Coronavirus
Health department confirms Pennsylvania’s first COVID-19 death
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/18/coronavirus-first-COVID-19-death-Pennsylvania-Northampton-county-pa/stories/202003180144
Coronavirus cases increase at ‘exponential pace’ as Pa. reports first death; Gov. Wolf predicts ‘many more’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-deaths-cases-pennsylvania-new-jersey-schools-tests-20200319.html
State’s first COVID-19 death has local ties
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-s-first-covid-19-death-has-local-ties-1.2609017
1st death related to coronavirus reported in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-new-coronavirus-cases-bringing-total-to-12/
‘He was a wonderful brother’: Sister identifies man from Northampton County as first Pennsylvania coronavirus death; mother, sister also succumbed
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-death-norco-20200318-ndbg5g56l5g7rmzukwx67yzmgu-story.html
Pennsylvania coronavirus Wednesday update: Cases jump 38% on Wednesday; Wolf says virus spread ‘increasing at an exponential pace’
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-coronavirus-government-wednesday-20200318-g3uxvqbpa5cd5m5spicgls6l4m-story.html
Allegheny County reports another rise in COVID-19 cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/18/Allegheny-County-reports-another-rise-in-COVID-19-cases-coronavirus/stories/202003180099
First confirmed case of coronavirus in Lackawanna County; panic leads to misinformation
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/first-confirmed-case-of-coronavirus-in-lackawanna-county-panic-leads-to-misinformation-1.2608899
Berks County has first coronavirus positive
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-has-first-coronavirus-positive/article_074aeeba-6932-11ea-abf0-af452c99df6b.html
Cynwyd Elementary teacher tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinetimes/cynwyd-elementary-teacher-tests-positive-for-covid/article_22a2020e-693a-11ea-a11f-9316c778e7a9.html
Erie County reports first case of COVID-19
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200318/erie-county-reports-first-case-of-covid-19
During coronavirus outbreak, telemedicine is an answer — if you’re covered
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/telemed-costs-coronavirus-thomas-jefferson-hospital-20200319.html
Citing covid-19, Pa. Supreme Court halts evictions, foreclosures statewide
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/citing-covid-19-pennsylvania-senate-democrats-seek-to-halt-evictions-and-foreclosures/
All courts in Pennsylvania to close for at least two weeks
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/18/Pennsylvania-all-courts-close-two-weeks-Supreme-Court-Allegheny-common-pleas/stories/202003180170
Public water suppliers say systems are safe
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/18/water-systems-quality-coronavirus-Pittsburgh-PWSA-Pennsylvania-American-COVID-19/stories/202003180108
Liquor control board: Spots risk fines, license by continuing to serve; Beer distributors can stay open
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/liquor-control-board-licensees-must-stop-serving-food-alcohol-on-site-or-face-penalties/
ICE halting most immigration enforcement in U.S. during coronavirus outbreak, will focus on criminals
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-ice-immigration-enforcement-congress-20200319.html
Can the coronavirus really live for 3 days on plastic? Yes, but it’s complicated.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-how-long-lives-on-surfaces-20200319.html
2 Congress members test positive; county courthouses ordered to close; Pa. sees first death
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/live/coronavirus-covid19-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-confirmed-case-updates-testing-sites-20200318.html
Bob Casey, 17 other Democratic senators call for government payments to Americans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/18/Bob-Casey-17-other-Democratic-senators-call-for-government-payments-to-Americans/stories/202003180137
Trump invokes emergency powers to boost coronavirus response, passes aid bill
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-trump-defense-production-act-private-sector-20200318.html
Federal Reserve gives emergency aid to mutual funds
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/2020/03/19/Federal-Reserve-Gives-Emergency-Aid-to-Mutual-Funds/stories/202003190085
Who is Rachel Levine? Pa. health secretary offers calm, reassurance amid pandemic
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/in-coronavirus-crisis-pa-health-secretary-dr-rachel-levine-offers-calm-reassurance.html
COVID-19 in Pennsylvania: Tracking the outbreak with maps and graphs
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/covid-19-in-pennsylvania-tracking-the-outbreak-with-maps-and-graphs/
Legislatura
Pa. Senate approves remote voting rule in response to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/03/18/Pa-Senate-approves-remote-voting-rule-in-response-to-COVID-19/stories/202003180133
Evictions, student loans, PSSAs, and more: What Pa. lawmakers are proposing in response to the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pennsylvania-lawmakers-respond-coronavirus-evictions-testing-20200318.html
Some state lawmakers split on moving Pennsylvania’s April 28 primary
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/03/18/Pennsylvania-primary-coronavirus-lawmakers-consider-suspend-election-voting/stories/202003180164
Who actually has the power to postpone the Pennsylvania primary over coronavirus? And will they agree?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/pa-primary-postpone-coronavirus-governor-legislature-20200318.html
Here’s what Pennsylvanians want from their legislators | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/03/heres-what-pennsylvanians-want-from-their-legislators-opinion.html
In light of pandemic, Dinniman calls for a halt to pipeline construction
https://www.phoenixvillenews.com/in-light-of-pandemic-dinniman-calls-for-a-halt-to/article_f93ed34c-7677-59b1-b21c-de7c23b075cd.html
State senators can vote remotely
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776813/state-senators-can-vote-remotely
Wolf, lawmakers need to act now to deliver COVID-19 relief to all, not just the 1 percent | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/wolf-lawmakers-need-to-act-now-to-deliver-covid-19-relief-to-all-not-just-the-1-percent-opinion/
Empresas
Coronavirus in Pa.: Wolf requests eligibility for SBA disaster loans for all Pa. businesses, nonprofits
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-in-pa-wolf-requests-eligibility-for-sba-disaster-loans-for-all-pa-businesses-nonprofits.html
Unemployment claims in Pa. and N.J. surge in wake of coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pennsylvania-new-jersey-unemployment-surge-coronavirus-20200319.html
Thousands of food service employees out of jobs as Pa. unemployment claims spike
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/thousands-of-food-service-employees-out-of-jobs-as-pa-unemployment-claims-spike/
As virus concerns grow, here’s a list of when and where can you shop for groceries
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2020/03/18/grocery-store-hours-food-shopping-coronavirus-Covid-19-giant-eagle-walmart-taget-shop-n-save-whole-foods-kuhns/stories/202003180098
Shell to temporarily suspend construction at ethane cracker plant after days of pressure amid COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/03/18/Shell-reset-construction-ethane-cracker-plant-covid-19-contractors-unemployment-health-coronavirus/stories/202003180106
Officials: Shell closing right move, but will have impact
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200318/officials-shell-closing-right-move-but-will-have-impact
Malls, department stores to temporarily close due to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/03/18/Ross-Park-Mall-South-Hills-Village-Grove-City-Outlets-Simon-JC-Penney-temporarily-close-COVID-19/stories/202003180124
Starr and Schulson to pay month’s health insurance for idled restaurant employees, and other examples of coronavirus aid
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/restaurants-employees-gift-cards-stephen-starr-michael-solomonov-coronavirus-20200318.html
Shop ‘n Save changing hours over pandemic; offers special shopping for seniors, disabled
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/shop-n-save-changing-hours-over-pandemic-offers-special-shopping-for-seniors-disabled/
Westmoreland, Monroeville malls remain open as others around Western Pa. close
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-mall-remains-open-though-many-businesses-have-temporarily-closed/
Grocery stores assist at-risk shoppers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/grocery-stores-assist-at-risk-shoppers-1.2609015
ATI offering retirement to incentive to cut costs
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/ati-offering-retirement-incentive-to-cut-costs/
Help small businesses survive virus
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/help-small-businesses-survive-virus-1.2608923
Delito/Castigo
Some police departments change how calls are dealt with in wake of virus
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776807/some-police-departments-change-how-calls-are-dealt-with-in-wake-of-virus
W-B officers taking measures to prevent spread of COVID-19
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-officers-taking-measures-to-prevent-spread-of-covid-19-1.2608879
He went into jail with a toothache; he ended up on life support — and in debt.
https://papost.org/2020/03/18/he-went-into-jail-with-a-toothache-he-ended-up-on-life-support-and-in-debt/
Educación
As coronavirus closes schools, wealthier districts send laptops home with students. What about poorer districts?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-closed-schools-inequity-technology-laptop-philadelphia-new-jersey-20200318.html
Options limited for students as schools, other educational outlets remain closed
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/18/Options-limited-for-students-as-schools-other-educational-outlets-remain-closed/stories/202003160141
Highlands community groups offering additional lunch sites for students
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/highlands-community-groups-offering-additional-lunch-sites-for-students/
With coronavirus closing school buildings in Berks County, districts keep the learning going
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/education/with-coronavirus-closing-buildings-in-berks-county-districts-keep-the/article_9167cac0-6872-11ea-8e45-3fc15a3c017d.html
With schools closed because of coronavirus, Lehigh Valley districts hand out laptops for home learning
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-school-districts-technology-handouts-20200318-7eqiygtf6rbg5jovf6hvyow6fa-story.html
Virus put high school sports on hold once before — in 1918
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2020/03/19/1918-Spanish-flu-PIAA-high-school-sports-canceled-WPIAL-football-championship-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202003170128
State auditors will stop school visits during COVID-19 shutdown
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/18/State-auditors-Eugene-DePasquale-stop-school-visits-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202003180122
Work-from-home in place at colleges
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/work-from-home-in-place-at-colleges-1.2608910
Elecciones/Política
Bernie Sanders’ campaign signals he may be open to exit as Joe Biden racks up Democratic primary wins
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/bernie-sanders-campaign-joe-biden-election-donald-trump-20200319.html
Armas
New gun owners flood shooting ranges; restrictions at most conceal-carry offices
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2020/03/18/Allegheny-County-Pennsylvania-guns-sales-concealed-carry-shooting-ranges-Pittsburgh-coronavirus/stories/202003180127
‘I’m looking to get an AR-15’: Gun shops are busy as coronavirus spreads, despite state-ordered shutdown
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-guns-ammunition-police-gun-range-20200318.html
Fear of each other, not virus, boosts gun and ammo sales
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/fear-of-each-other-not-virus-boosts-gun-and-ammo-sales-1.2609014
Amid coronavirus crisis, massive demand for guns crashes Pennsylvania State Police background check system
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-gun-purchases-20200318-7jzu3bim3zgjjhnbcpv5bqghlu-story.html
Sanidad
AHN opens first of four COVID-19 test sites in Allegheny, Erie counties
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/03/18/allegheny-health-network-covid-19-coronavirus-testing-upmc-pittsburgh/stories/202003180084
First of 4 AHN drive-up coronavirus test sites opens in Pine
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/first-of-4-ahn-drive-up-coronavirus-test-sites-opens-in-wexford/
Excela Health working on testing center for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/excela-health-working-on-testing-center-for-coronavirus-hopes-to-open-this-week/
Drive-thru coronavirus testing coming to York fairgrounds, WellSpan Health says
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/03/18/wellspan-open-coronavirus-testing-location-york-fairgrounds/2868663001/
There’s no good reason to avoid ibuprofen if you’re infected with COVID-19, experts say
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/03/19/ibuprofen-coronavirus-symptoms-worse-COVID-19-health-experts-paracetamol-WHO/stories/202003180190
New rules, procedures for area hospitals
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776835/new-rules-procedures-for-area-hospitals
Geisinger implements more preventive measures
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776777/geisinger-implements-more-preventive-measures
Noticias locales
Pa. OKs Chesco-Delco team up on COVID-19 crisis
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/pa-oks-chesco-delco-team-up-on-covid–crisis/article_9d27c16c-6953-11ea-a150-ebb765ae946a.html
For seniors in self-isolation at home, there are resources to help in Chester County
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/for-seniors-in-self-isolation-at-home-there-are-resources/article_49e13e3c-6932-11ea-ab95-af16069d152e.html
Agencies mobilized to ensure care for senior citizens
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/agencies-mobilized-to-ensure-care-for-senior-citizens-1.2608562
Monroe, Pike, and more declare disaster emergencies
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200318/monroe-pike-and-more-declare-disaster-emergencies
Berks County halts evictions during coronavirus emergency, makes other changes to court operations
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-halts-evictions-during-coronavirus-emergency-makes-other-changes/article_f5d3d042-6946-11ea-bf67-971fd2e519a8.html
Reading Area Water Authority to turn on customers’ water during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-area-water-authority-to-turn-on-customers-water-during/article_2fedaffe-6952-11ea-abc3-03752eae6e79.html
Emergency pact for Cheswick, Harmar and Springdale provides face masks for first responders
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/emergency-pact-for-cheswick-harmar-and-springdale-provides-face-masks-for-first-responders/
Freeport tries to sustain community during covid-19 pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/freeport-tries-to-sustain-community-during-covid-19-pandemic/
Westmoreland water, sewer authority meet remotely as part of pandemic protocol
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-water-sewer-authority-meet-remotely-as-part-of-pandemic-protocol/
Westmoreland County survives 1st day of scaled-back operations
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-survives-first-day-of-scaled-back-operations/
County council gives options for remote public comment at meeting
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-gives-options-for-remote-public-comment-at-meeting-1.2608900
Blood, food donations needed amid coronavirus, Pedri says
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776845/blood-food-donations-needed-amid-coronavirus-pedri-says
Fired public defenders sue, alleging Montgomery County retaliated for bail practice criticism
https://www.inquirer.com/news/montgomery-county-public-defenders-fired-lawsuit-keisha-hudson-dean-beer-20200318.html
Noticias nacionales
Ohio governor orders new closures, including BMVs and salons
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/18/Ohio-Governor-DeWine-coronavirus-cases-BMV-salons-barbershops-close/stories/202003180166
Nueva Jersey
Insurance companies may not pay for business losses from coronavirus. N.J. bill aims to change that.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-small-business-losses-insurance-claims-coverage-20200319.html
Filadelfia
‘It’s heartbreaking’: Coronavirus puts Philly homeless services in survival mode
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-coronavirus-covid-19-homeless-response-social-distancing-20200319.html
Phillies minor leaguers scrambling to make ends meet during coronavirus shutdown
https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-minor-leaguers-part-time-jobs-coronavirus-mlb-shutdown-20200319.html
Philadelphia florists give away 2,000 flowers from events canceled due to coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-florists-giveaway-flower-bomb-rittenhouse-square-amid-coronavirus-20200318.html
Slain Philly Police Cpl. James O’Connor IV is posthumously promoted to sergeant, and his handcuffs are used to arrest alleged killer
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-james-oconnor-iv-promoted-to-sergeant-20200318.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh first responders say they won’t be notified of exposure to covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-first-responders-say-they-wont-be-notified-of-exposure-to-covid-19/
City further pares down operations; parking enforcement suspended
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/18/City-further-pares-down-operations-parking-enforcement-suspended/stories/202003180107
Pittsburgh providing ‘grab-and-go’ meals for kids
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-providing-grab-and-go-meals-for-kids/
16 Allegheny Co. sheriff’s deputies self-isolating after possible coronavirus exposure
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/16-allegheny-co-sheriffs-deputies-self-isolating-after-possible-coronavirus-exposure/
Pittsburgh gyms, yoga studios offer virtual workout options amid pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2020/03/19/pittsburgh-gyms-yoga-studios-open-covid-19-pandemic-coronavirus/stories/202003180048
Pitt to drastically reduce faculty, staff presence on its campuses; WVU’s campus absent of all non-essentials
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/18/University-Pittsburgh-COVID19-coronavirus-closing-reductioin-Gallagher-Bradford-Greensburg-Johnstown-Titusville/stories/202003180154
‘I worry about them.’ Homeless shelters desperately adjust to new social norms amid COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/18/Shelters-fhomeless-desperately-adjust-new-social-norms-amid-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202003170098
Port Authority to encourage riders to stay safe distance from drivers, each other
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/18/Port-Authority-COVID-19-social-distancing-pittsburgh-transit-riders-bus-drivers/stories/202003180142
City Council gets through first week of remote meetings, defers some bills
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/18/Pittsburgh-City-Council-Allegheny-County-remote-virtual-meetings-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202003180126
Allegheny County Council to limit attendance, live stream meetings
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-council-to-limit-attendance-live-stream-meetings/
East Liberty pastor, two worshipers recovering from COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/03/18/pastor-Paul-Roberts-Eastminster-Presbyterian-Church-two-worshipers-recovering-COVID-19/stories/202003180128
Brian O’Neill: Pittsburgh didn’t confront the 1918 epidemic in time
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2020/03/19/Pittsburgh-1918-flu-epidemic-Spanish-flu-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202003190021
Noticias del Estado
How volunteer fire, ambulance companies are facing the coronavirus pandemic in Philly suburbs
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-ems-paramedic-firefighter-response-20200318.html
Blood bank calling for donations as blood drives cancel due to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/18/Vitalant-blood-bank-donations-canceled-COVID-19/stories/202003180140
Army Corps announces closure of public facilities in Western Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/army-corps-announces-closure-of-public-facilities-in-western-pennsylvania/
Army Corps says it will close select public facilities at region’s recreational sites
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2020/03/18/Army-Corps-of-Engineers-Pittsburgh-District-locations-campgrounds-coronavirus/stories/202003180177
Sheltering in place amid coronavirus could be dangerous for families with domestic violence
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/sheltering-in-place-amid-coronavirus-could-be-dangerous-for-families-with-domestic-violence.html
Substance-abuse patients may get more take-home meds, have counseling via video: Pa. guidelines
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/guidance-issued-to-substance-abuse-treatment-providers-during-coronavirus-restrictions.html
Transporte
PennDOT will reopen some rest stops after truckers, elected officials voice complaints
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/18/PennDOT-rest-stops-COVID-19-coronavirus-truckers-Owner-Operator-Independent-Drivers-Association/stories/202003180130
Pennsylvania’s porta-potties, highway restrictions rankle truckers; state to reopen some rest stops
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvanias-porta-potties-highway-restrictions-rankle-truckers-state-to-reopen-some-rest-stops/
U.S. has first report of gas selling for 99 cents as economy tanks during coronavirus outbreak
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/us-has-first-report-of-gas-selling-for-99-cents-as-economy-tanks-during-coronavirus-outbreak.html
Washington
Rep. Cartwright self-quarantines
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/rep-cartwright-self-quarantines-1.2608908