Coronavirus - COVID-19
COVID-19 death totals adjusted downward for state, region
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/23/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths/stories/202004230100
Pa. removes more than 200 deaths from official coronavirus count as questions mount about reporting process, data accuracy
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pennsylvania-death-count-changes-confusion-coroanvirus-20200423.html
Pennsylvania’s coronavirus death toll actually dropped by 201 on Thursday. Here’s how that happened
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-pa-updates-case-counts-deaths-20200423-z3eiy6k7yjbzdckvwwzszubn44-story.html
Pennsylvania reports 1,369 new coronavirus cases, changes how it reports deaths
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-1369-new-coronavirus-cases-changes-how-it-reports-deaths/
State revises virus death toll in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-revises-virus-death-toll-in-county-1.2621533
Here’s what happens in each of Pennsylvania’s reopening phases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/heres-what-happens-in-each-of-pennsylvanias-reopening-phases/
Wolf administration to use Carnegie Mellon-developed data dashboard in reopening Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/wolf-administration-to-use-cmu-developed-data-dashboard-for-pennsylvania/
Gov. Wolf’s reopening plan Q&A: How will this work?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/gov-wolfs-reopening-plan-qa-how-will-this-work.html
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf says decisions on when to reopen regions will depend on data, ‘subjective’ factors
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-pa-tom-wolf-reopen-economy-updates-20200423-fuzfxvecxfcehksbdryvtf5e5u-story.html
Gov. Wolf: Coronavirus data not only factor for reopening Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-data-on-coronavirus-cases-will-guide-not-make-decision-on-reopening-pennsylvania/
Wolf acknowledges state’s lack of COVID-19 testing
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-acknowledges-state-s-lack-of-covid-19-testing-1.2621536
Officials to study regions for Pa.’s gradual return to normalcy
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/officials-to-study-regions-for-pa-s-gradual-return-to-normalcy/article_3e2cee40-8586-11ea-897d-973d997dc76c.html
Based on new metrics, region not close to having restrictions lifted
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/based-on-new-metrics-region-not-close-to-having-restrictions-lifted-1.2621534
Westmoreland officials cautiously optimistic about state reopening plans
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-officials-cautiously-optimistic-about-state-reopening-plans/
Emergency management officials in rural counties caution against reopening too quickly
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/emergency-management-officials-in-rural-counties-caution-against-reopening-too-quickly-1.2621305
Nursing home cases won’t be separated from rest of county under Wolf’s reopening plan
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200423/nursing-home-cases-wonrsquot-be-separated-from-rest-of-county-under-wolfrsquos-reopening-plan
Cusat: City not ready for ‘full-blown reopening’
https://www.standardspeaker.com/coronavirus/cusat-city-not-ready-for-full-blown-reopening-1.2621509
Gov. Wolf: Get used to wearing protective masks
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781264/gov-wolf-get-used-to-wearing-protective-masks
AARP calls on Pennsylvania to release list of nursing homes with coronavirus cases
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/aarp-nursing-home-deaths-cases-pennsylvania-covid-20200423.html
Allegheny County reports 61 new coronavirus cases, lowers death toll based on data error
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-61-new-coronavirus-cases-lowers-death-toll-based-on-data-error/
Coronavirus cases rise by 143 in Berks County; deaths up
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-cases-rise-by-143-in-berks-county-deaths-up/article_47e0c75a-8562-11ea-9619-df742ff98e14.html
Montco coronavirus death toll climbs to 179
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montco-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-179/article_4d5bb1b0-6310-5435-b831-3173915e291d.html
Allegheny Health Network opens COVID-19 testing site in Natrona Heights
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/23/Allegheny-Health-Network-COVID-19-testing-site-pittsburgh-Natrona-Heights/stories/202004230092
MedExpress offers covid-19 testing at select offices across Pittsburgh region
https://triblive.com/local/regional/medexpress-offers-covid-19-testing-at-select-offices-across-pittsburgh-region/
What is an antibody test, how do you get one, and are they being used in Pennsylvania?
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-what-is-an-antibody-test-20200424-q5r2d46rfvfhpjyudsp72zejj4-story.html
COVID-19 in NEPA: Domestic violence advocates worry about women’s safety in the pandemic
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/covid-19-in-nepa-domestic-violence-advocates-worry-about-womens-safety-in-the-pandemic/
Unnecessary dispute: Coroners, health officials should work together
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/04/24/Unnecessary-dispute-Coroners-health-officials-should-work-together/stories/202004160064
Coronavirus is the leading cause of death in Los Angeles County
https://www.post-gazette.com/frontpage/2020/04/24/Coronavirus-is-the-leading-cause-of-death-in-Los-Angeles-County/stories/202004240080
Congress passes nearly $500 billion more in coronavirus aid
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/coronavirus-small-business-aid-relief-hospitals-house-passes-20200423.html
Casey: Nation, state have ‘a long way to go’ out of COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200423/casey-nation-state-have-rsquoa-long-way-to-gorsquo-out-of-covid-19-pandemic
Legislatura
Keep stimulus cash from debt collectors
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/keep-stimulus-cash-from-debt-collectors-1.2621450
The state Legislature received masks made by prisoners — but it’s unclear who used them
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/the-state-legislature-received-masks-made-by-prisoners-but-its-unclear-who-used-them/
Lawmakers should anticipate avalanche of evictions after coronavirus | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/coronavirus-covid-19-eviction-housing-crisis-20200424.html
Administración
Despite shutdown of Pa., most voters support Gov. Tom Wolf’s handling of coronavirus crisis
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/despite-shutdown-of-pa-most-voters-support-gov-tom-wolfs-handling-of-coronavirus-crisis.html
Empresas
Pandemic has claimed 1.5 million Pennsylvania jobs, but a forecaster sees a temporary summer ‘pop’ in rehiring
https://www.inquirer.com/economy/us-unemployment-pennsylvania-coronavirus-economy-reopen-recovery-20200423.html
Pennsylvania jobless claims climb to 1.6 million
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-jobless-claims-climb-to-1-6-million/
Self-employed Pennsylvanians report confusion, glitches when applying for financial assistance
https://triblive.com/local/regional/self-employed-pennsylvanians-report-confusion-glitches-when-applying-for-financial-assistance/
Unresponsive, unreachable unemployment office infuriates Pennsylvania residents
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/pa-residents-furious-with-unresponsive-unemployment-office-busy-signal-no-live-chat.html
No timeline set to release list of Pa. businesses that received coveted coronavirus waivers, top official says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/04/23/There-s-no-timeline-to-release-list-of-Pa-businesses-that-received-coveted-coronavirus-waivers-top-official-says/stories/202004230147
Amid a pandemic, a $130 million office development is proposed in Moon
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/04/23/Burns-Scalo-Moon-Township-Diamond-Ridge-Chevron-Parkway-West-development/stories/202004230119
Stopping virus remains a huge challenge at crowded meat plants
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/04/24/pork-plant-Tyson-closes-coronavirus-COVID-19-outbreak-meat-workers-Smithfield/stories/202004230187
Comcast is still charging late fees, but you don’t have to pay them
https://www.inquirer.com/business/comcast/comcast-xfinity-late-fees-coronavirus-covid19-20200423.html
They lived in a Delco factory for 28 days to make millions of pounds of raw PPE materials to help fight coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-ppe-materials-marcus-hook-delaware-county-factory-joe-boyce-20200423.html
CEO resigns state board post over Wolf comments
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ceo-resigns-state-board-post-over-wolf-comments-1.2621503
Local Wegmans employee tests positive for coronavirus
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-wegmans-employee-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-1.2621411
Business owners see flaws in PPP
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/04/business-owners-see-flaws-in-ppp/
Delco council opens $1.75M grant fund for small businesses
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/delco-council-opens-1-75m-grant-fund-for-small-businesses/article_d79b085a-85ae-11ea-9584-4fcc2221e356.html
Businesses, community groups stepping up to help despite own struggles
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200424/businesses-community-groups-stepping-up-to-help-despite-own-struggles
Delito/Castigo
His father was the 1st Pa. inmate to die of COVID-19. Now, he’ll continue the fight to ‘clear his name’
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/his-father-was-the-1st-pa-inmate-to-die-of-covid-19-now-he-ll/article_eb52c68a-8626-11ea-801a-c78ba74e06da.html
Educación
New date set for college hopefuls to take SAT exams
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/04/23/SAT-tests-new-date-September-entrance-exam-COVID-19-College-Board/stories/202004230130
College students have to wait to May to learn likely amount of state grant
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/college-students-have-to-wait-to-may-to-learn-likely-amount-of-state-grant.html
Penn State furloughs some employees with 50% pay, doesn’t rule out future layoffs
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/23/penn-state-furloughs-some-employees-with-50-pay-doesnt-rule-out-future-layoffs/
Elecciones/Política
Allegheny alone among many Western Pennsylvania counties concerned about in-person voting for primary
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/04/23/mail-in-voting-ballot-Allegheny-County-voter-registration-Pennsylvania-primary/stories/202004230162
On June 2, just mail it in
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/on-june-2-just-mail-it-in-1.2621394
Swing-state Republicans, including in Pa., work to pin coronavirus fallout on Democrats
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/swing-state-republicans-including-in-pa-working-to-pin-coronavirus-fallout-on-democrats.html
Sanidad
More people are using antidepressants and antianxiety medications during coronavirus pandemic: survey
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-mental-health-anxiety-depression-20200424.html
Already limping along, small, rural hospitals feeling even sicker
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/04/24/Jack-Sisk-punxsutawney-area-hospital-andy-carter-denis-lukes/stories/202004200035
Berks County doctors drawing strength from Ramadan to fight coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-doctors-drawing-strength-from-ramadan-to-fight-coronavirus/article_1fba9ed4-84e2-11ea-9f71-976b8e0db0db.html
Noticias locales
St. Ubaldo Day in Jessup and Italy canceled
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/st-ubaldo-day-in-jessup-and-italy-canceled-1.2621520
BARTA bus driver tests positive for COVID-19, official says
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/barta-bus-driver-tests-positive-for-covid-19-official-says/article_0eb13d04-85a1-11ea-9c7e-cb372bb4d7b1.html
Derailed by coronavirus, Berks County officials want more time to complete 2020 census
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/derailed-by-coronavirus-berks-county-officials-want-more-time-to-complete-2020-census/article_68ddc36c-84aa-11ea-9430-6bcf2461df9e.html
Cheswick councilman giving away 1,000 gallons of hand sanitizer
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/cheswick-councilman-is-giving-away-1000-gallons-of-hand-sanitizer/
Filadelfia
Coronavirus impact: Philly schools face $1 billion hole over 5 years as Kenney administration asks departments to cut budgets by 20%
https://www.inquirer.com/news/budget-philadelphia-school-district-city-cuts-staff-servcies-kenney-20200423.html
When children return to school, they will most likely need to wear masks, Philly superintendent says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-school-wear-masks-pennsylvania-philadelphia-hite-reopen-hotspot-budget-20200423.html
Red light, green light: What do Pa.’s reopening phases mean for Philly amid the coronavirus pandemic?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pennsylvania-philadelphia-open-date-phases-businesses-closed-lockdown-home-20200423.html
Philly small businesses will get another shot at emergency coronavirus loans after a frustrating first try
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/sba-ppp-jpmorgan-td-citizens-pnc-worc-small-business-relief-loans-republic-huntingdon-valley-bank-20200423.html
Residents share keys and move each other’s trash cans on a South Philly block. But coronavirus has upended Beechwood Street.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/a/coronavirus-south-philadelphia-beechwood-street-20200424.html
PHL COVID-19 Fund awards third set of grants, worth more than $2.5 million
https://www.inquirer.com/news/phl-covid-19-fund-helps-nonprofits-20200423.html
Bootsie Barnes, Philadelphia tenor sax great, has died of coronavirus at 82
https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/bootsy-barnes-philadelphia-jazz-sax-coronavirus-obituary-20200423.html
17-year-old killed in shooting outside Philly convenience store
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/southwest-philadelphia-shooting-homicide-convenience-store-20200423.html
Parents arrested in fatal shooting of NE Philly girl, 4; DA says father was dealing drugs at the time
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-northeast-girl-fatally-shot-homicide-secane-drive-larry-krasner-arrest-20200423.html
Pitt
Food bank distribution scheduled today at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2020/04/24/Food-bank-distribution-today-at-PPG-Paints-Arena-Pittsburgh-coronavirus/stories/202004230084
Pittsburgh diocese issues new directives on weddings, funerals
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/04/23/Pittsburgh-Catholic-diocese-directives-reopening-weddings-funerals-confessions/stories/202004230164
Port Authority to increase safety protocols at West Mifflin garage after 5th worker there tests positive for covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/port-authority-to-increase-safety-protocols-at-west-mifflin-garage-after-another-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19/
Peters Township declares COVID-19 disaster emergency
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2020/04/23/Peters-Township-declares-disaster-emergency-COVID-19-pandemic/stories/202004240005
Man critically wounded in shooting in South Side Slopes
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/23/Southside-Slopes-shooting-St-Paul-Street-South-Side-Pittsburgh-police-hospital/stories/202004230178
Allegheny County votes to consolidate primary polling locations
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-votes-to-consolidate-primary-polling-locations/
National fundraiser supports Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and other libraries
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/national-fundraiser-supports-carnegie-library-of-pittsburgh-and-other-libraries/
Noticias del Estado
Pa. liquor stores open for curbside pickup. Here’s how to place an order at a location near you.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-liquor-store-open-curbside-delivery-wine-alcohol-sales-20200420.html
Pennsylvania liquor stores rake in $2.3M in first days of curbside sales, with more to open
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-liquor-stores-rake-in-2-3-million-in-first-3-days-of-curbside-sales/
Pa. carbon cap and fee plan projected to cut emissions, hasten coal closures
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/04/23/Pa-carbon-cap-and-fee-regional-greenhouse-gas-nuclear-coal-gas-DEP-shale-plant/stories/202004230142
Pa.’s first spotted lanternfly hatch of the year found in Philadelphia near Penn, Drexel
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/spotted-lanternfly-philadelphia-pennsylvania-penn-drexel-20200423.html
‘Investigations are fixed’: State employees say Human Relations Commission biased, unfair
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/04/23/grandview-golf-course-case-employees-say-human-relations-commission-unfair/4901970002/
Western Pa. farmers markets to open with covid-19 twists, precautions
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/farmers-markets-in-greensburg-pittsburgh-and-region-to-open-with-covid-19-twists-precautions/
Pennsylvania bet its economic future on fracking, plastics. Was it all a giant scam? | Will Bunch
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/pennsylvania-fracking-plastics-oil-price-crash-20200423.html
Transporte
Airports numbers drop significantly; Air Show cancelled
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781217/airports-numbers-drop-significantly-air-show-cancelled
Westmoreland to upgrade another 4 miles of freight rail lines
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-to-upgrade-another-4-miles-of-freight-rail-lines/
Washington
Trump Administration considers leveraging emergency coronavirus loan to force Postal Service changes
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/postal-service-changes-coronavirus-loan-trump-administration-20200423.html