COVID-19
Coronavirus updates: Pa. passes 30,000 confirmed cases with 2,600 hospitalized
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/04/18/coronavirus-updates-pa-1-628-new-cases-brings-total-ti-31-069/5158694002/
Berks County ‘going in wrong direction’ with biggest leap yet in daily coronavirus case count
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-going-in-wrong-direction-with-biggest-leap-yet-in-daily-coronavirus-case-count/article_96e02906-817d-11ea-9087-53662f772f7e.html
Montgomery County reports 12 more coronavirus deaths; 201 new cases
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/montgomery-county-reports-12-more-coronavirus-deaths-201-new-cases/article_e3793b6f-30a8-5317-abfb-96076c64dbc2.html
The backlash against the quarantine has begun in Pennsylvania, with anti-shutdown rally Monday in Harrisburg
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-rally-harrisburg-quarantine-shutdown-wolf-chris-dorr-20200420.html
Face masks become mandatory in Pennsylvania: Here’s what you need to know
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/face-masks-become-mandatory-in-pennsylvania-heres-what-you-need-to-know.html
Self-employed, independent contractors, others can now get state, federal jobless benefits
https://triblive.com/local/regional/the-self-employed-independent-contractors-gig-workers-clergy-can-now-get-state-federal-unemployment-benefits/
Editorial: Timing the pandemic reopening
https://triblive.com/opinion/editorial-timing-the-pandemic-reopening/
Summer harvest in a pandemic: Pa. farmers contend with a food surplus and a labor shortage
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pa-farmers-coronavirus-labor-food-supply-20200419.html
Drive-thru COVID-19 testing to start Monday at Mohegan Sun Arena
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/drive-thru-covid-19-testing-to-start-monday-at-mohegan-sun-arena-1.2619982
Hispanic workers are keeping Lehigh Valley warehouses going during coronavirus crisis, at great risk to themselves
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-hispanic-warehouse-workers-20200417-ulv42ejrnfbx3gb3bfqrx2z7pu-story.html
State Sen. Bartolotta: Wave of stay-home protests express public’s frustration
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/state-sen-bartolotta-wave-of-stay-home-protests-express-publics-frustration/article_50a5c16e-8199-11ea-98d4-8b0def40e2f4.html
The difference between the serology/antibody test and the nose swab; Can you get the coronavorus twice?
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/04/the-difference-between-the-serologyantibody-test-and-the-nose-swab-can-you-get-the-coronavorus-twice.html
Workers live, eat, sleep at Pa. production plant to continue to produce vital medical supplies
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/workers-live-in-delaware-county-plant-to-produce-essential-medical-supplies.html
Governors feel heat to reopen from protesters, president
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/governors-feel-heat-to-reopen-from-protesters-president.html
Pa. to channel nearly $16 million to food banks as demand spikes
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/gov-wolf-to-give-nearly-16-million-to-pa-food-banks-as-demand-spikes.html
Sports leagues seek return to play but with no guarantees
https://www.delcotimes.com/sports/sports-leagues-seek-return-to-play-but-with-no-guarantees/article_fbe10f1d-85b8-5ddc-bc60-3ba46ff917eb.html
64 people have been infected with coronavirus at county prison
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/64-people-have-been-infected-with-coronavirus-at-county-prison/article_f7668db0-81af-11ea-b98d-838597af815d.html
Parallels drawn from King Coal to COVID-19
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/parallels-drawn-from-king-coal-to-covid-19-1.2619865
COVID-19 pandemic turns convivial real estate closings into socially distant ‘drive-bys’
https://lancasteronline.com/business/local_business/covid-19-pandemic-turns-convivial-real-estate-closings-into-socially-distant-drive-bys/article_795b01d8-80c6-11ea-ad82-3f39fa8555ce.html
Pa. National Guard deploys nurses to a Delco nursing facility due to ‘staffing shortages’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/delaware-county-broomall-nursing-coronavirus-national-guard-20200418.html
Study finds link between air pollution and COVID-19 fatalities
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/19/COVID-19-fatalities-linked-air-pollution-coronavirus-Harvard-study-PM25-particulate-allegheny-county/stories/202004140148
State
Pennsylvania warns small businesses about SBA loan scams
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/pennsylvania-warns-small-businesses-about-sba-loan-scams/article_5c74204e-d728-58a2-a648-6525b87a19e8.html
Some Pa. wine and liquor stores to start taking phone orders for curbside pickup
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/curbside-liquor-pickup-at-previously-closed-pa-state-stores-begins-april-20.html
Wine distributors sue PLCB, push for change that would allow them to direct-ship to licensees
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/wine-distributors-sue-plcb-push-for-change-that-would-allow-them-to-direct-ship-to-licensees.html
Big changes coming to Pennsylvania 2020-21 hunting season
https://lancasteronline.com/sports/outdoors/big-changes-coming-to-pennsylvania-2020-21-hunting-season/article_a3027892-81be-11ea-83f2-5b676f7893be.html
Hold your horses: Shutdown puts strain on harness racing industry
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hold-your-horses-shutdown-puts-strain-on-harness-racing-industry-1.2619894
Elections/Politics
Battleground power plays rage as everyday politics go quiet
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/battleground-power-plays-rage-as-everyday-politics-go-quiet.html
EDITORIAL: Voters should take advantage of mail-in option for ballots
https://observer-reporter.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-voters-should-take-advantage-of-mail-in-option-for-ballots/article_feef5a54-7f74-11ea-9b7d-3fbcc4a371bf.html
Virus outbreak has impact on congressional fundraising in Western Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/04/19/covid-19-campaign-finance-western-pa-political-fundraising-conor-lamb-sean-parnell/stories/202004170126
Philly
Tensions grow over when the Philadelphia region can safely reopen; health officials warn protesters they could become sick in crowds
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-protests-trump-wolf-murphy-covid-19-philadelphia-20200418.html
Philly businesses shuttered by coronavirus say they can’t reopen until you feel safe leaving your house
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/coronavirus-reopen-philadelphia-pa-economy-20200419.html
Is going out without a mask an act of aggression? Some in Philly take it that way.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/face-masks-philadelphia-pennsylvania-coronavirus-covid-cdc-coveraidphl-20200419.html
3 killed, 1 injured in Philadelphia shootings as city sees increase in violent crimes
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/3-killed-1-injured-in-philadelphia-shootings-as-city-sees-increase-in-violent-crimes.html
Pittsburgh
6th Port Authority employee tests positive for covid-19; West Mifflin garage closed for ‘deep clean’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/6th-port-authority-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19-west-mifflin-garage-closed-for-deep-clean/
Allegheny County coronavirus cases top 1,000; county notes more test results
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-largest-increase-in-covid-19-cases-this-week-but-notes-more-test-results/
To roam or restrain? COVID-19 outbreak among veterans with dementia challenges VA Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/19/COVID-19-outbreak-veterans-affairs-pittsburgh-geriatric-care-dementia-coronavirus/stories/202004150016
Pittsburgh CLO will skip 2020 summer season; announces lineup for year No. 75
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2020/04/18/covid-19-cancellation-Pittsburgh-CLO-2020-summer-season-75th-anniversary-Jersey-Boys-Kinky-Boots/stories/202004180050
When will hyperloop be ready? Developers dispute study that says systems won’t launch until 2040
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/18/when-will-hyperloop-be-ready-Pittsburgh-Columbus-Chicago-Cleveland/stories/202004180006
Local
Working parents in Berks County often juggling responsibilities with schools closed
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/working-parents-in-berks-county-often-juggling-responsibilities-with-schools-closed/article_09472492-7ea2-11ea-bebf-6324597ba7c3.html
How good are we at social distancing in Lackawanna County? Not as good as you might think.
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/how-good-are-we-at-social-distancing-in-lackawanna-county-not-as-good-as-you-might-think-1.2619936
Municipalities striving to keep DPW workers healthy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/municipalities-striving-to-keep-dpw-workers-healthy-1.2619911
Chester County meat production plant takes proactive steps to protect employees during pandemic
https://www.pottsmerc.com/business/chester-county-meat-production-plant-takes-proactive-steps-to-protect-employees-during-pandemic/article_bfafbcc4-80c5-11ea-b8d1-83197fad6daf.html
Coronavirus recovery stories: Lehigh Valley residents talk about COVID-19 experiences ranging from mild to unbearable
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-symptoms-serious-mild-lehigh-valley-20200417-65ixpweworbotjfuaciavaqaem-story.html
Non-resident wage tax still applies if working from home
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/non-resident-wage-tax-still-applies-if-working-from-home-1.2619874
‘Burnt out and stressed out’: COVID-19 fears stoking distrust at Bethlehem warehouse
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/burnt-out-and-stressed-out-covid-19-fears-stoking-distrust-at-bethlehem-warehouse.html
Lehigh Valley towns duck staff cuts amid COVID-19, but that could change, survey shows
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/lehigh-valley-towns-duck-staff-cuts-amid-covid-19-but-that-could-change-survey-shows.html
Schuylkill emergency services unable to train during COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-emergency-services-unable-to-train-during-covid-19-pandemic-1.2619968
Officials taking closer look at Westmoreland inmates’ medical conditions for possible release
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/officials-taking-closer-look-westmoreland-inmates-medical-conditions-for-possible-release/
National
Record government and corporate debt risks ‘tipping point’ after pandemic passes
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/government-corporate-debti-risks-tipping-point-after-coronavirus-pandemic-20200419.html
When to ease lockdowns? Nations offer wide mix of solutions
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/when-to-ease-lockdowns-nations-offer-wide-mix-of-solutions/article_e25528e7-b060-5240-8138-da570dcaa100.html
Pandemic provokes spike in demand for food pantries in US
https://lancasteronline.com/news/pandemic-provokes-spike-in-demand-for-food-pantries-in-us/article_c6080c84-22b0-5241-b99c-bff008565130.html
Experts worry politics might guide voters’ virus precautions
https://triblive.com/news/world/experts-worry-politics-might-guide-voters-virus-precautions/
10 years after BP spill: Oil drilled deeper; rules relaxed
https://triblive.com/news/world/10-years-after-bp-spill-oil-drilled-deeper-rules-relaxed/
