Coronavirus - COVID-19
Area state senators line up along party lines in vote to reopen parts of economy
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/04/15/Pennsylvania-coronavirus-state-senators-bill-reopen-segments-economy-lockdown/stories/202004150152
State Senate sends Wolf bill aimed at reopening Pa. businesses; Guv signals veto
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/state-senate-sends-wolf-bill-aimed-at-reopening-pa-businesses/
Wolf will veto bill to reopen more Pa. businesses; Levine warns it puts ‘more lives at risk’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/04/15/Pennsylvania-House-vote-Gov-Wolf-s-business-closure-coronavirus/stories/202004150119
Gov. Tom Wolf will veto bill that would allow more Pa. businesses to open during COVID-19 crisis
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/gov-tom-wolf-will-veto-bill-that-would-allow-more-pa-businesses-to-open-during-covid-19-crisis.html
Gov. Wolf plans to veto GOP bill to reopen businesses shuttered by coronavirus shutdown
https://papost.org/2020/04/15/bill-to-open-more-pa-businesses-headed-to-gov-wolf/
Pennsylvania Senate sends bill in support of reopening businesses to Wolf’s desk
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/pennsylvania-senate-sends-bill-in-support-of-reopening-businesses-to-wolfs-desk/article_e19522ac-7f67-11ea-acfd-73912c501b32.html
Pa. Senate sends bill that would reopen businesses to Gov. Wolf; governor plans to veto
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-senate-sends-business-reopener-bill-to-governors-desk.html
Local legislators fall along party lines in votes on business reopening bill
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200415/local-legislators-fall-along-party-lines-in-votes-on-business-reopening-bill
Pennsylvania coronavirus business battle: Legislature votes to replace governor’s business-closure system with federal guidance; Wolf will veto
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-government-wednesday-20200415-lfxsujomqreqvaidrjkl23xrsm-story.html
Legislature appears to lack votes to overturn Gov. Tom Wolf’s closure of nonessential businesses due to coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pa-house-governor-tom-wolf-essential-businesses-20200415.html
State Senate approves better process for COVID-19 mitigation
https://www.timesleader.com/news/780246/state-senate-approves-better-process-for-covid-19-mitigation
Pennsylvania launches task force to address coronavirus outbreaks among minorities
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-launches-task-force-to-address-coronavirus-outbreaks-among-minorities/
Health experts say it’s too early to tell if recovering from COVID-19 means immunity
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/health-experts-say-it-s-too-early-to-tell-if-recovering-from-covid-19-means-immunity-1.2618932
Health Department links half of Pa.’s virus deaths to personal care facilities
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/15/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data/stories/202004150100
Pennsylvania rolls out data on nursing home coronavirus cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-rolls-out-data-on-nursing-home-coronavirus-cases/
Virus takes heavy toll at nursing homes
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/virus-takes-heavy-toll-at-nursing-homes-1.2618877
Amid outbreak, new data reveals disease toll on Lackawanna County nursing homes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/amid-outbreak-new-data-reveals-disease-toll-on-lackawanna-county-nursing-homes-1.2618753
About half of state’s 647 deaths are in nursing homes, with 21 reported in the Lehigh Valley
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-cases-statewide-20200415-6oiuholqgzbnphl5gx7entrec4-story.html
Bulk of COVID-19 deaths in Monroe County are long-term care patients
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200415/bulk-of-covid-19-deaths-in-monroe-county-are-long-term-care-patients
Most of Luzerne County’s coronavirus deaths involve long-term care facility residents, new report shows
https://www.timesleader.com/news/780261/most-of-luzerne-countys-coronavirus-deaths-involve-long-term-care-facility-residents-new-report-shows
Coronavirus hits nearly 300 Pa. elder-care centers, accounting for half the state’s deaths
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-deaths-philadelphia-long-term-car-nursing-homes-stimulus-masks-20200415.html
Allegheny County reports 2 more coronavirus deaths, 11 more cases
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-2-more-coronavirus-deaths-11-more-cases/
3 more coronavirus deaths reported in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/16th-coronavirus-death-reported-in-westmoreland/
Montgomery County reports 11 more coronavirus deaths; testing site to open in Whitpain
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-reports-11-more-coronavirus-deaths-testing-site-to-open-in-whitpain/article_41bfed6d-6259-5f84-9fe9-c2edb38df645.html
1 death, 44 new cases reported in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/1-death-44-new-cases-reported-in-county-1.2618875
Coronavirus: 60 now dead in Bucks County
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200415/coronavirus-60-now-dead-in-bucks-county
Coronavirus canceled their plans. They want their money back, but they can’t get it.
https://www.inquirer.com/consumer/coronvirus-cancellations-refunds-20200416.html
Rite Aid in Monroeville to begin self-swab testing for covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/rite-aid-in-monroeville-to-begin-self-swab-testing-for-covid-19/
Levine: Arena ‘best place’ for mass testing site
https://www.timesleader.com/news/780250/levine-arena-best-place-for-mass-testing-site
Testing facility coming to arena
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/testing-facility-coming-to-arena-1.2618868
Similar mass testing facilty opened in Montgomery County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/similar-mass-testing-facilty-opened-in-montgomery-county-1.2618869
Rep. Pashinski requests state select an alternate testing site
https://www.timesleader.com/news/780254/rep-pashinski-requests-state-select-an-alternate-testing-site
COVID-19 testing site at arena will open Sunday; Yudichak, township concerned
https://www.timesleader.com/top-stories/780142/yudichak-concerned-about-esstablishing-a-covid-19-test-site-at-arena
East Stroudsburg University converts field house to temporary hospital for recovering coronavirus patients
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-esu-koehler-field-house-20200415-oz4skeles5hizi4m4g7xd24vae-story.html
Another $15 billion for food stamps, but poor households find groceries out of reach
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/04/16/food-stamps-SNAP-Congress-USDA-groceries-online-purchasing/stories/202004140010
Be aware of child abuse: Reports are down because of pandemic isolation
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/04/16/Be-aware-of-child-abuse-Reports-are-down-because-of-pandemic-isolation/stories/202004070040
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey says the coronavirus outbreak has reached a peak. That’s half true. | PolitiFact
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/cornavirus-toomey-trump-republicans-economy-true-false-20200416.html
California nurses suspended for refusing COVID-19 care without N95 mask
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/04/16/Nurses-suspended-for-refusing-COVID-19-care-without-N95-mask/stories/202004160098
Las Vegas casino executives discuss reopening with dealers in masks
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/travel/2020/04/16/Las-Vegas-casino-executives-discuss-reopening-with-dealers-in-masks/stories/202004160099
Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen 1st NFL player to reveal positive COVID-19 test
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/04/16/Los-Angeles-Rams-Allen-1st-NFL-player-to-reveal-positive-COVID-19-test/stories/202004160097
China, Europe show restarting virus-hit economies not easy
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/2020/04/16/China-Europe-show-restarting-virus-hit-economy-covid-19/stories/202004160103
Legislatura
Community partnership aims to help homebound seniors in Lackawanna County
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/community-partnership-aims-to-help-homebound-seniors-in-lackawanna-county-1.2618749
Yudichak: Inspectors investigate nearly 300 concerns about businesses; no violations found
https://www.timesleader.com/news/780245/yudichak-inspectors-investigate-nearly-300-concerns-about-businesses-no-violations-found
It’s Pennsylvania politics as usual, even in the pandemic | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/its-pennsylvania-politics-as-usual-even-in-the-pandemic-john-baer.html
Our view: Give auto dealers a middle way
https://www.goerie.com/opinion/20200416/our-view-give-auto-dealers-middle-way
Empresas
Masks required for employees and customers, new Pa. health department order states
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/04/15/face-masks-order-Pennsylvania-Dept-of-Health-Dr-Rachel-Levine-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202004150131
Pennsylvania orders businesses to turn away customers who don’t wear masks
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-orders-businesses-to-turn-away-customers-who-dont-wear-masks/
Pennsylvania’s latest safety order: Essential businesses must require workers, most customers to wear masks
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-biz-levine-pennsylvania-worker-safety-order-20200415-k7mhtu27tzhdjemqypglfjym7e-story.html
More careful tracking of coronavirus spread may be key to reopening businesses
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/more-careful-tracking-of-coronavirus-spread-may-be-key-to-reopening-businesses-1.2618706
Employees at Pa.’s ‘life-sustaining’ businesses question if their work is worth the risk
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/04/16/Employees-at-Pa-s-life-sustaining-businesses-question-if-their-work-is-worth-the-risk/stories/202004160083
Executives paint White House push to reopen nation from coronavirus shutdowns as haphazard
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/coronavirus-us-reopen-economy-white-house-task-force-haphazard-20200416.html
Online sales keep Western Pa. breweries, distilleries, wineries in business during coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/regional/online-sales-keep-western-pa-breweries-distilleries-wineries-in-business-during-coronavirus-pandemic/
Harrison Sheetz challenges other stores to use extra $3 an hour to help less fortunate
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-sheetz-challenges-other-stores-to-use-extra-3-an-hour-to-help-less-fortunate/
Employee at McDonald’s in Allegheny Township tests positive for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/mcdonalds-employee-in-allegheny-township-tests-positive-for-covid-19/
Another Adidas employee tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/another-adidas-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1.2618767
Slots are filled for a month’: In Lehigh Valley, grocery delivery services can’t meet spike in demand during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-grocery-delivery-services-overwhelmed-20200416-oxh2i6wwybf23brkqvkmqnrbga-story.html
Why beer stores are open and liquor stores aren’t (would you believe toilet paper?)
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-pennsylvania-beer-stores-liquor-stores-coronavirus-muschick-20200416-vydyd52gjnfptpyuxtmtrk4jru-story.html
Shell to call back more workers; state says no waiver needed
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200415/shell-to-call-back-more-workers-state-says-no-waiver-needed
‘Hope and prayer’: Pennsylvania farms scramble for answers as coronavirus threatens workers
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/04/15/coronavirus-fruit-vegetable-farms-worker-shortage-adams-franklin/2902199001/
Delito/Castigo
East Liberty man arrested in Braddock for allegedly spitting in the face of Edgewood Giant Eagle manager
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/16/East-Liberty-man-police-say-spit-in-the-face-Giant-Eagle-manager-Edgewood/stories/202004160102
Westmoreland jail inmates asking court for release over coronavirus fears; Allegheny has released nearly 1,000
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-jail-inmates-asking-court-for-release-over-coronavirus-fears-allegheny-has-released-nearly-1000/
State begins releasing some prisoners temporarily amid coronavirus outbreak
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-begins-releasing-some-prisoners-temporarily-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-1.2618769
Prison inmates in Waymart receive reprieves
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/prison-inmates-in-waymart-receive-reprieves-1.2618763
No virus found in inmates in NEPA state prisons
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/no-virus-found-in-inmates-in-nepa-state-prisons-1.2618929
Inmate blocked from release
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/04/inmate-blocked-from-release/
Officials: 40-70 percent of prison personnel expected to get coronavirus
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/officials-40-70-percent-of-prison-personnel-expected-to-get-coronavirus/article_aae74332-7f73-11ea-962e-3f9747f39697.html
Educación
Coronavirus pandemic poised to rob high school seniors of moments and milestones
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-pandemic-poised-to-rob-high-school-seniors-of-moments-and-milestones/article_09301410-78fc-11ea-b374-0704d070b2ea.html
Crestwood adjusts its lunch distribution program
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/crestwood-adjusts-its-lunch-distribution-program-1.2618866
How Pennsylvania is discouraging education during the coronavirus crisis | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/04/how-pennsylvania-is-discouraging-education-during-the-coronavirus-crisis-opinion.html
Wilkes to offer grading options for students
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-to-offer-grading-options-for-students-1.2618770
Colleges should respond to coronavirus by overhauling funding and online courses | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-colleges-universities-closures-tuition-endowments-20200416.html
Elecciones/Política
The pandemic campaign: An unexpected challenge, and a mixed blessing for Pa. political underdogs
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/16/the-pandemic-campaign-an-unexpected-challenge-and-a-mixed-blessing-for-pa-political-underdogs/
Sanidad
Covid-19 crisis could cost Pennsylvania hospitals $2 billion per month, health advocates warn
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/covid-19-crisis-could-cost-pennsylvania-hospitals-2-billion-per-month-health-advocates-warn/
Facing huge losses, Einstein plans furloughs and puts out a plea for fair funding
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/covid-coronavirus-einstein-hospitals-cares-casey-pennsylvania-jefferson-philadelphia-20200415.html
Uninsured pregnant women need support to confront coronavirus | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-pregnant-women-insurance-healthcare-clinics-20200415.html
Allegheny Health Network receives $100k gift for personal protective equipment
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-health-network-receives-100k-gift-for-personal-protective-equipment/
COVID-19: Community hospitals monitor supplies
https://buckscountyherald.com/covid-community-hospitals-monitor-supplies-p4266-175.htm
Report: Local hospitals were in financial distress pre-COVID-19
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200415/report-local-hospitals-were-in-financial-distress-pre-covid-19
Noticias locales
Lackawanna County emergency declaration extended through May 15
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-emergency-declaration-extended-through-may-15-1.2618718
Berks County waiting on more protective equipment for front line workers
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-waiting-on-more-protective-equipment-for-front-line-workers/article_8b79eb34-7f1f-11ea-b419-5fd8423d1b85.html
Chester County will apply for $91M in federal coronavirus funds
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/chester-county-will-apply-for-91m-in-federal-coronavirus-funds/article_6f716ab2-7f2d-11ea-91d1-d3533f2606eb.html
Shutdown causing West Chester to run low on cash
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/shutdown-causing-west-chester-to-run-low-on-cash/article_9bb6c070-7f2a-11ea-9b3d-bffcefee46ea.html
Upper Darby, faced with failing sewers, adds pipe inspections before home sales
https://www.inquirer.com/news/upper-darby-home-sale-sewer-lateral-inspection-20200416.html
Upper Darby school debate shows the limits of virtual government | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-government-transparency-upper-darby-township-council-20200415.html
More than 300 free meals served daily in Freeport-Buffalo Township area, donations sought to continue
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/up-to-320-free-meals-available-daily-in-the-freeport-area-school-district-donations-sought-to-continue/
Washington County Food Bank holding ‘single largest’ distribution Friday in Canonsburg
https://triblive.com/local/regional/washington-county-food-bank-holding-single-largest-distribution-friday-in-canonsburg/
Noticias nacionales
Delaware River named River of the Year by national environmental organization
https://www.inquirer.com/news/delaware-river-american-rivers-environment-20200415.html
Filadelfia
Philly port workers threatened a work stoppage over coronavirus safety precautions. They’re still calling for more.
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/port-of-philadelphia-dockworkers-coronavirus-longshoremen-stevedores-safety-20200415.html
On the coronavirus front lines, Philly nurses also battle supply shortages and tension with employers
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/nurses-safety-concerns-hospitals-supply-shortages-coronavirus-20200416.html
He died in prison from the coronavirus — three days before a breakthrough in his 30-year fight to clear his name
https://www.inquirer.com/news/sci-phoenix-coronavirus-death-rudolph-sutton-pennsylvania-innocence-project-20200415.html
Philly is offering free meals for seniors and free diapers for babies. Here’s how to get them.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-free-diapers-food-seniors-20200415.html
Troubled-debt team assumes control of Philly hotel loan as coronavirus takes severe toll on visits to city
https://www.inquirer.com/news/notary-hotel-braemer-philadelphia-debt-special-servicer-coronavirus-wells-fargo-hotels-20200415.html
Are Philly schools waiting too long to get students online after the coronavirus closures?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philly-public-schools-report-lag-remote-learning-20200415.html
Philly judge denies all emergency motions to release prisoners during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/philly-judge-denies-all-emergency-motions-to-release-prisoners-during-coronavirus-pandemic/article_e880108e-7f41-11ea-a7ed-dff59d6a0322.html
How people in Philly are spending their coronavirus stimulus checks
https://www.inquirer.com/economy/philadelphia-coronavirus-stimulus-checks-20200415.html
3 teens shot on SEPTA bus in Northeast Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/shooting-septa-bus-bustleton-northeast-philadelphia-20200416.html
SEPTA gives surgical masks to riders amid coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/coronavirus-septa-free-face-masks-riders-bsl-mfl-stations-20200415.html
This Mexican journalist just became the top editor of Philadelphia’s Impacto newspaper. Now, she faces challenges.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/perla-lara-latino-spanish-language-news-20200416.html
Pitt
Allegheny County officials: More coronavirus testing needed before businesses can reopen
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-officials-more-coronavirus-testing-needed-before-businesses-can-reopen/
Company letter urging Parklane tenants to vacate Highland Park apartments by June interpreted as eviction
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/04/16/Parkland-Apartments-Albio-Village-Green-COVID-19-highland-park-pittsburgh/stories/202004100142
Allegheny County asks for extended suspension of federal civil cases because of virus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/15/Allegheny-County-extended-suspension-federal-civil-cases-virus-COVID-19/stories/202004150139
First Pittsburgh worker dies of COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/15/First-pittsburgh-environmental-services-worker-dies-of-COVID-19/stories/202004150093
Pittsburgh Public Works employee dies from coronavirus complications
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-worker-dies-from-coronavirus-complications/
City schools prioritize student engagement as remote learning begins
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/04/15/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-remote-learning-engage-students-high-school-seniors/stories/202004150153
Pittsburgh Public Schools to begin remote learning plan
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-public-schools-to-begin-remote-learning-plan/
On Jackie Robinson Day, Thomas Tull’s donation to hospitals a nod to No. 42
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19-kind/2020/04/15/Thomas-Tull-donation-Jackie-Robinson-Day-protective-equipment-PPE-hospitals-COVID-19/stories/202004150148
Educational television when Pittsburgh needs it most
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2020/04/16/Educational-television-when-Pittsburgh-needs-it-most/stories/202004150107
Man sues Pittsburgh diocese, alleging sexual abuse by priests decades ago
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/new-hampshire-man-sues-pittsburgh-diocese-lawsuit-alleges-sex-abuse-by-3-priests-in-60s-70s/
Pittsburgh planning extension of trail from the Point to Highland Park Bridge
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-planning-extension-of-trail-from-point-to-highland-park-bridge/
Noticias del Estado
No way around balky online system for selling liquor and wine
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/drinks/2020/04/15/PA-PLCB-special-order-sales-online-wine-spirits/stories/202004150059
Transporte
HIA remains open but largely empty because of the coronavirus: ‘April will be the slowest month we’ve ever had’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/hia-remains-open-but-largely-empty-because-of-the-coronavirus-april-will-be-the-slowest-month-weve-ever-had.html