Coronavirus - COVID-19
Pa. to announce Friday which counties will reopen May 8; how they will be determined is still unclear
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-to-announce-friday-which-counties-will-reopen-may-8-how-they-will-be-determined-is-still-unclear.html
Wolf more flexible on lifting restrictions than his plan suggests
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/wolf-more-flexible-on-lifting-restrictions-than-his-plan-suggests-1.2622910
Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: Gov. Wolf says ‘common sense’ will drive reopening plan and regional metrics won’t dominate
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-roundup-virus-tuesday-20200428-oxmxw4uswnei3mgsp7k576v3ie-story.html
Pennsylvania’s first reopening steps will occur without mass testing capacity
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/28/pennsylvanias-first-reopening-steps-will-occur-without-mass-testing-capacity/
Levine: Nursing home COVID-19 cases ‘will be included’ in reopening evaluations
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200428/levine-nursing-home-covid-19-cases-rsquowill-be-includedrsquo-in-reopening-evaluations
Pa. Sec. of Health talks abuse at home in the time of COVID-19
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200428/pa-sec-of-health-talks-abuse-at-home-in-time-of-covid-19
Death tolls climb, but Pa. and N.J. say there’s a leveling of coronavirus cases and talk reopening plans
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-deaths-cases-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-reopening-20200428.html
Official: Pennsylvania may have passed coronavirus peak, but surges still possible
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-reports-119-more-coronavirus-deaths-more-than-1200-new-cases/
COVID-19 testing lags in Pennsylvania as federal government promises help
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/04/29/COVID-19-testing-Pennsylvania-UPMC-LabCorp-Butler-Health-System-supply-shortages/stories/202004280062
Data: More deaths in state from COVID-19 than flu
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/data-more-deaths-in-state-from-covid-19-than-flu-1.2623160
How to get tested for the coronavirus in the Philadelphia area
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing-sites-philadelphia-main-line-south-jersey-insurance-20200324.html
22 new nursing home deaths in W. Pa., including 13 in Beaver County and 8 in Allegheny
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/28/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-death-data/stories/202004280076
Allegheny County reports 8 new deaths, 11 more coronavirus cases
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-eight-new-deaths-11-more-coronavirus-cases/
Westmoreland County adds 6 new coronavirus cases, no additional deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-adds-6-new-coronavirus-cases-no-additional-deaths/
Three more COVID-19 deaths, 43 new cases confirmed in Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/three-more-covid-19-deaths-43-new-cases-confirmed-in-luzerne-county-1.2623161
7 new coronavirus deaths reported in Berks County; 79 new daily positive cases announced
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/7-new-coronavirus-deaths-reported-in-berks-county-79-new-daily-positive-cases-announced-charts/article_18c73198-8963-11ea-a59d-efef215aaf98.html
Montgomery County coronavirus death toll climbs to 233
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-233/article_5666a700-cfc6-5d20-a00a-b42cadece263.html
Elderly majority of coronavirus deaths in Bucks County as total reaches 168
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200428/elderly-majority-of-coronavirus-deaths-in-bucks-county-as-total-reaches-168
‘Disturbing’ events at Beaver County nursing home as COVID-19 deaths rise to 52
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/04/28/Disturbing-events-at-Beaver-County-nursing-home-as-COVID-19-deaths-rise-to-52/stories/202004280137
Lawsuit alleges Brighton Rehab performed coronavirus drug experiments on residents
https://triblive.com/local/regional/lawsuit-alleges-brighton-rehab-performed-coronavirus-drug-experiments-on-residents/
Mountain View nursing home has at least 25 COVID-19 cases
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/mountain-view-nursing-home-has-at-least-25-covid-19-cases-1.2623069
County officials ‘knocking on wood’ Westmoreland Manor remains virus-free
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/county-officials-knocking-on-wood-westmoreland-manor-remains-virus-free/
Recovery from COVID-19 can take months or longer, local health experts say
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/28/COVID-19-recovery-coronavirus-illness-infections-damage-UPMC-Eaton-Butcher/stories/202004220126
Rite Aid expands testing criteria for COVID-19; test sites open 7 days a week
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/rite-aid-expands-testing-criteria-for-covid-19-test-sites-open-7-days-a-week-1.2623102
Levine offers caveats on individual antibody testing
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/levine-offers-caveats-on-individual-antibody-testing/
As national stockpile dwindles, Lamb urges more safety supplies for testers, contact tracers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/04/28/Lamb-personal-protective-equipment-masks-gowns-gloves-FEMA-Trump/stories/202004280096
ER doctor, a Wyoming Sem graduate, dies of suicide after weeks of treating COVID-19 patients
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/er-doctor-a-wyoming-sem-graduate-dies-of-suicide-after-weeks-of-treating-covid-19-patients-1.2623092
What is Kawasaki disease? The rare child syndrome might have link to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/29/Kawasaki-disease-children-rare-syndrome-linked-coronavirus-COVID-19-inflammatory/stories/202004280167
Mass layoffs begin in cities and states amid coronavirus fallout, threatening education, sanitation, health and safety
https://www.inquirer.com/economy/coronavirus-pandemic-fallout-layoffs-cuts-economy-20200429.html
High rates of coronavirus among African Americans don’t tell the whole story | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-black-americans-racial-disparities-testing-data-20200429.html
CDC recommends social distancing for pets
https://www.post-gazette.com/pets/pet-reports/2020/04/29/coronavirus-pets-CDC-social-distancing-dogs-test-positive/stories/202004280166
Trump orders meat plants to stay open during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-meat-trump-executive-order-20200428.html
Pence comes under fire for going maskless at Mayo Clinic
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pence-mask-mayo-clinic-20200428.html
Meuser hosts over-the-phone town-hall, answering unemployment questions
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781765/meuser-hosts-over-the-phone-town-hall-answering-unemployment-questions
Anti-vaxxers sow doubt about coronavirus vaccine before one even exists
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/anti-vaxxers-sow-doubt-about-coronavirus-vaccine-before-one-even-exists.html
Legislatura
Sen. Muth, Chester County coroner call for probe into veterans’ deaths in East Vincent
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/sen-muth-chester-county-coroner-call-for-probe-into-veterans-deaths-in-east-vincent/article_204746d4-898f-11ea-9672-9b8f7d49a22f.html
Focus on telemedicine: State bill should be reconsidered, minus amendment
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/04/29/Focus-on-telemedicine-pennsylvania-state-bill-should-be-reconsidered-minus-amendment/stories/202004240046
Bill would allow Pennsylvania restaurants to serve to-go cocktails during pandemic
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/bill-would-allow-pennsylvania-restaurants-to-serve-to-go-cocktails-during-pandemic/
Pa. restaurants, taverns may soon be able to sell mixed drinks to go
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-restaurants-taverns-may-soon-be-able-to-sell-mixed-drinks-to-go.html
Cocktails to go may be coming to Pennsylvania
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-pa-cocktails-to-go-20200429-volyjy3ebbapboufdwc2637zha-story.html
Proposed Pa. bill could provide financial assistance to fire, EMS amid pandemic
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/proposed-bill-could-provide-financial-assistance-to-fire-ems-amid-pandemic/
Pa. lawmakers work to redefine short-term rentals
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200429/pa-lawmakers-work-to-redefine-short-term-rentals
Ex-House Speaker Bill DeWeese must pay $100K-plus restitution on corruption conviction, split Pa. court says
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/ex-house-speaker-bill-deweese-must-pay-100k-plus-restitution-on-corruption-conviction-split-pa-court-says.html
Presupuesto
Gov. Tom Wolf says he won’t abandon ambitious spending plan as massive budget deficit looms
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/04/28/Gov-Tom-Wolf-says-he-won-t-abandon-ambitious-spending-plan-as-massive-budget-deficit-looms/stories/202004280133
Empresas
Despite COVID-19 guidelines, Pa. receives 1,000-plus complaints about non-compliant businesses
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/04/28/face-masks-enforcement-businesses-Pennsylvania-police-guidelines-compliance/stories/202004280104
Coronavirus has consumers making an ‘extraordinary’ number of price-gouging complaints
https://www.inquirer.com/consumer/coronavirus-price-gouging-complaints-pa-nj-20200429.html
Pa. marketing firm behind viral Steak-umm Twitter — a ‘friendly but weird’ voice during pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/04/28/steak-umm-twitter-coronavirus-pandemic-viral-allebach-communications/stories/202004280087
A Bucks County sinus medicine company got more than $4 million in emergency coronavirus PPP money — then gave it back
https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/ppp-coronavirus-loans-optinose-20200429.html
Deadly ride: How coronavirus struck down Bell & Evans poultry workers going to work in a crowded van
https://www.inquirer.com/business/coronavirus-bell-evans-chicken-deaths-covid-19–20200428.html
Push to reopen economy runs up against workers and consumers worried about risk
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pandemic-economy-reopening-fears-workers-consumers-20200429.html
Meat suppliers warn prices to rise due to high demand, plant closures
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/meat-suppliers-warn-prices-to-rise-due-to-high-demand-plant-closures-1.2623117
Weis Markets to take employees’ temps
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/weis-markets-to-take-employees-temps-1.2623120
Is a meat shortage looming? Central Pa. grocers brace for limited supplies, price hikes
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/is-a-meat-shortage-looming-some-central-pa-grocers-say-items-limited-prices-could-rise.html
Coronavirus unemployment benefits are high, putting workers and employers at odds
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/28/coronavirus-unemployment-benefits-are-high-putting-workers-and-employers-at-odds/
‘It was terrible’: Many frustrated with unemployment delays
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200429/it-was-terrible-many-frustrated-with-unemployment-delays
Delito/Castigo
Montgomery County’s jail tested every inmate for COVID-19 — and found 30 times more cases than previously known
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-testing-montgomery-county-jail-asymptomatic-philadelphia-prisons-20200428.html
Two 15-year-olds critically wounded in McKeesport shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/28/McKeesport-shooting-police-found-two-15-year-old-boys-shot-Craig-Street/stories/202004280151
His unemployment benefits were delayed by the coronavirus. Then he threatened to kill Gov. Wolf’s family, police say.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/brian-rafferty-bucks-county-threats-gov-tom-wolf-20200428.html
Richard Baumhammers still on death row 20 years after killing spree
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/baumhammers-killing-spree-was-20-years-ago/
3 men hospitalized after being shot in Homewood, 2 in critical condition
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/3-men-hospitalized-after-being-shot-in-homewood-2-in-critical-condition/
Commutation applications put on indefinite hold, as reformers press for action amid pandemic
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/commutation-applications-put-on-indefinite-hold-as-reformers-press-for-action-amid-pandemic/
Chester records second homicide in two days, 16th for year
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/chester-records-second-homicide-in-two-days-16th-for-year/article_843509f0-89a4-11ea-bf21-8b177a4d1cb0.html
Educación
Will schools reopen to students in the fall? This may not be the answer parents want to hear
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/will-schools-reopen-to-students-in-the-fall-this-may-not-be-the-answer-parents-want-to-hear.html
State education department to provide districts with no-cost programs
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/state-education-department-to-provide-districts-with-no-cost-programs-1.2623030
Allentown School District shut out of state money to buy computers for students during coronavirus
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-allentown-schools-state-money-computers-20200428-dgny4udtmfaklmfnen5tm4atny-story.html
Fox Chapel Area hires new superintendent from Franklin Regional
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/04/29/Fox-Chapel-Area-hires-new-superintendent-Mary-Reljac/stories/202004290067
Norwin teachers make face shields for ambulance service, school nurse sews masks
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/norwin-teachers-make-face-shields-for-ambulance-service-school-nurse-sews-masks/
Lunch distributions going well, school officials say
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lunch-distributions-going-well-school-officials-say-1.2623101
With learning at home, schedule and flexibility are key
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/with-learning-at-home-schedule-and-flexibility-are-key-1.2623229
How school closings due to coronavirus are helping parents see benefits of later start times for teens | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/expert-opinions/later-school-start-times-teens-benefits-coronavirus-closures-20200415.html
Daughter of Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy to attend CMU this fall
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/04/28/Felicity-Huffman-William-H-Macy-daughter-Sophia-to-attend-Carnegie-Mellon-drama-theater/stories/202004280132
Haverford College continues cherished tradition, despite coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/education/haverford-college-tradition-coronavirus-pinwheel-day-20200427.html
How Berks County college students stuck on campus navigate life during coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/how-berks-county-college-students-stuck-on-campus-navigate-life-during-coronavirus/article_3d8506b8-831e-11ea-9f7c-c3f52679275f.html
Elecciones/Política
Luzerne County manager proposes paper ballots for in-person voting June 2
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781745/luzerne-county-manager-proposes-paper-ballots-for-in-person-voting-june-2
County to use paper ballots for primary due to virus concerns
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-to-use-paper-ballots-for-primary-due-to-virus-concerns-1.2623147
Calls grow for Joe Biden to address sexual assault allegation by former aide
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/joe-biden-sexual-assault-allegations-tara-reade-20200429.html
GOP state House candidate appeals to Supreme Court in challenge to Gov. Wolf’s shutdown
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/28/republican-candidate-devito-Supreme-Court-appeal-pennsylvania-governor-businesses-order-pandemic/stories/202004280061
Sanidad
Philadelphia-area hospitals begin plans to resume elective surgeries, but still far from ‘back to normal’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-resume-elective-procedures-hospitals-20200428.html
Excela Health considers return to elective surgeries while stressing safety
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/excela-health-considers-return-to-elective-surgeries-while-stressing-safety/
Noticias locales
Auditor: Scranton gas card system a ‘dumpster fire’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/auditor-scranton-gas-card-system-a-dumpster-fire-1.2623135
Plan to monitor city gas cards evolving
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/plan-to-monitor-city-gas-cards-evolving-1.2623057
‘Muni’ can’t be replaced
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/muni-can-t-be-replaced-1.2623052
Animal Rescue League lays off 20% of staff, including longtime humane officer Harry D. Brown III
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/animal-rescue-league-lays-off-20-of-staff-including-longtime-humane-officer-harry-d-brown/article_f6c50868-898f-11ea-abaa-bb2810dc5a18.html
An emergency COVID-19 fund in Delco fights to feed the newly needy in the ’burbs | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/coronavirus-covid19-foundation-for-delaware-county-pa-suburban-poverty-food-banks-maria-panaritis-20200429.html
Thomas J. Judge Sr., Delco GOP chairman for 34 years who ‘treated everyone with respect,’ dies at 91
https://www.inquirer.com/news/thomas-judge-delaware-county-republican-party-chairman-20200428.html
Food collection set as pantries sound alarm on dire need
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/food-collection-set-as-pantries-sound-alarm-on-dire-need/article_94d63c66-896d-11ea-a79d-0382f009760d.html
Filadelfia
Recipients call Presser Foundation awards of more than a half million dollars ‘amazing’ at a critical time
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/philadelphia-arts-culture-music-foundation-covid-19-20200428.html
Phillies could play this season in empty Citizens Bank Park under new MLB plan
https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/philadelphia-phillies-season-start-mlb-empty-ballpark-june-20200428.html
Philly’s Odunde Festival, the country’s largest African American street fest, is canceled due to the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/odunde-festival-coronavirus-canceled-philadelphia-summer-events-20200428.html
SEPTA has made progress on employees’ coronavirus safety demands, union president says
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-union-twu-safety-demands-coronavirus-20200428.html
Chestnut Hill looks for small-business support as its main street, like so many others, remains empty
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/chestnut-hill-small-biz-struggles-20200428.html
Yes, she’s new, but Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw needs to be more visible | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/police-commisisoner-outlaw-coronavirus-philly-jenice-armstrong-20200428.html
Healthcare workers don’t need Blue Angels. They need green money. | Solomon Jones
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/blue-angels-thunderbirds-philadelphia-new-york-city-trenton-flyover-start-time-flight-path-maps-coronavirus-20200428.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh free water about to dry up, rough estimate puts cost as high as $20 million
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-free-water-about-to-dry-up-rough-estimate-puts-cost-as-high-as-20-million/
Pittsburgh announces millions in funding for coronavirus aid programs
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-announces-millions-in-funding-for-coronavirus-aid-programs/
11 more inmates test positive for COVID-19 at Allegheny County Jail
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/28/Allegheny-County-Jail-inmates-coronavirus-COVID-19-cases-11-test-positive/stories/202004280116
Covid-19 cases at Allegheny County Jail double overnight; 24 inmates, 3 staffers test positive
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/covid-19-cases-at-allegheny-county-jail-double-overnight-19-inmates-3-staffers-test-positive/
COVID-19 cases triple among Allegheny County jail inmates
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/28/covid-19-cases-triple-among-county-jail-inmates/
Ripe for harvest? Produce terminal developer eyes more land in the Strip District.
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/04/29/Strip-District-building-McCaffery-produce-terminal-Rugby-Brickworks-Benkovitz-site-development-pittsburgh/stories/202004290040
‘This Is Us’ goes full Pittsburgh and donates meals to local hospitals
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2020/04/28/COVID-19-This-Is-Us-TV-Sterling-K-Brown-donates-meals-Pittsburgh-hospitals/stories/202004280124
‘The need is now’: Butler food drive helps feed 1,500
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/04/29/Big-Butler-Fairgrounds-food-bank-drive-Greater-Pittsburgh-1500-customers/stories/202004280141
Pittsburgh food bank hosting drive-up distributions in Beaver, Greene counties
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburgh-food-bank-hosting-drive-up-distributions-in-beaver-greene-counties/
12th Port Authority of Allegheny County employee tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/29/12th-Port-Authority-of-Allegheny-County-employee-tests-positive-for-COVID-19/stories/202004290064
10 of Port Authority’s 12 covid-19 cases linked to the same West Mifflin garage, despite ‘deep cleaning’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/10-of-port-authoritys-12-covid-19-cases-linked-to-the-same-west-mifflin-garage-despite-deep-cleaning/
City reopens community gardens, asks public to follow social distancing guidelines
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/28/City-cdc-guidelines-covid-19-community-gardens-pittsburgh-mental-health/stories/202004280086
Food giveaway set in McCandless for those affected by shutdown
https://northjournal.triblive.com/food-being-distributed-today-in-mccandless-for-people-affected-by-mandated-shutdown/
Noticias del Estado
State Game Commission investigating bald eagle deaths
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-game-commission-investigating-bald-eagle-deaths-1.2622912
Emergency state remains for courts in Pennsylvania, but Berks should be able to expand hearings
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/emergency-state-remains-for-courts-in-pennsylvania-but-berks-should-be-able-to-expand-hearings/article_39a7053a-898d-11ea-873f-7b041acb862d.html
Statewide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures extended until May 11
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/28/pennsylvanias-halt-on-evictions-and-foreclosures-runs-out-this-week/
Shapiro urges landlords not to evict tenants facing hardship
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200428/shapiro-urges-landlords-not-to-evict-tenants-facing-hardship
Transporte
Allegheny County to resume work Friday on road projects in Penn Hils, Collier and South Hills
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/28/Allegheny-County-road-projects-Penn-Hills-Collier-Mt-Lebanon-Upper-St-Clair-Scott/stories/202004280114