Coronavirus – COVID-19

Health experts: COVID-19 deaths statewide could surpass 1,500
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/01/COVID-19-deaths-pennsylvania-could-top-1-500/stories/202004020045

Wolf tells entire state to stay home as COVID-19 cases rise
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/corona2020/2020/04/01/Allegheny-County-s-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-COVID-19-new-cases-data/stories/202004010096

Gov. Wolf orders all of Pennsylvania to stay at home
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-orders-all-of-pennsylvania-to-stay-at-home/

‘We Pennsylvanians want to survive,’ Wolf says, as he issues statewide stay at home order
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/we-pennsylvanians-want-to-survive-wolf-says-as-he-issues-statewide-stay-at-home-order/

Wolf extends stay-at-home order. N.J. death toll climbs past 350; field hospitals in the works for Philadelphia
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-new-jersey-pennsylvania-death-liquor-20200402.html

Pennsylvania adds 962 new coronavirus cases as deaths rise to 74
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-adds-962-new-coronavirus-cases-as-deaths-rise-to-74/

Gov. Wolf issues statewide stay-home order, Fayette County has its first COVID-19 death
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/gov-wolf-issues-statewide-stay-home-order-fayette-county-has-its-first-covid-19-death/article_2f9269c6-7430-11ea-aa34-eb2eb834bf99.html

Pennsylvania’s highest court extends eviction moratorium as coronavirus shutdowns lead to record unemployment
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-evictions-moratorium-rent-tenants-20200401.html

Pa.’s highest court says no evictions allowed in April as coronavirus shutdowns lead to record unemployment
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pennsylvanias-highest-court-extends-eviction-moratorium-as-coronavirus-shutdowns-lead-to-record-unemployment.html

Gov. Wolf shuts down Airbnb, other short-term rentals
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/gov-wolf-shuts-down-airbnb-other-short-term-rentals-1.2613810

Gov. Wolf halts short-term rentals in Pa.
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200401/gov-wolf-halts-short-term-rentals-in-pa

Jobless claims swamp Labor Dept.
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/04/jobless-claims-swamp-labor-dept/

With COVID-19 cases rising, Beaver County nursing home asks for help ‘from everyone’
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/04/01/With-COVID-19-cases-rising-Beaver-County-nursing-home-asks-for-help-from-everyone/stories/202004010121

Brighton Rehab has third COVID-19 death, at least six employees with virus
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200401/brighton-rehab-has-third-covid-19-death-at-least-six-employees-with-virus

Westmoreland County reports 11 new coronavirus cases as Pa. total jumps
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-reports-11-new-coronavirus-cases-as-pa-total-jumps/

Another jump in county cases
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/another-jump-in-county-cases-1.2613897

Cusat: Hazleton over 200 cases
https://www.timesleader.com/news/778590/cusat-hazleton-over-200-cases

Montgomery County coronavirus death toll climbs to 10; cases confirmed among workers at Limerick nuclear plant
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinetimes/police-classmates-help-celebrate-delco-childs-7th-birthday/article_da64ffa2-7341-11ea-a5ea-0f0bf0129766.html?utm_source=connatix&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=highlights

Wilkes-Barre Health Department nurses monitoring COVID-19 quarantines
https://www.timesleader.com/news/778578/wilkes-barre-health-department-nurses-monitoring-covid-19-quarantines

3 nurses probe all positive COVID-19 cases in W-B
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/3-nurses-probe-all-positive-covid-19-cases-in-w-b-1.2613809

State resumes some online sales of wine and spirits
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/drinks/2020/04/01/State-resumes-online-sales-Fine-Wine-and-Good-Spirits-online-shopping-pennsylvania-covid-19/stories/202004010141

Fine Wine & Good Spirits losing $6.5 million a day, restarts online sales
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/fine-wine-good-spirits-losing-6-5-million-a-day-considers-online-sales/

Free hotel rooms, boxed lunches, child care money available to hospital workers via St. Margaret Foundation
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/free-hotel-rooms-boxed-lunches-child-care-money-available-to-hospital-workers-via-st-margaret-foundation/

Don’t be fooled by coronavirus scams — or pay $20 for a four-pack of toilet paper
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/04/02/coronavirus-scams-attorney-general-price-gouging-stimulus-checks-toilet-paper/stories/202004010046

Pennsylvania should better enforce stay-at-home order and share coronavirus data | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pennsylvania-stay-at-home-order-testing-cases-20200401.html

Together, apart: How funerals and mourning have changed in Pa. during the COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/together-apart-how-funerals-and-mourning-have-changed-in-pa-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

U.S. coronavirus deaths surge past 4,600 as officials start to compare struggle with Italy’s outbreak
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-deaths-united-states-20200402.html

Jazz great Ellis Marsalis Jr. dies at 85; fought coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/ellis-marsalis-jr-dies-obituary-coronavirus-covid-19-pneumonia-new-orleans-20200402.html

Protective gear in national stockpile is nearly depleted, federal officials say
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-national-stockpile-masks-gloves-medical-supplies-20200401.html

As CDC delays, Pat Toomey urges everyone wear masks to prevent COVID-19 spread
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/04/01/As-masks-become-scarce-a-delicate-recommendation-for/stories/202004010091

The list of who won’t get a $1,200 stimulus check is growing — and includes some surprising groups
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-stimulus-checks-20200401.html

Almost 900,000 workers in Spain have lost their jobs due to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2020/04/02/Almost-900-000-workers-in-Spain-have-lost-their-jobs-due-to-COVID-19/stories/202004020119

Legislature

Pa. senators want to know more about Gov. Tom Wolf’s post-COVID-19 plan to ‘a return to normalcy’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-senators-want-to-know-more-about-gov-tom-wolfs-post-covid-19-plan-to-a-return-to-normalcy.html

Pa. rep’s coronavirus ‘humiliation’ bill uses Too! Many! Exclamation! Points! among other sins | The Angry Grammarian
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/stephanie-borowicz-pennsylvania-prayer-faith-fasting-bill-20200401.html

COVID-19 in Pa.: Gov. Tom Wolf, state lawmakers need to step up to protect frontline workers | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/covid-19-in-pa-gov-tom-wolf-state-lawmakers-need-to-step-up-to-protect-frontline-workers-opinion/

Central Pa. lawmaker donates annual cost-of-living increase to coronavirus relief efforts
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/one-central-pa-lawmaker-is-donating-legislated-cost-of-living-increase-to-coronavirus-relief-efforts.html

Administration

How Gov. Wolf’s business shutdown bit him where it hurts | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/how-gov-wolfs-business-shutdown-bit-him-where-it-hurts.html

Business

There’s a lot of federal money available for coronavirus-impacted small businesses. Get your share.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/coronavirus-sba-disaster-loan-small-business-cares-act-20200402.html

Workers say Amazon must clean Hazleton facility
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/workers-say-amazon-must-clean-hazleton-facility-1.2613885

NEPA businesses, groups preparing to meet growing demand for fresh foods
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/nepa-businesses-groups-preparing-to-meet-growing-demand-for-fresh-foods-1.2613781

Coronavirus brings Pennsylvania’s construction industry to a near standstill
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/04/coronavirus-brings-pennsylvanias-construction-industry-to-a-near-standstill.html

Crime/Punishment

Prosecutors, victim advocates object to suggested methods for reducing state jail population
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/01/Prosecutors-victim-advocates-reducing-jail-population-allegheny-county-supreme-court-pennsylvania-covid-19/stories/202004010127

Hundreds could be released from Pa. state prisons under draft plans to help prevent COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/01/Hundreds-could-be-released-from-Pa-state-prisons-under-draft-plans-to-help-prevent-COVID-19-outbreak/stories/202004010097

As COVID-19 spreads, advocates ask Pa. Supreme Court to release vulnerable youth from detention centers, jails
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/pa-supreme-court-covid19-coronavirus-juvenile-justice-george-w-hill-20200401.html

Police looking for man who spit on Edgewood Giant Eagle manager
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/police-looking-for-man-who-spit-on-edgewood-giant-eagle-manager/

Irate man spits in the face of Giant Eagle worker in Edgewood market
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2020/04/02/man-spits-in-face-Giant-Eagle-worker-Edgewood-market/stories/202004020122

Federal inmates to be locked in cells for 14 days amid virus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-prisons-20200401.html

SCI-Retreat picked for vital new role because facility was ‘almost empty’
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/sci-retreat-picked-for-vital-new-role-because-facility-was-almost-empty-1.2613808

Gov. Wolf has the power to avert a public health disaster in Pa.’s prisons | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/gov-wolf-has-the-power-to-avert-a-public-health-disaster-in-pa-s-prisons-opinion/

3 Chester County prison staffers test positive for coronavirus
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/3-chester-county-prison-staffers-test-positive-for-coronavirus/article_7f6d752c-7448-11ea-b97e-a3aecd37a87d.html

Education

Gov. Wolf said Pa. could allow students to move to next grade based on work before schools were closed
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/gov-wolf-said-pa-could-allow-students-to-move-to-next-grade-based-on-work-before-schools-were-closed.html

Teaching without schools: Districts face challenges to complete school year
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/04/02/Teaching-without-schools-Districts-face-challenges-to-complete-school-year/stories/202003280023

State waivers not necessary to restart Franklin Regional school construction
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-waivers-not-necessary-to-restart-franklin-regional-school-construction/

Upper Darby goes digital as schools close indefinitely
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/upper-darby-goes-digital-as-schools-close-indefinitely/article_fb1f6ae2-7464-11ea-b7a8-2b1e221dea0b.html

Elections/Politics

Voting by mail is a safe option during coronavirus. Here’s what you need to know about absentee ballots in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/coronavirus-vote-by-mail-absentee-ballots-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20200401.html

Pa. stands to receive $14 million from federal stimulus bill to assist with voter education
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-stands-to-receive-14-million-from-federal-stimulus-bill-to-assist-with-voter-education.html

Health Care

Coronavirus delaying nonurgent medical procedures, leaving some patients anxious and in pain
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-elective-procedures-delayed-hospitals-20200402.html

A call to action: Medical school students throughout the region are helping fight the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/medical-students-graduate-rutgers-pcom-temple-volunteer-20200402.html

Local News

Scranton gets $2.5M to combat coronavirus
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/scranton-gets-2-5m-to-combat-coronavirus-1.2613752

Scranton City Council questions fire chief’s salary
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-questions-fire-chief-s-salary-1.2613769

Blood drive planned to meet growing need
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/blood-drive-planned-to-meet-growing-need-1.2613778

Bucks County gets thousands of medical supplies to fight coronavirus
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200401/bucks-county-gets-thousands-of-medical-supplies-to-fight-coronavirus

More Bucks County nonprofits receive help through coronavirus fund
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200401/more-bucks-county-nonprofits-receive-help-through-coronavirus-fund

Berks County to furlough at least 219 workers during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-to-furlough-at-least-219-workers-during-coronavirus-pandemic/article_a2121a9e-7360-11ea-ba49-137202734a3a.html

LGBT Center of Greater Reading moves to virtual services during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/lgbt-center-of-greater-reading-moves-to-virtual-services-during-coronavirus-pandemic/article_1b22ca9e-745d-11ea-8443-dfb8c4189125.html

Hanover Twp., W-B adopt new safety measures for garbage, recycling collection during pandemic
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hanover-twp-w-b-adopt-new-safety-measures-for-garbage-recycling-collection-during-pandemic-1.2613891

Brown to answer questions for W-B residents via Facebook
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/brown-to-answer-questions-for-w-b-residents-via-facebook-1.2613805

Philly

‘It’s like we are just a piece of garbage’: Laid-off Philly workers face life without health insurance
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/coronavirus-layoffs-health-insurance-hourly-workers-philadelphia-20200402.html

Philly landlords face slim returns from retail tenants as first rents of coronavirus pandemic era come due
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/coronavirus-retail-rent-philadelphia-nonpayment-cheesecake-urban-outfitters-alterra-post-ironstone-mmpartners-20200402.html

Philly prepares to open Holiday Inn quarantine site amid questions about how to help the mentally ill and addicted
https://www.inquirer.com/news/holiday-inn-philadelphia-homeless-coronavirus-20200401.html

‘They’re not taking our safety seriously’: SEPTA employees call for greater protections
https://www.inquirer.com/news/septa-employees-protections-coronavirus-20200401.html

Wednesday coronavirus update: African Americans make up 46% of positive cases in the city, more jail inmates test positive
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/wednesday-coronavirus-update-african-americans-make-up-46-of-positive-cases-in-the-city-more/article_0d454c6a-7157-5405-919e-a76bbbff24ae.html

Philadelphia teen fires up his 3D printers to create face shields to donate to hospitals
https://www.inquirer.com/life/louie-beardell-3d-printing-face-shields-donate-hospitals-20200401.html

Why the Union League’s fund for employees could be a model for others: ‘They deserve it’
https://www.inquirer.com/business/union-league-philadelphia-employee-relief-fund-covid-19-20200402.html

Art majors struggle with high debt, low pay — especially at PAFA | Does that Degree Pay?
https://www.inquirer.com/business/art-degrees-student-debt-income-20200402.html

Pitt

Pittsburgh to receive $12.7M in community development, housing grants under relief package
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/01/Pittsburgh-to-receive-12-million-community-housing-grants-as-part-of-federal-COVID-19-stimulus-relief-bill/stories/202004010115

Despite low ridership, Port Authority may have to add buses to maintain distancing
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/01/Port-Auority-increase-service-social-distancing-COVID-19-pittsburgh-bus-routes/stories/202004010152

City firefighter tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/01/COVID-19-Pittsburgh-firefighter-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/stories/202004010142

Pittsburgh Public Schools open additional meal sites
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/01/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-open-additional-meal-sites/stories/202004010120

AHN turning downtown Pittsburgh auditorium into covid-19 test kit production site
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/ahn-turning-auditorium-into-covid-19-test-kit-production-site/

Sammartino Foundation donates $10,000 to food bank
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/sammartino-foundation-donates-10000-to-food-bank/

Pittsburgh website provides public information during coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-website-provides-public-information-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

Allegheny County Council moves demolition fee one step forward
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/04/01/Allegheny-County-Council-demolition-fee-one-step-forward/stories/202004010146

State News

Landlords brace for late and missed rent payments due to massive job losses
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/04/01/rent-payment-delay-landlords-late-missed-Pittsburgh-area-job-loss-coronavirus/stories/202003310090

FirstEnergy’s $500,000 donation benefits food banks in Westmoreland, Cranberry, elsewhere
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/firstenergys-500000-donation-benefits-food-banks-in-westmoreland-cranberry-elsewhere/

Transportation

Air traffic plummets at Western Pa. airports
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/air-traffic-plummets-at-western-pa-airports/

Cartwright asks Greyhound to limit New York City service
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/cartwright-asks-greyhound-to-limit-new-york-city-service-1.2613763

Reading urging residents to stop traveling to and from New York amid coronavirus pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/reading-urging-residents-to-stop-traveling-to-and-from-new-york-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/article_c8d352fe-7434-11ea-8cd0-1fcbf19c5ffe.html

World News

Pakistan court overturns convictions in killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/02/Pakistan-court-overturns-convictions-in-killing-of-American-journalist-Daniel-Pearl/stories/202004020120