Coronavirus
Pennsylvania to open virus testing sites; job losses spike
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/17/Pennsylvania-to-open-virus-testing-sites-job-losses-spike/stories/202003170175
Coronavirus cases accelerate in Pennsylvania, jump to 96 with ‘sustained community spread’ expected
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-coronavirus-tuesday-state-20200317-nkfvfjewxzah5ilflxx524tvye-story.html
Everything you need to know about the Pennsylvania coronavirus shutdown | Latest updates
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pennsylvania-shutdown-essential-nonessential-coronavirus-guide-20200317.html
Gov. Wolf orders child care centers to close, but some can seek waivers
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/17/Gov-Wolf-orders-child-care-centers-close-waiver-pennsylvania-day-care-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202003160149
County assistance offices closing, services continue
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776719/county-assistance-offices-closing-services-continue
Allegheny County now has 10 COVID-19 cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/17/Allegheny-County-10-COVID-19-cases-coronavirus/stories/202003170092
Allegheny County confirms 1 new coronavirus case, 3 presumptive positives
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-1-more-coronavirus-case-bringing-total-to-7/
Geisinger confirms three coronavirus cases
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776682/geisinger-confirms-three-coronavirus-cases
Defining essential versus non-essential businesses under Gov. Tom Wolf’s shutdown order
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/defining-essential-versus-non-essential-businesses-under-gov-tom-wolf/article_90e5b3a6-6862-11ea-ae59-4fd4eb0f8bcf.html
Despite coronavirus, Pa. says state workers, retirees will get their checks on time
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/despite-coronavirus-pa-says-state-workers-retirees-will-get-their-checks-on-time.html
As the coronavirus spreads, Pa. and New Jersey race to add hospital beds, testing
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pa-new-jersey-hospitals-capacity-cases-business-20200318.html
After mixed messages, Pa. and Philly agree to shutter day care centers for coronavirus
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/17/after-mixed-messages-pa-and-philly-agree-to-shutter-day-care-centers-for-coronavirus/
Pa. Supreme Court Justice Wecht under self-quarantine after son presumptively tests positive
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/17/Fox-Chapel-high-school-students-sibling-contact-COVID-19-coronavirus-spread/stories/202003170102
Impacted by coronavirus? You may be eligible for unemployment benefits
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/impacted-by-coronavirus-you-may-be-eligible-for-unemployment-benefits-1.2608643
Here’s what we know about the 100 people who’ve died in the U.S. from COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/corona2020/2020/03/18/Here-s-what-we-know-about-the-100-people-who-ve-died-in-the-US-from-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202003180080
Restaurant and contract workers need coronavirus cash, cable bill breaks, mortgage help ASAP | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-restaurant-workers-check-to-every-american-cash-pennsylvania-maria-panaritis-20200317.html
Trump pushes for massive aid from Congress, checks to public
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/17/Trump-s-economic-aid-could-approach-1T-senators-say/stories/202003170155
Trump mulls sending all who cross border illegally to Mexico amid pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/17/US-border-Mexico-asylum-seekers-Trump-coronavirus/stories/202003170197
Mnuchin warns virus could yield 20% jobless rate without action, sources say
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/03/17/Trump-coronavirus-Mnuchin-checks-White-House-stimulus/stories/202003170193
Tax deadline will be delayed by 90 days due to coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/tax-deadline-filing-delayed-united-states-20200317.html
In a time of social distancing, social media is spreading false and misleading information about COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/17/In-a-time-of-social-distancing-social-media-is-spreading-false-and-misleading-information-about-COVID-19/stories/202003170093
Why the coronavirus and most other viruses have no cure
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-antiviral-cure-antibiotic-20200318.html
Blood donations at critical shortage because of coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/blood-donations-at-critical-shortage-because-of-coronavirus-pandemic/
Legislatura
Pa. Senate to consider changing remote voting rules in response to the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-senate-coronavirus-remote-voting-rules-20200317.html
Pa. Senate plans to return to Harrisburg to authorize remote voting
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/pa-senate-plans-to-return-to-harrisburg-to-authorize-remote-voting/
Pa. lawmaker seeks $125 million in zero-interest loans for small businesses affected by shutdowns
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-small-business-loan-pennsylvania-bill-20200317.html
Surprise medical billing will discourage people from seeking treatment for the coronavirus | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/03/surprise-medical-billing-will-discourage-people-from-seeking-treatment-for-the-coronavirus-opinion.html
Short-term crisis reveals persistent need
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/short-term-crisis-reveals-persistent-need-1.2608510
Ex-Rep. Mike Veon’s $19K restitution in corruption case must stand because he appealed too late: Pa. court
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/ex-rep-mike-veons-19k-restitution-in-corruption-case-must-stand-because-he-appealed-too-late-pa-court.html
Empresas
Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance to offer loan aid
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/northeastern-pennsylvania-alliance-to-offer-loan-aid-1.2608568
Allegheny, Westmoreland groups offer help to region’s small businesses during tough time
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/allegheny-westmoreland-groups-offer-help-to-regions-small-businesses-during-tough-time/
Small businesses tap creativity to reach customers amid statewide shutdown
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/small-businesses-tap-creativity-to-reach-customers-amid-statewide-shutdown-1.2608569
Chesco business owners get promise that help is on the way
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/chesco-business-owners-get-promise-that-help-is-on-the/article_91207090-687b-11ea-9d33-ffdf90fe4f58.html
Employees at Urban Outfitters, State Farm and others fear coming to work during coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-urban-outfitters-state-farm-kohls-working-from-home-20200318.html
UAW says automakers will address coronavirus concerns at auto plants
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/03/18/UAW-auto-workers-coronavirus-shutdown-plants-Detroit-automakers-Ford-GM/stories/202003180079
Amazon will limit shipments to its warehouses for 3 weeks
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/amazon-shipments-warehouse-coronavirus-limitations-20200317.html
Regional gun sales at ‘panic’ level; guns shops out of some ammunition
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/17/guns-concealed-carry-Allegheny-County-Pennsylvania/stories/202003170121
Las tiendas Aldi cambian de horario en medio de la pandemia de COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/2020/03/17/Aldi-stores-change-hours-amid-the-COVID-19-pandemic/stories/202003170075
Enclosed portion of Pittsburgh Mills mall closes indefinitely
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/enclosed-pittsburgh-mills-mall-to-close-indefinitely/
‘We could see twice as many store closures as last year’: Coronavirus crisis, shutdowns could deal major blow to retail
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-biz-lehigh-valley-retail-impact-from-coronavirus-20200317-e2etnrkhefbwlndvk5h5ppounm-story.html
From flower shops to comic book stores, some ‘non-essential’ businesses stay open during coronavirus scare
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/03/coronavirus-in-pa-from-flower-shops-to-comic-shops-and-large-retailers-businesses-remain-open.html
Workers, residents: ‘Shell should halt cracker plant construction’
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200317/workers-residents-rsquoshell-should-halt-cracker-plant-constructionrsquo
Delito/Castigo
Longtime federal prosecutor tapped to investigate pandemic-related fraud schemes
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/17/Longtime-federal-prosecutor-Shaun-Sweeney-investigations-COVID-19-coronavirus-fraud/stories/202003170166
A death-row inmate from Bucks County waited 12 years for a retrial. Now, the coronavirus has delayed the case further.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/alfonso-sanchez-double-murder-death-penalty-bucks-county-20200317.html
Alle-Kiski Valley police begin responding to some calls by phone
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/alle-kiski-valley-police-begin-responding-to-some-calls-by-phone/
Police in central Pa. won’t respond to some calls to avoid coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/police-in-central-pa-wont-respond-to-some-calls-to-avoid-coronavirus.html
Educación
Area school boards, others mull public meeting alternatives
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/area-school-boards-others-mull-public-meeting-alternatives-1.2608734
Upper Darby students grateful for food distribution program
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/upper-darby-students-grateful-for-food-distribution-program/article_f87c1d86-689c-11ea-b667-037ac5b97cec.html
Berks County schools providing meals for students during coronavirus shutdown
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-schools-providing-meals-for-students-during-coronavirus-shutdown/article_ff05acc8-686d-11ea-b9d2-4bf8212ac454.html
Some schools closed for coronavirus in U.S. are not to going back for the rest of the academic year
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/18/Some-schools-closed-for-coronavirus-in-US-are-not-to-going-back-for-the-rest-of-the-academic-year/stories/202003180082
For college students sent home early, dorm reimbursements, refunds are consolation for memories lost over COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/17/college-dorm-residence-refunds-coronavirus-COVID19-Pitt-Duquesne-Penn-State-Carnegie-Mellon/stories/202003170082
Coronavirus outbreak drives Cheyney to join 13 other state universities in switching to online classes
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-outbreak-drives-cheyney-to-join-13-other-state-universities-in-switching-to-online-classes.html
Penn State to decide semester’s fate Wednesday
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/18/penn-state-to-decide-semesters-fate-wednesday/
Elecciones/Política
Pennsylvania elections officials are pleading with the state to move the primary: ‘We’re pulling fire alarms all over the place’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/postpone-pa-primary-election-coronavirus-20200317.html
Pennsylvania primary could be postponed due to coronavirus, though law remains murky
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-primary-could-be-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-though-law-remains-murky/
Voters saw a special election in Bucks County as ‘just too important’ to stay home — even to avoid coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/bucks-county-pa-special-election-results-coronavirus-20200317.html
K.C. Tomlinson heading to Harrisburg
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200317/kc-tomlinson-heading-to-harrisburg
Republican Eric Davanzo poised to claim House 58th District special election
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/republican-eric-davanzo-poised-to-claim-house-58th-district-special-election/
Some voters brave coronavirus warnings for special election in House 58th District
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/some-voters-brave-coronavirus-warnings-for-special-election-in-house-58th-district/
Republicans claim sweep of three House specials in midst of coronavirus outbreak
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/republicans-claim-sweep-three-house-specials-in-midst-of-coronavirus-outbreak/
If at first you don’t succeed: Dem Shanna Danielson talks about her Pa. Senate run | 2020 Women Speak Up
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/if-at-first-you-dont-succeed-2020-women-speak-up/
Joe Biden wins Florida and Illinois as coronavirus disrupts primary voting
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/democratic-primary-results-florida-illinois-arizona-joe-biden-bernie-sanders-20200318.html
Vote by mail: Social distancing doesn’t have to affect election
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/18/Mail-vote-election-social-distancing/stories/202003180026
Sanidad
Distancing while due: The coronavirus is rapidly changing pregnancy
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pregnant-women-social-distancing-20200318.html
UPMC COVID-19 test site up and running
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/17/UPMC-COVID-19-test-site-running-South-Side-coronavirus/stories/202003170125
UPMC shuns health experts’ calls to cancel elective surgeries
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-shuns-calls-to-cancel-elective-surgeries/
Excela chief medical officer discusses coronavirus testing, protecting medical personnel, worst-case scenario
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/excela-chief-medical-officer-discusses-coronavirus-testing-protecting-medical-personnel-and-worst-case-scenario/
Triage tents going up at Geisinger hospitals
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776694/triage-tents-going-up-at-geisinger-hospitals
Dental practices experience ‘huge changes’
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dental-practices-experience-huge-changes-1.2608662
UPMC temporarily closes Strawberry Square location due to coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/upmc-temporarily-closes-strawberry-square-location-due-to-coronavirus.html
Highmark says seniors who left over UPMC feud ‘returning home,’ reports $18B in 2019 revenue
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/highmark-says-seniors-who-left-over-upmc-feud-returning-home-reports-18b-in-2019-revenue/
Noticias locales
Scranton to furlough a few dozen noncritical workers
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/scranton-to-furlough-a-few-dozen-noncritical-workers-1.2608503
Reading suspends parking enforcement for two weeks as coronavirus spreads
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-suspends-parking-enforcement-for-two-weeks-as-coronavirus-spreads/article_23a6f9a0-6897-11ea-a863-731e5a854288.html
Berks County Services Center, courthouse moving toward limiting public access
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-services-center-courthouse-moving-toward-limiting-public-access/article_d51f1970-685f-11ea-9bcd-e37d09e76ec2.html
Washington County declares COVID-19 disaster emergency
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/washington/2020/03/17/Washington-County-declares-disaster-emergency-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202003170162
Greensburg closes all municipal facilities to public to prevent coronavirus spread
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-closes-all-municipal-facilities-to-public-to-prevent-coronavirus-spread/
NAACP Diversity Picnic, community events on hold
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776702/naacp-diversity-picnic-community-events-on-hold
Luzerne County changes for marriage licenses, gun permits
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776667/luzerne-county-changes-for-marriage-licenses-gun-permits
YMCA offers child care to workers with essential jobs
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ymca-offers-child-care-to-workers-with-essential-jobs-1.2608586
County council to declare emergency Thursday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-to-declare-emergency-thursday-1.2608589
Luzerne County suspends trials, hearings due to outbreak
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-suspends-trials-hearings-due-to-outbreak-1.2608590
Municipalities restriction, postponement list
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/municipalities-restriction-postponement-list-1.2608592
Flood authority approves agreement with WVSA
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/flood-authority-approves-agreement-with-wvsa-1.2608599
Pittston receives $500K tax credit
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pittston-receives-500k-tax-credit-1.2608655
List: Latest coronavirus restrictions for Lehigh Valley local governments
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-lehigh-valley-government-20200317-p5i7pup36vfnjanb7ua3esytdy-story.html
Noticias nacionales
West Virginia reports its first COVID-19 case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/17/West-Virginia-coronavirus-case-confirmed-all-50-states/stories/202003170183
Nevada orders all casinos, other nonessential businesses closed
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/03/17/Nevada-governor-orders-casinos-close-coronavirus-non-essential-businesses/stories/202003170192
Through wars and world turmoil, Kentucky Derby runs on
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2020/03/18/Through-wars-and-world-turmoil-Kentucky-Derby-runs-on/stories/202003180081
Filadelfia
With courts closed by pandemic, Philly police stop low-level arrests to manage jail crowding
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-police-coronavirus-covid-pandemic-arrests-jail-overcrowding-larry-krasner-20200317.html
Why the coronavirus has no cure; stadium complex in line to become testing site
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/live/coronavirus-covid19-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-confirmed-case-updates-testing-sites-20200318.html
PPA: Meters, kiosks, residential time limits won’t be enforced amid coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/ppa-ticket-enforcement-coronavirus-philadelphia-parking-authority-20200317.html
Coronavirus puts Philly’s beloved small businesses at risk. Here’s how you can help save them. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-small-business-coronavirus-covid-19-support-20200317.html
Philly police to halt narcotics arrests, other charges during COVID outbreak
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/philly-police-to-halt-narcotics-arrests-other-charges-during-covid/article_513ad382-690a-11ea-a4c3-9333e55394ff.html
Philly DA’s Office to charge Hassan Elliott, 21, with murder in killing of Cpl. James O’Connor IV
https://www.inquirer.com/news/hassan-elliot-charged-murder-philadelphia-swat-police-james-oconnor-iv-20200317.html
Roxborough warehouse offered rent-free for virus response before beginning new life as craft brewery
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-warehouse-free-rent-roxborough-night-shift-brewing-alliance-hsp-20200317.html
Pitt
Health official: 40% to 60% of Allegheny County adults likely to get infected with covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/health-official-40-to-70-of-allegheny-county-adults-likely-to-get-infected-with-covid-19/
Two Pittsburgh Public School administration buildings closing, lunches halted
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/18/Two-Pittsburgh-Public-School-administration-buildings-To-Close/stories/202003180083
Pittsburgh Public Schools closes 7 lunch sites after workers exposed to covid-19 outside of work
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-public-schools-closes-7-lunch-sites-after-workers-exposed-to-covid-19-outside-of-work/
Push is on to reduce jail population because of virus threat
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/17/Push-to-reduce-jail-population-COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Pittsburgh/stories/202003170158
Zappala: DA’s Office won’t oppose release of nonviolent inmates at high risk for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/zappala-das-office-wont-oppose-release-of-nonviolent-inmates-at-high-risk-for-coronavirus/
Diocese of Pittsburgh says it has canceled all parish activities — fish fries included
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/03/17/Diocese-of-Pittsburgh-Catholic-parish-events-canceled-coronavirus-Mass-fish-fry/stories/202003170184
Pittsburgh Milliones student may have been exposed to COVID-19 patient
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/17/Student-Pittsburgh-Milliones-Brookline-covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic-schools-exposure/stories/202003170172
Port Authority offers reimbursement for riders with passes who stay home due to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/17/Port-Authority-Allegheny-County-COVID-19-coronavirus-monthly-passes-reimbursement/stories/202003170097
Port Authority to offer credit to riders with time-based ConnectCards
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/port-authority-to-offer-credit-to-riders-with-time-based-connectcards/
Pitt postpones its commencement ceremonies
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/17/University-Pittsburgh-commencement-graduation-postponed-COVID-19-coronavirus-precaution/stories/202003170157
Noticias del Estado
Coronavirus temporarily halts volunteers helping at trout stockings statewide
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/coronavirus-temporarilty-halts-volunteers-helping-at-trout-stockings-statewide/
Berks County funeral directors work to prevent coronavirus spread, maintain dignity of services
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-funeral-directors-work-to-prevent-coronavirus-spread-maintain/article_cfed76e6-6877-11ea-a502-13c8ae6cc5ca.html
With RGGI, Pa. has a chance to show leadership in the new energy era | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/paforward/with-rggi-pa-has-a-chance-to-show-leadership-in-the-new-energy-era-opinion/
Transporte
Truckers ‘extremely disappointed’ PennDOT closed rest stops
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/17/Truck-drivers-PennDOT-rest-stops-COVID-19-Owner-Operator-Independent-Drivers-Association/stories/202003170146
PennDOT cancels public meetings, will post plans for Highland Park Bridge and Rankin projects
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/17/PennDOT-bridge-projects-COVID-19-coronavirus-Route-28-Highland-Park-Rankin/stories/202003170165
Amtrak suspends Pennsylvanian
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/03/amtrak-suspends-pennsylvanian/
Washington
Toomey blames bureaucratic ‘bottlenecks’ for testing delays in Pennsylvania; urges passage of stimulus deal
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/17/Congress-funding-bailouts-Washington-Pat-Toomey-Bob-Casey-COVID-19-testing-coronavirus/stories/202003170088
Coronavirus and unpaid workers: Pa. senators aim to help employees without hurting small businesses
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-and-unpaid-workers-pa-senators-aim-to-help-employees-without-hurting-small-businesses.html