Coronavirus - COVID-19
Wolf says disaster declaration falls short of help needed in the state
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200331/wolf-says-disaster-declaration-falls-short-of-help-needed-in-state
Experts: More than 1K could die in Pa.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/experts-more-than-1k-could-die-in-pa-1.2613610
Coronavirus cases surge by record number for third day in a row
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-cases-surge-by-record-number-for-third-day-in-a-row-1.2613327
Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: Monroe County lawmakers, fearing wave of New Yorkers, persuade Wolf to prohibit short-term rentals; statewide cases jump by 756 to 4,843
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-covid-tuesday-statewide-20200331-7mze5fcrrjakff2rnhejtnyhfy-story.html
More coronavirus cases coming as testing continues, says emergency medical director
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/more-coronavirus-cases-coming-as-testing-continues-says-emergency-medical-director/article_088a1c52-73a9-11ea-8f86-e7377242e9e3.html
Allegheny County reports 35 new coronavirus cases as total tops 300
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-35-new-coronavirus-cases-as-total-tops-300/
Pa. reports 14 more deaths, 756 new coronavirus cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-reports-14-more-deaths-756-new-coronavirus-cases/
Berks County coronavirus cases top 100; Pennsylvania nears 5,000
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-coronavirus-cases-top-100-pennsylvania-nears-5-000/article_c65dbff8-7364-11ea-9fa0-63e2a082a6fc.html
6 new cases in Westmoreland County, 14 more deaths statewide
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/6-new-cases-in-westmoreland-county-14-more-deaths-statewide/
Tension increases at Beaver County nursing home as COVID-19 cases rise
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/03/31/Brighton-Rehab-and-Wellness-Center-coronavirus-cases-nursing-home-Kane-centers/stories/202003310157
6 residents, 3 employees at Ligonier personal care home test positive for COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/01/6-residents-3-employees-at-Ligonier-personal-care-home-test-positive-for-COVID-19/stories/202004010077
6 residents, 1 staff at Ligonier Gardens nursing home test positive for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/6-residents-1-staff-at-ligonier-gardens-nursing-home-test-positive-for-coronavirus/
26 Brighton Rehab residents now have COVID-19, 18 more pending
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200331/26-brighton-rehab-residents-now-have-covid-19-18-more-pending
Calls to Pa.’s child-abuse hotline fell sharply during first weeks of the coronavirus. Here’s why that’s bad news.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/04/01/Calls-to-Pa-s-child-abuse-hotline-fell-sharply-during-first-weeks-of-the-coronavirus-Here-s-why-that-s-bad-news/stories/202004010049
Child welfare services worry about kids who have gone off the grid during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/child-welfare-services-worry-about-kids-who-have-gone-off-the-grid-during-coronavirus-pandemic.html
A Pa. congressman said the U.S. coronavirus trajectory is more like South Korea than Italy. Is that true?
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/brian-fitzpatrick-coronavirus-italy-south-korea-true-false-20200401.html
Landlords brace for late and missed rent payments due to massive job losses
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/04/01/rent-payment-delay-landlords-late-missed-Pittsburgh-area-job-loss-coronavirus/stories/202003310090
Why it’s (still) so hard to get a coronavirus test
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing-hard-to-get-despite-roche-abbott-cepheid-20200401.html
Consistent messaging from leaders is key to quelling coronavirus in Pa. and N.J. | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/coronavirus-orders-enforcement-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20200401.html
With COVID-19, we failed a basic preparedness test. We can’t repeat that mistake | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/with-covid-19-we-failed-a-basic-preparedness-test-we-cant-repeat-that-mistake-opinion/
Legislatura
Call and email volume up at local representative’s offices
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/call-and-email-volume-up-at-local-representatives-offices/article_f131993c-7398-11ea-804c-9337e9b4b9ff.html
Pa. lawmakers press Gov. Wolf to let construction industry get back to work
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/pa-lawmakers-press-gov-wolf-to-let-construction-industry-get-back-to-work.html
Understaffed agency faces record unemployment claims
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/understaffed-agency-faces-record-unemployment-claims-1.2613426
Burns planning to introduce legislation requiring use of American-made steel
https://www.tribdem.com/news/burns-planning-to-introduce-legislation-requiring-use-of-american-made-steel/article_4da8ef9c-73cd-11ea-954a-eb486f554e09.html
Sen. Kim Ward seeks state law change to provide covid-19 info to first responders
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/sen-kim-ward-seeks-state-law-change-to-provide-covid-19-info-to-first-resonders/
Administración
Citing shuttered offices, Wolf admin. says it can’t process news outlets’ requests for COVID-19 waivers
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/citing-shuttered-offices-wolf-admin-says-it-cant-process-capital-stars-request-for-covid-19-waiver-requests/
Empresas
Why is Pennsylvania leading the nation in unemployment claims?
https://papost.org/2020/04/01/why-is-pennsylvania-leading-the-nation-in-unemployment-claims/
Allegheny Technologies to close Beaver County steel plant, citing Trump’s tariffs
https://triblive.com/local/regional/allegheny-technologies-to-close-beaver-county-steel-plant-citing-trumps-tariffs/
State police warnings to non-life-sustaining businesses surpass 100
https://triblive.com/local/regional/state-police-warnings-to-non-life-sustaining-businesses-surpass-100/
Giant Eagle reports confirmed coronavirus cases at 2 more stores
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/giant-eagle-reports-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-at-2-more-stores/
Cash-strapped coal giant Murray Energy faces liquidation
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/04/01/Murray-Energy-faces-liquidation-coal-giant-cash-strapped/stories/202004010059
Coronavirus taking big bite out of Easter candy sales for region’s makers
https://triblive.com/local/regional/coronavirus-taking-big-bite-out-of-easter-candy-sales-for-regions-makers/
‘It’s such a horrible lose-lose situation.’ Many Lehigh Valley warehouse workers in uncomfortable spot amid coronavirus pandemic
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-biz-lehigh-valley-warehouse-workers-concerned-with-coronavirus-20200401-btomstur7zht3gus5xvyw4cg5m-story.html
Layoffs hit York County firm as officials brace for economic strain
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/03/30/what-we-know-economic-impact-business-cfeds-state-gov-spat-over-who-has-county-level-data-locals-loo/5087487002/
Local companies reinvent themselves amid coronavirus
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200401/local-companies-reinvent-themselves-amid-coronavirus
Delco small businesses struggle in midst of pandamec
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/delco-small-businesses-struggle-in-midst-of-pandamec/article_2fec93d8-7372-11ea-8211-0fdbda60650e.html
Delito/Castigo
What it’s like to be locked in prison during the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-pennsylvania-prisons-jails-inmates-guards-20200401.html
Hundreds could be released from Pa. state prisons under draft plans to help prevent a coronavirus outbreak
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-state-prisons-release-john-wetzel-20200401.html
Closed federal courts can hold hearings by video and teleconference in criminal cases
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-courts-videoconference-20200401.html
Educación
Woodland Hills School District seeking donations to provide laptops to all students
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/woodland-hills-school-district-seeking-donations-to-provide-laptops-to-all-students/
Delaware Valley to begin distributing free lunches to students
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/delaware-valley-to-begin-distributing-free-lunches-to-students-1.2613731
With schools shuttered by coronavirus, Pennsylvania Department of Education offering help to school districts to keep students learning
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/with-schools-shuttered-by-coronavirus-pennsylvania-department-of-education-offering-help-to-school-districts-to/article_7f1983a6-736f-11ea-b6e2-8bba9148e328.html
FBI issues warning about ‘hijacking’ of online classes by intruders after schools report serious disruptions
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-zoom-fbi-hijacking-20200331.html
King’s president: Fund aiding students in time of virus
https://www.timesleader.com/news/778451/kings-president-fund-aiding-students-in-time-of-virus
LCCC will offer students other grading options
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lccc-will-offer-students-other-grading-options-1.2613576
Hundreds of Penn State students, parents petition for rent relief
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/01/hundreds-of-penn-state-students-parents-petition-for-rent-relief/
Elecciones/Política
Pennsylvania expecting $14.1M in ‘election assistance’ grants from stimulus package
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/03/31/Pennsylvania-election-assistance-grants-14-1-million-stimulus-package-2020/stories/202003310166
County pushes vote-by-mail option for primary
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-pushes-vote-by-mail-option-for-primary-1.2613492
Cost savings of postponed primary in Westmoreland could be eaten up by mail-in ballots
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/cost-savings-of-postponed-primary-in-westmoreland-could-be-eaten-up-by-mail-in-ballots/
Sanidad
No need to panic, pharmacists caution
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/no-need-to-panic-pharmacists-caution-1.2613615
Noticias locales
Bus route into Scranton from COVID-19 epicenter triggers anxiety
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/bus-route-into-scranton-from-covid-19-epicenter-triggers-anxiety-1.2613513
Schuster appointed to Scranton City Council
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/schuster-appointed-to-scranton-city-council-1.2613502
Dunmore native, beloved priest Joseph Sica dies
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dunmore-native-beloved-priest-joseph-sica-dies-1.2613398
Mayfield takes matters into its own hands, produces hand sanitizer
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/mayfield-takes-matters-into-its-own-hands-produces-hand-sanitizer-1.2613533
Hospitals have surge plans, Luzerne County official says
https://www.timesleader.com/news/778434/hospitals-have-surge-plans-luzerne-county-official-says
Luzerne County Council delays decision on prison health care provider
https://www.timesleader.com/news/778442/luzerne-county-council-delays-decision-on-prison-health-care-provider
Luzerne County tax penalty date likely to be pushed back
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-tax-penalty-date-likely-to-be-pushed-back-1.2613491
County furloughs 59 staff members
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/04/county-furloughs-59-staff-members/
Filadelfia
The rent is due, and many can’t pay. Here’s what some Philadelphians are doing in the meantime.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/coronavirus-april-1-rent-reductions-strikes-organizing-rights-20200401.html
SEPTA to start new coronavirus protections, including rear-door boarding and suspension of onboard fare payments
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-rear-door-boarding-bus-trolley-fare-payment-rider-limits-20200401.html
Coronavirus quiets the boom of Philly construction
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/coronavirus-construction-nonessential-business-philadelphia-pennsylvania-jobs-20200401.html
Shame shouldn’t be the reason employers do right by their workers | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/labor-grocery-delivery-gig-workers-penn-starr-76ers-corona-helen-ubinas-20200331.html
‘Not gonna break my bank’: Developers say coronavirus won’t end Philly’s real estate boom
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/01/not-gonna-break-my-bank-developers-say-coronavirus-wont-end-phillys-real-estate-boom/
Nursing is a hot degree. Philly area undergrads can earn over $70,000 out of college. | Does that Degree Pay?
https://www.inquirer.com/business/nursing-degree-income-college-tuition-cost-20200401.html
Mayor Jim Kenney calls out DA Larry Krasner after gunman shoots five people, including a 1-year-old boy, at North Philly rowhouse
https://www.inquirer.com/news/five-shot-strawberry-mansion-philadelphia-police-darrell-clarke-gunman-violence-20200331.html
Pitt
City eyeing lines of credit to maintain continuous operations amid COVID-19 economic disruption
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/31/City-pittsburgh-lines-of-credit-maintain-continuous-operations-COVID-19-economy/stories/202003310101
More than 600 inmates released from Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh to slow pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/more-than-600-inmates-released-from-allegheny-county-jail-in-pittsburgh-to-slow-pandemic/
Convention center considered for ‘alternate care site’ as cases increase
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/31/Allegheny-County-Pennsylvania-COVID-19-coronavirus-cases-deaths-March-31-health-snapshot/stories/202003310084
COVID-19 takes its toll on Fairmont, other Downtown hotels
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/04/01/Pittsburgh-hotels-hotel-industry-coronaviru-Fairmont-Downtown-temporarily-closed/stories/202004010065
Allegheny County map shows where free food is being distributed
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-map-shows-where-free-food-is-being-distributed/
Church Brew Works, Sysco host produce giveaway in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/church-brew-works-sysco-host-produce-giveaway-in-pittsburgh/
A challenge to Pittsburgh: The city can take the lead on ventilator production
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/04/01/Pittsburgh-challenge-ventilator-production-Cornell-University/stories/202004010047
Pittsburgh Knights see an opportunity for esports to enter live-sports void
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2020/04/01/Pittsburgh-Knights-esports-tournaments-madden-fortnite-rocket-league/stories/202003250086
As demand spikes for disinfectant, cleaners take on COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/04/01/cleaners-covid-19-coronavirus-disinfectant-electrostatic-machine-Pittsburgh-janitors/stories/202003310045
COVID-19 means slow times for Pittsburgh area auto service shops
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/31/Auto-service-COVID-19-PennDOT-inspection-deadline-extended-pittsburgh/stories/202003310146
Coronavirus means Pittsburghers are self-quarantining for who knows how long, so let’s all vote by mail
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/coronavirus-means-pittsburghers-are-self-quarantining-for-who-knows-how-long-so-lets-all-vote-by-mail/Content?oid=17044832
Man dies after being shot in Oakland early Wednesday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/01/Man-hospitalized-after-being-shot-in-Oakland-early-Wednesday/stories/202004010076
Noticias del Estado
Guatemalan girl and her father freed from Berks immigrant detention center
https://www.inquirer.com/news/maddie-guatemalan-berks-detention-center-pandemic-20200331.html
U.S. judge orders release of 10 immigrants in Pennsylvania, calling ICE incapable of protecting them from coronavirus behind bars
https://www.inquirer.com/news/immigration-detention-coronavirus-pennsylvania-ice-pike-clinton-york-county-20200331.html
Some York County immigration detainees granted release because of coronavirus risk
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2020/03/31/judge-orders-immediate-release-group-people-immigration-detention-york-county-prison-new-coronavirus/5094681002/
Litter piles up at Pennsylvania state parks
https://triblive.com/local/regional/litter-piles-up-at-pennsylvania-state-parks/
Berks County farmers dumping milk: ‘We’ve never been asked to do this’
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-farmers-dumping-milk-weve-never-been-asked-to-do-this/article_c7319c52-7354-11ea-ae53-a3a0cc02754e.html
Vacation rentals advertising Pocono listings as havens for travelers escaping COVID-19
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200331/vacation-rentals-advertising-pocono-listings-as-havens-for-travelers-escaping-covid-19
Transporte
As traffic plummets, Allentown airport could see millions in relief from coronavirus stimulus package
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-stimulus-could-bring-millions-allentown-airport-20200401-6qhiea7dwjdujgj37ovnln33ay-story.html
Washington
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan warns of coronavirus scams
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/u-s-rep-chrissy-houlahan-warns-of-coronavirus-scams/article_3f8b3fbe-73af-11ea-bf8f-5fb22b2017c6.html