for home health workers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/anxious-times-for-home-health-workers-1.2609322
Local hospitals ready for the worst
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-hospitals-ready-for-the-worst-1.2609302
Waive copays for treatment
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/waive-copays-for-treatment-1.2609223
WellSpan slated to open drive-thru coronavirus testing facility at York fairgrounds Friday
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/wellspan-slated-to-open-drive-thru-coronavirus-testing-facility-at-york-fairgrounds-friday.html
Local News
Scranton pension funds take big hit as the coronavirus rocks global economy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/scranton-pension-funds-take-big-hit-as-the-coronavirus-rocks-global-economy-1.2609126
Lackawanna County courts, prison acting to prevent coronavirus spread
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-courts-prison-acting-to-prevent-coronavirus-spread-1.2609166
Carbondale Library delivers books to community hubs, free libraries
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/carbondale-library-delivers-books-to-community-hubs-free-libraries-1.2609121
Delaware County doesn’t have a health department, so Chester County is filling in during the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-delaware-county-chester-county-pennsylvania-health-department-20200319.html
Berks County playgrounds close to help stop spread of coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-playgrounds-close-to-help-stop-spread-of-coronavirus/article_7828cc64-6a19-11ea-9523-bb9228200441.html
Berks County commissioners suspend public meetings amid coronavirus emergency, but business to continue
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-commissioners-suspend-public-meetings-amid-coronavirus-emergency-but/article_12e6e8ec-69f4-11ea-8be5-63669b164eaa.html
East Deer closes municipal, tax offices to stop spread of coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/east-deer-closes-municipal-tax-offices-to-stop-spread-of-coronavirus/
Westmoreland County parks reopen
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-parks-reopen/
Westmoreland Register of Wills closes office except for emergency guardianship petitions
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-register-of-wills-closes-office-except-for-emergency-guardianship-petitions/
Municipal offices alter operations due to coronavirus
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/municipal-offices-alter-operations-due-to-coronavirus/article_428f7e40-67b2-11ea-926e-fbd6fd611b1d.html
Washington County Food Bank scaling up to provide during pandemic
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/washington-county-food-bank-scaling-up-to-provide-during-pandemic/article_4f0ed7e0-6935-11ea-a8ef-2f599d826ca8.html
Gilpin, Leechburg offices closed, but services still available
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/gilpin-leechburg-offices-closed-but-services-still-available/
Luzerne County steps up coronavirus precautions
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777092/luzerne-county-steps-up-coronavirus-precautions
State of emergency in Wilkes-Barre necessary to access potential funding for disaster
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777104/state-of-emergency-in-wilkes-barre-necessary-to-access-potential-funding-for-disaster
Luzerne County Council OKs emergency declaration in virtual meeting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777072/luzerne-county-council-oks-emergency-declaration-in-virtual-meeting
Women’s shelter in need of donations
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/women-s-shelter-in-need-of-donations-1.2609233
No NCAA tourney? Try NEPA Pizza Madness
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/no-ncaa-tourney-try-nepa-pizza-madness-1.2609214
WVSA suspends liens, shutoffs
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wvsa-suspends-liens-shutoffs-1.2609319
National News
CDC, the top U.S. public health agency, is sidelined during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-cdc-20200319.html
NBA tells teams to close training facilities by Friday
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2020/03/20/NBA-coronavirus-two-Lakers-Marcus-Smart-test-positive-COVID-19/stories/202003190194
40 million Californians ordered to stay home to halt coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/california-coronavirus-1-billion-aid-20200319.html
Philly
As coronavirus spreads, not all Philly high-rises are going on cleaning binges, and the city can’t make them do it
https://www.inquirer.com/news/high-rise-apartment-coronavirus-pha-sanitary-philadelphia-20200320.html
Hundreds of workers at PHL are being laid off amid coronavirus outbreak
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-layoffs-phl-airport-american-airlines-seiu-32bj-20200319.html
More than half of Philly government workers are on duty during the coronavirus crisis. They’re getting paid extra.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-government-workers-20200319.html
Out-of-work restaurant servers can’t make ends meet. A community effort offers help.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philly-server-relief-fund-facebook-20200319.html
Pandemic’s next victim could be Philly’s retail renaissance
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-retail-downturn-vacancies-preit-center-city-fashion-district-20200320.html
Coronavirus has shut down concert tours. How are Philly musicians adapting?
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/coronavirus-philadelphia-bands-concerts-msuc-industry-live-streaming-gladie-20200320.html
SEPTA to reduce service on buses, subways, trolleys, Norristown High Speed Line
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/septa-schedules-buses-trolleys-subways-nhsl-coronavirus-20200319.html
When social distancing and staying healthy are at odds | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/corona-addiction-treatment-methadone-twelve-step-meetings-20200320.html
School closures protect the most vulnerable — and that’s not who you think | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-older-people-philadelphia-caretakers-20200319.html
Candidates are changing tactics for a coronavirus election of social distancing
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/coronavirus-covid19-april-28-primary-election-campaigning-social-distancing-20200320.html
Sgt. O’Connor might still be alive if authorities had acted sooner, says mother of another victim | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/tyrone-tyree-philly-police-officer-killed-james-oconnor-jenice-armstrong-20200319.html
Pitt
‘Like a ghost town,’ Downtown Pittsburgh is empty
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/like-a-ghost-town-downtown-pittsburgh-is-empty/
City to distribute meals to seniors already registered with food program
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2020/03/19/City-to-distribute-meals-to-seniors-already-registered-with-food-program/stories/202003190121
URA approves fund to help with utility, mortgage payments in face of COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/19/URA-Pittsburgh-approved-fund-help-mortgage-utility-payments-coronavirus/stories/202003190142
County treasurer extends real estate tax discount, suspends court enforcement on drink, other taxes
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/19/County-treasurer-John-Weinstein-extends-real-estate-tax-discount-suspends-court-enforcement-drink-hotel-rental-car/stories/202003190105
City adds distribution locations for students’ meals; Steel Valley to provide food for weekend
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/19/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-adds-distribution-locations-students-meals/stories/202003190116
Peduto in self-isolation after two colleagues test positive for COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/19/Pittsburgh-Mayor-Bill-Peduto-self-quarantines-isolation-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202003190175
Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto self-quarantines at home
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-mayor-peduto-self-quarantines-at-home/
Nearly 200 Allegheny County Jail inmates set for release amid coronavirus concerns
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/nearly-200-allegheny-county-jail-inmates-set-for-release-amid-coronavirus-concerns/
Carnegie Mellon moving all research away from campus, closes libraries, pare operations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/19/Carnegie-Mellon-COVID-19-Jahanian-research-libraries-higher-education-Pitt/stories/202003190160
Pitt part of international consortium to get COVID-19 vaccine grant
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/19/Pitt-international-consortium-to-get-COVID-19-vaccine-grant-CEPI-coronavirus/stories/202003190124
Pittsburgh Milk Bank director: ‘Donor milk is lifesaving medicine’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-milk-bank-director-donor-milk-is-lifesaving-medicine/
Dormont woman starts ‘CoronaChoir’ and wants neighbors to sing from their sidewalks
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2020/03/19/Dormont-Amy-Kline-woman-CoronaChoir-neighbors-community-sing-les-miserables/stories/202003190114
One person killed, two escaped from Greenfield house fire
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/20/Reports-of-two-rescued-in-Greenfield-house-fire/stories/202003200072
State News
Parishes mull ways to make up lost income, fellowship from fish fries
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/03/19/Coronavirus-covid-19-pittsburgh-Parishes-lose-income-fellowship-lost-fish-fries/stories/202003190162
Food security grant announced
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/food-security-grant-announced-1.2609316
PPL Electric Utilities waiving late fees as part of response to coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/ppl-waiving-late-fees-for-customers-as-part-of-response-to-coronavirus.html
Transportation
Pa. Turnpike will reopen all food service plazas, bathrooms on a limited basis Friday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/19/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-17-service-plazas-reopen-Friday-limited-food-restrictions-covid-19-coronavirus/stories/202003190131
Westmoreland Transit Authority offers solo rides, reduces trips to Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-transit-authority-offers-solo-rides-reduces-trips-to-pittsburgh/
Coronavirus causes passenger numbers to plummet at Allentown airport as carriers begin consolidation efforts
https://www.mcall.com/business/transportation/mc-biz-lvia-passenger-numbers-drop-coronavirus-20200320-dpvhxaawbzd2rhmxiksmka4ary-story.html
PennDOT releases 2-year, $55M plan to improve safety at Route 28-Highland Park interchange
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/19/Route-28-Highland-Park-Bridge-Interchange-PennDOT-safety-improvements-55-million/stories/202003190156
I-279 HOV lanes closed because PennDOT doesn’t have workers to operate them safely
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/19/HOV-lanes-Interstate-279-PennDOT-COVID-19-coronavius-Ross-Pittsburgh-North-Side/stories/202003190113
Washington
Senators sold off their stocks ahead of coronavirus economic crash, reports say
https://www.timesonline.com/zz/news/20200320/senators-sold-off-their-stocks-ahead-of-coronavirus-economic-crash-reports-say