Coronavirus - COVID-19
‘Stay the course’: Gov. Wolf resists calls to reopen economy, ease stay-home order
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/04/17/pennsylvania-governor-Wolf-reopen-economy-stay-home-order-coronavirus/stories/202004170076
‘Pennsylvanians need some certainty’ on return to normalcy, Gov. Wolf says; but it’s unclear when that will happen
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/gov-wolf-holds-news-conference-on-coronavirus-live-updates.html
Gov. Wolf: No specific date for ending covid-19 shutdown, getting ‘back to life as we once knew it’
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-no-specific-date-for-ending-covid-19-shutdown-getting-back-to-life-as-we-once-knew-it/
Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: State has ‘flattened the curve,’ official says
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-thursday-count-20200416-veirb4ogsfgcdhncfuy4ep63zm-story.html
Wolf demurs on extending stay-at-home order; PA death toll passes 700
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200416/wolf-demurs-on-extending-stay-at-home-order-pa-death-toll-passes-700
Wolf: Pa. has no plans to extend stay-at-home order
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/04/16/wolf-pa-has-no-plans-extend-stay-home-order/5146500002/
Gov. Wolf warns of $5 billion deficit, backs states’ call for additional federal aid
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/16/governor-Wolf-pennsylvania-budget-deficit-additional-federal-aid-pandemic/stories/202004160125
Hospitals looking for more help; lawmakers say Pennsylvania shorted on CARES Act relief
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hospitals-looking-for-more-help-lawmakers-say-pennsylvania-shorted-on-cares-act-relief/
Nursing homes don’t have to disclose COVID-19 cases. Some want that changed.
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/04/17/nursing-homes-COVID-19-disclosure-Mike-DeWine-Pennsylvania-Ohio/stories/202004160147
Beaver County officials frustrated over tracking of nursing home’s coronavirus outbreak
https://triblive.com/local/regional/beaver-county-officials-frustrated-over-tracking-of-brighton-nursing-homes-coronavirus-outbreak/
Short on staff because of COVID-19, a Montgomery County nursing home suddenly sends 37 seniors to the Lehigh Valley
https://www.inquirer.com/news/phoebe-wyncote-covid-19-relocation-montgomery-county-20200416.html
11 nursing and personal care home workers in Luzerne County infected with virus
https://www.timesleader.com/news/780371/11-nursing-and-personal-care-home-workers-in-luzerne-county-infected-with-virus
6 more deaths reported by Berks County coroner; Pa. now documenting nursing home cases and deaths
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/6-more-deaths-reported-by-berks-county-coroner-pa-now-documenting-nursing-home-cases-and/article_d2afbb88-7ff0-11ea-84e4-bf83b191dc45.html
Allegheny County COVID-19 death count up 12; state publishes more demographic data
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/16/Allegheny-County-Western-PA-Pennsylvania-covid-19-coronavirus-cases-deaths-pandemic/stories/202004160127
12 more coronavirus deaths reported in Allegheny County after delay in data
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/12-more-coronavirus-deaths-reported-in-allegheny-county-after-delay-in-data/
Montco coronavirus death toll hits 128, including 84 residents of nursing homes
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montco-coronavirus-death-toll-hits-128-including-84-residents-of-nursing-homes/article_5e3a0977-95c2-5a4d-b5ed-e851b8b8064e.html
One new nursing home death in Luzerne County, 11 employees infected
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/one-new-nursing-home-death-in-luzerne-county-11-employees-infected-1.2619217
Disparity emerges in Lackawanna County coronavirus death toll
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/disparity-emerges-in-lackawanna-county-coronavirus-death-toll-1.2618974
Pa. released figures on the coronavirus and race, but not specific geographic data. Experts say that’s a problem.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/coronavirus-covid-19-demographic-data-pennsylvania-geographic-race-20200417.html
Berks County officials warn coronavirus cases may surge if recommendations ignored
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-officials-warn-coronavirus-cases-may-surge-if-recommendations-ignored/article_d0fcea42-7ff8-11ea-9f91-776cb4fb57c1.html
Commissioners: Brighton Rehab COVID-19 numbers indicate gaps in state data
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200416/commissioners-brighton-rehab-covid-19-numbers-indicate-gaps-in-state-data
Feds OK boost for some food stamp recipients, deny Pa.’s request for broader increase
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/feds-approve-boost-for-some-food-stamp-recipients-deny-pennsylvanias-request-for-broader-increase/
Report: COVID-19 patients recovering quickly during clinical trial of drug remdesivir
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/17/Covid-19-patients-recovering-quickly-experimental-drug-remdesivir-Penn-State-Health-clinical-trial/stories/202004170077
‘This is a nightmare:’ Coronavirus ravages family of a Clarks Summit man
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/this-is-a-nightmare-coronavirus-ravages-family-of-a-clarks-summit-man-1.2619123
Pa.’s new banking head: Feds are doing the right things, but bigger relief checks are needed to rescue America
https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/richard-vague-recession-depression-banking-20200417.html
Scanlon outlines financial aid sources during pandemic
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/scanlon-outlines-financial-aid-sources-during-pandemic/article_19f84d2c-8030-11ea-8033-f32249ec7ad4.html
Toomey, picked for Trump’s task force, supports reopening parts of economy ‘very soon’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/04/16/Senator-Pat-Toomey-Trump-task-force-supports-reopening-parts-economy-very-soon/stories/202004160161
Meuser echoes Trump’s criticisms of WHO during phone town hall
https://www.timesleader.com/news/780369/meuser-echoes-trumps-criticisms-of-who-during-phone-town-hall
Meuser: Dems are complicating small business program
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/meuser-dems-are-complicating-small-business-program-1.2619232
White House outlines coronavirus reopening guidelines, saying some states could resume normal operations ‘literally tomorrow’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-reopening-trump-covid-19-states-guidelines-governors-20200416.html
I didn’t get my coronavirus stimulus check. What should I do?
https://www.inquirer.com/business/stimulus-checks-coronavirus-covid19-20200416.html
The drive to reopen the Pa. economy is part of a national partisan battle
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-economy-wolf-harrisburg-legislature-trump-20200416.html
7 Midwestern governors — including DeWine — announce states will coordinate on reopening
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/04/16/Midwest-governors-reopen-economy-states-announce-partnership-reopening/stories/202004160209
Legislatura
Pennsylvania coronavirus business battle: Republican senators want to give business closure decisions to counties, Gov. Wolf says ‘no’
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-business-virus-battle-20200416-ykitq6vma5gpvjekdcgrh2rnii-story.html
As Republicans push business reopenings, workers wonder what’s in store for them
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/as-republicans-push-business-reopenings-workers-wonder-whats-in-store-for-them/
Scarnati: Gov. Wolf should consider more ‘common-sense’ approach
https://www.lockhaven.com/news/local-news/2020/04/scarnati-gov-wolf-should-consider-more-common-sense-approach/
Local lawmakers vote to open some businesses
https://www.sungazette.com/news/top-news/2020/04/local-lawmakers-vote-to-open-some-businesses/
Carroll, Mullery support mass testing site at arena
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/carroll-mullery-support-mass-testing-site-at-arena-1.2619227
Public health only standard
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/public-health-only-standard-1.2619100
Fears of addiction are overblown. Pa. needs to legalize recreational marijuana | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/fears-of-addiction-are-overblown-pa-needs-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-opinion/
Empresas
Unprecedented job losses infuriate Pa. workers as unemployment benefits can’t keep up: ‘We are getting desperate’
https://www.inquirer.com/economy/coronavirus-pennsylvania-unemployment-benefit-online-apply-wait-times-pin-number-20200416.html
In search of masks and some changes, businesses adapt to new state order
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/04/16/face-masks-order-Pennsylvania-Health-Dept-coronavirus-grocery-stores-pharmacies/stories/202004160189
Businesses work to comply with mask mandate
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/businesses-work-to-comply-with-mask-mandate-1.2619215
Desperate for cash, self-employed Pennsylvanians face high-stakes choice between loans and unemployment benefits
https://www.inquirer.com/business/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-self-employed-loans-unemployment-sba-20200416.html
Wright Twp. company making protective gowns
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wright-twp-company-making-protective-gowns-1.2619098
Coronavirus changes how people shop in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-changes-how-people-shop-in-berks-county/article_d7bdb51c-7e83-11ea-8704-475574a8edc3.html
Rite Aid, CVS have face masks for its employees, and will limit customers as new state order goes into effect on Sunday
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/rite-aid-cvs-have-face-masks-for-its-employees-and-will-limit-customers-as-new-state-order-goes-into-effect-on-sunday.html
Businesses impacted by coronavirus get extension of Pennsylvania loan deferrals
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/businesses-impacted-by-coronavirus-get-extension-of-pennsylvania-loan-deferrals/article_b5409346-7fec-11ea-93ed-7f54818321b5.html
PA Labor and Industry Department offering COVID-19 jobs portal
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200416/pa-labor-and-industry-department-offering-covid-19-jobs-portal
Monroe County offers loan lifeline to small businesses struggling in shutdown
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200416/monroe-county-offers-loan-lifeline-to-small-businesses-struggling-in-shutdown
Delito/Castigo
Coronavirus-prompted inmate reduction continues in Luzerne County prison system
https://www.timesleader.com/news/780385/coronavirus-prompted-inmate-reduction-continues-in-luzerne-county-prison-system
Brentwood ‘gun battle’ under investigation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/16/Brentwood-shooting-gun-battle-under-investigation-clermont-avenue/stories/202004160155
Educación
Local colleges and universities to share $10 million in federal grants
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/local-colleges-and-universities-to-share-10-million-in-federal-grants-1.2619084
Charging full tuition for online classes? No, say some students, despite the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-tuition-university-of-the-arts-temple-drexel-west-chester-lawsuit-refund-20200416.html
Crunching the numbers behind Erie’s competing higher education plans | Fact Check
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/crunching-the-numbers-behind-eries-competing-higher-education-plans-fact-check/
Elecciones/Política
Joe Biden calls for expansion of short-term compensation programs during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/coronavirus-joe-biden-presidential-campaign-platform-20200416.html
Juegos
Online gambling explodes in Pa. as brick-and-mortar casino revenues tank due to pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/business/online-betting-poker-casino-revenues-pennsylvania-valley-forge-fanduel-20200416.html
Revenue drops 51% at Pennsylvania casinos in March
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/revenue-drops-51-at-pennsylvania-casinos-in-march-1.2619108
March casino revenues plummet following COVID shutdown
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/march-casino-revenues-plummet-following-covid-shutdown/article_e154bb2a-801d-11ea-a2af-935c2b0b8ed8.html
Sanidad
Allegheny Health Network supplements N95 masks with reusable respirators for coronavirus patients
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-health-network-supplements-n95-masks-with-reusable-respirators-for-coronavirus-patients/
Wright Center joins six hospital systems on personal care home task force
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/wright-center-joins-six-hospital-systems-on-personal-care-home-task-force-1.2619097
Medical college students graduate early to help COVID-19 fight
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/medical-college-students-graduate-early-to-help-covid-19-fight-1.2619068
Noticias locales
Bucks to reopen parks closed by coronavirus
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200416/bucks-to-reopen-parks-closed-by-coronavirus
Coatesville enacts citywide curfew
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/coatesville-enacts-citywide-curfew/article_ab234c5e-8029-11ea-acce-a3402919e352.html
Broadband internet survey deadline extended for Westmoreland, other regional counties
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/broadband-internet-survey-deadline-extended-for-westmoreland-other-regional-counties/
Brown announces furloughs following storm damage to City Hall
https://www.timesleader.com/news/780373/brown-announces-furloughs-following-storm-damage-to-city-hall
The virus in our backyard
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/the-virus-in-our-backyard-1.2619087
Seventeen Luzerne County employees volunteer for layoffs
https://www.timesleader.com/news/780389/seventeen-luzerne-county-employees-volunteer-for-layoffs
County workers begin voluntary furloughs today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-workers-begin-voluntary-furloughs-today-1.2619128
Convention authority to vote on testing site
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/convention-authority-to-vote-on-testing-site-1.2619125
County’s summer concert series postponed due to pandemic
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-s-summer-concert-series-postponed-due-to-pandemic-1.2619127
W-B suffered $1M in storm damage
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-suffered-1m-in-storm-damage-1.2619229
As many as half of Wyoming County government employees to be laid off
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/as-many-as-half-of-wyoming-county-government-employees-to-be-laid-off-1.2618977
Even with coronavirus stimulus, Lehigh Valley tourism, transportation struggle to make ends meet
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-nws-coronavirus-tourism-travel-hard-hit-20200417-oyrapasrb5herag6emc347bfbq-story.html
Noticias nacionales
EPA overhauls mercury pollution rule, despite opposition from industry and activists alike
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/epa-mercury-pollution-20200416.html
Filadelfia
Philly’s women- and minority-owned businesses say they’re getting the shaft on emergency coronavirus loans
https://www.inquirer.com/business/ppp-coronavirus-loans-women-minority-owned-businesses-20200417.html
Philly’s public school students to start remote learning Monday
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/phillys-public-school-students-to-start-remote-learning-monday/article_19764355-60a8-5872-aa97-e2b90fc00884.html
Is Philly air cleaner because of coronavirus stay-at-home orders?
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/air-quality-coronavirus-pollution-levels-decrease-philadelphia-20200417.html
A Philly boy posted videos backing Trump. What has happened since ‘overwhelmed’ him, he says.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/cole-mccafferty-philadelphia-trump-supporter-newsweek-lawsuit-2020-20200417.html
PGW wants an 11% rate hike as gas consumption falls
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/pgw-utility-bill-coronavirus-pennsylvania-rate-increase-20200416.html
Philly Asian American groups are making thousands of masks for hospitals and senior centers
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-masks-covid-19-chinese-korean-americans-racism-20200416.html
Nonprofits to share $2.5 million in latest grants from the PHL COVID-19 Fund
https://www.inquirer.com/news/phl-covid-19-fund-greater-philadelphia-region-non-profits-20200416.html
Pitt
Mayor Peduto offers reassurance but warns of ‘dark days ahead’ for city budget
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/16/Pittsburgh-Mayor-Bill-Peduto-praises-city-efforts-COVID-19-response-warns-looming-budget-woes/stories/202004160157
Mayor Peduto: Pittsburgh will feel financial effects of pandemic for 5 years
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mayor-peduto-pittsburgh-will-feel-financial-effect-of-pandemic-for-5-years/
Allegheny county COVID-19 map might disguise impact on black communities
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/17/allegheny-county-covid-19-map-might-disguise-impact-on-black-communities/
Allegheny County might soon send all county voters mail-in ballot applications with prepaid postage
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/allegheny-county-might-soon-send-all-county-voters-mail-in-ballot-applications-with-prepaid-postage/Content?oid=17142631
No chair needed: Demand for parking in lots and garages plummets as people work from home
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/04/17/Pittsburgh-Parking-Authority-Alco-Parking-North-Shore-Downtown-airport/stories/202004170060
Back to normal not likely for Pitt in the fall, chancellor says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/04/16/Pitt-academic-calendar-university-students-Pittsburgh-fall-semester-coronavirus/stories/202004160183
Lawsuits allege abuse, name diocese and Holy Family Institute
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/04/16/roman-catholic-diocese-pittsburgh-abuse-lawsuit-holy-family-institute-emsworth/stories/202004070146
Low ridership during COVID-19 paints a bleak financial picture for Port Authority
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/16/Port-Authority-COVID-19-low-bus-ridership-revenue-financial-loss-coronavirus/stories/202004160134
Pittsburghers for Public Transit pushes for more buses on busy routes to reduce social contact
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/16/Pittsburghers-for-Public-Transit-Port-Authority-more-buses-social-distancing-COVID-19/stories/202004160164
One transported to hospital after shooting in the Hill District
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/16/Pittsburgh-Hill-District-shooting-one-transported-hospital-Shotspotter-alert/stories/202004160196
Allegheny County asks residents to refrain from open burning during coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-asks-residents-to-refrain-from-open-burning-during-coronavirus-pandemic/
Noticias del Estado
Workers returning to Pa. liquor stores to boost online sales
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/106-pa-liquor-stores-to-reopen-to-fulfill-online-sales/
Buying liquor online in Pa. expected to become a little easier in coming days as capacity to fill orders expands
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/buying-liquor-online-in-pa-expected-to-become-a-little-easier-in-coming-days-as-capacity-to-fill-orders-expands.html
Crisis fund helps Allegheny, Beaver organizations cope with pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/regional/crisis-fund-helps-allegheny-beaver-organizations-cope-with-pandemic/
Pa. counties, cities cut staff due to financial uncertainty caused by COVID-19
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/16/pa-counties-cities-cut-staff-due-to-financial-uncertainty-caused-by-covid-19/
We have to ensure Pa.’s most vulnerable have access to food during COVID-19 | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/we-have-to-ensure-pa-s-most-vulnerable-have-access-to-food-during-covid-19-opinion/
Clean energy can be a pillar of the Coronavirus Recovery | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/clean-energy-can-be-a-pillar-of-the-coronavirus-recovery-opinion/
Transporte
Pa. Turnpike considers cutting capital budget projects, transit payments
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/16/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-COVID-19-low-traffic-revenue-capital-transit-payments/stories/202004160144
Washington
New study says Trump has ‘dangerously undermined truth’ with attacks on news media
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/journalism-trump-fake-news-impact-united-states-democracy-20200416.html