Coronavirus – COVID-19
Wolf: Schools to remain closed ‘until further notice,’ 4 more counties must stay home
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/30/Pennsylvania-Wolf-Schools-closed-until-further-notice-business-stay-at-home-order-covid-19/stories/202003300101
Pa. school closure order extended for an indefinite period of time
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/pa-school-closure-order-extended-for-an-indefinite-period-of-time.html
Wolf extends stay-at-home order to April 30, says schools, business to stay close indefinitely
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200330/wolf-extends-stay-at-home-order-to-april-30-says-schools-business-to-stay-close-indefinitely
Pennsylvania schools closed indefinitely because of coronavirus; remote learning plans kicking in
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-pennsylvania-schools-closure-20200330-g4gjaga4y5gvzi5knnqmfrhja4-story.html
Schools coping as new virus figures prompt extended closure
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/schools-coping-as-new-virus-figures-prompt-extended-closure/article_25bd92c8-72cc-11ea-b944-1be7a2b7c141.html
Trump declares federal disaster in Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/30/Trump-disaster-declaration-Pennsylvania-coronavirus-president-approves-major/stories/202003300159
Trump declares federal disaster in Pennsylvania over coronavirus
https://triblive.com/news/trump-declares-federal-disaster-in-pennsylvania-over-coronavirus/
Laid off workers battle outages, jammed phone lines as Pa. unemployment system buckles from coronavirus surge
https://www.inquirer.com/business/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-unemployment-system-issues-calls-online-20200331.html
More than 844,000 unemployment claims filed in Pa. in 2 weeks
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/more-than-844000-unemployment-claims-filed-in-pa/
Pennsylvania unemployment claims soar to 835,000 and strain resources: ‘We know it’s frustrating for people when they have wait times’
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-unemployment-workers-compensation-20200330-g25n24g5fbevtjxzhhz6lk7hjq-story.html
Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: Statewide case counts boosted by 693 to 4,087 on Monday; 4 more deaths in Monroe bring total there to 7
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-coronavirus-statewide-monday-20200330-zvwgudov5fetvpmywopcisgq2y-story.html
State tries to prepare for virus crisis
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/03/state-tries-to-prepare-for-virus-crisis/
Berks County to furlough nonessential employees during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-to-furlough-nonessential-employees-during-coronavirus-pandemic/article_67d93564-72c6-11ea-81ed-9bb2002b84b0.html
Shapiro launches PA CARE Package to protect consumers in wake of pandemic
https://www.timesleader.com/news/778337/shapiro-launches-pa-care-package-to-protect-consumers-in-wake-of-pandemic
Banks statewide asked to cut breaks for customers during pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/03/31/Pennsylvania-coronavirus-pandemic-banks-relief-customers-attorney-general-PNC/stories/202003300131
Health care workers, Casey press feds for more equipment
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/03/30/health-care-workers-Sen-Bob-Casey-protective-equipment-Pennsylvania-coronavirus/stories/202003300142
Montgomery County officials: Peak of coronavirus still two weeks away; 6th death reported
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-officials-peak-of-coronavirus-still-two-weeks-away/article_a834b56c-4736-568a-950a-c9ba65825ba9.html
Positive coronavirus cases surge in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/positive-coronavirus-cases-surge-in-county-1.2613076
Pennsylvania sees largest single-day surge in coronavirus cases, deaths
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/pennsylvania-sees-largest-single-day-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-deaths-1.2612974
Two Beaver County nursing home patients die of COVID-19 as cases grow
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/30/Two-Beaver-County-nursing-home-patients-die-brighton-township-cases-grow-covid-19/stories/202003300127
COVID-19 cases in Allegheny County near the 300 mark
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/30/COVID-19-cases-Allegheny-County-coronavirus-Pennsylvania-totals/stories/202003300070
Allegheny County adds 25 coronavirus cases, total reaches 290
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-adds-25-coronavirus-cases-total-reaches-290/
8 new coronavirus cases in Westmoreland County, state total tops 4,000
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/8-new-coronavirus-cases-in-westmoreland-county-state-total-tops-4000/
DOH: 7 coronavirus-related deaths total in Monroe County
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200330/doh-7-coronavirus-related-deaths-total-in-monroe-county
Chester County reports first coronavirus death
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/chester-county-reports-first-coronavirus-death/article_6da15ed4-72a0-11ea-90f7-d7a9e4cd7a32.html
Butler County COVID-19 victim was pillar in community and loved the rodeo
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2020/03/30/Butler-County-COVID-19-victim-Bill-Slater-pillar-community-rodeos/stories/202003300095
Woman found deceased in West Scranton home died from coronavirus, coroner says
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/woman-found-deceased-in-west-scranton-home-died-from-coronavirus-coroner-says-1.2613021
Abbott’s new rapid coronavirus test is ‘huge step forward’; first batch rolls out Wednesday
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/03/31/New-rapid-coronavirus-test-COVID-abbott-laboratories/stories/202003310070
Tests in short supply; testing limited to those with severe symptoms
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/tests-in-short-supply-testing-limited-to-those-with-severe-symptoms-1.2613081
Food bank use in Pa. triples amid coronavirus unemployment
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/food-bank-use-in-pa-triples-amid-coronavirus-unemployment.html
200,000 deaths possible in U.S., White House warns
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-deaths-white-house-20200331.html
N.J. National Guard member is first coronavirus death in the military
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/31/National-Guardsman-dies-of-coronavirus-New-Jersey-first-US-service-member/stories/202003300161
Should you wear a mask in public? The narrative is shifting.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-masks-homemade-in-public-pat-toomey-cdc-20200330.html
Coronavirus made accessibility a priority. It should stay that way when the pandemic ends. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pennsylvania-disability-accessibility-accommodations-20200331.html
Legislature
State senator cracks down on short-term rentals in Poconos
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/state-senator-cracks-down-on-short-term-rentals-in-poconos-1.2613221
Turzai put political advantage ahead of public health with House special elections | Mark O’Keefe
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/turzai-put-political-advantage-ahead-of-public-health-with-house-special-elections-mark-okeefe/
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
West Rockhill, Sellersville join redistricting reform push
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200330/west-rockhill-sellersville-join-redistricting-reform-push
Business
Gov. Tom Wolf’s former business keeps operating during coronavirus shutdown despite losing state waiver
https://www.inquirer.com/business/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-wolf-home-products-essential-business-life-sustaining-20200330.html
Why the gig workers delivering your groceries and beer don’t have any labor rights
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/grocery-delivery-gig-workers-instacart-labor-rights-independent-contractors-20200331.html
One of Consol’s coal mines is shut down after employees test positive for COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/03/30/One-of-Consol-s-coal-mines-is-shut-down-after-employees-test-positive-for-COVID-19/stories/202003300110
Here’s how to get a small business loan under the $2T CARES Act
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/03/31/CARES-Act-small-business-loans-coronavirus-stimulus-package/stories/202003310060
Sheetz closes Trucksville store for cleaning after employee tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.timesleader.com/news/778264/sheetz-closes-trucksville-store-for-cleaning-after-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19
Local Sheetz closes after worker tests positive for coronavirus
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-sheetz-closes-after-worker-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-1.2613065
Worker at CVS Caremark in Hanover Twp. tests positive for coronavirus
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/worker-at-cvs-caremark-in-hanover-twp-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-1.2613058
Charley Family Shop’n Save stores extend senior hours, add protective barriers
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/charley-family-shopn-save-stores-extend-senior-hours-add-protective-barriers/
Expert: No sector of Pa. economy left untouched by COVID-19 downturn
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/expert-no-sectors-of-pa-economy-left-untouched-by-covid-19-downturn/
Rolling it out daily: A small-town Pa. facility goes into overdrive to meet the nation’s demand for TP, paper products
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200330/rolling-it-out-daily-small-town-pa-facility-goes-into-overdrive-to-meet-nations-demand-for-tp-paper-products
Crime/Punishment
ACLU to Pennsylvania Supreme Court: Act now to stop county jails from becoming coronavirus petri dishes
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-jails-pennsylvania-aclu-suit-inmates-prisons-20200330.html
Petition seeks release of jail inmates across Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/30/Petition-seeks-release-of-jail-inmates-across-Pennsylvania-prison-society-aclu/stories/202003300128
DOC announces quarantine for all state prison facilities
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/doc-announces-quarantine-for-all-state-prison-facilities-1.2613132
Westmoreland jail population declines; Allegheny jail serves as model during pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-jail-population-declines-allegheny-jail-serves-as-model-during-pandemic/
Education
Fox Chapel superintendent gets $165K retirement payment while leaving for new job
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/30/Fox-Chapel-superintendent-Gene-Freeman-retirement-payment-new-job/stories/202003300094
State-owned universities continue ban on in-person classes, internships through summer
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/30/State-System-of-Higher-Education-state-universities-COVID19-summer-commencement-Goldstein/stories/202003300069
Villanova taps first female engineering dean
https://www.inquirer.com/education/villanova-female-dean-engineering-drexel-20200330.html
Health Care
Overflow medical options available if needed
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/overflow-medical-options-available-if-needed-1.2613078
Coronavirus forces doctors to weigh risk of virus versus treatment plans for cancer patients
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-forces-doctors-to-weigh-risk-of-virus-versus-treatment/article_339e44e6-704c-11ea-9e91-33d94e662d32.html
Local News
Lucas officially named Scranton fire chief by mayor
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lucas-officially-named-scranton-fire-chief-by-mayor-1.2612966
Will required for Scranton recovery
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/will-required-for-scranton-recovery-1.2613039
National News
U.S. Census deadlines extended
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/u-s-census-deadlines-extended-1.2613107
Philly
Coronavirus has Philly businesses boarding up windows as if a hurricane is coming
https://www.inquirer.com/business/coronavirus-center-city-philalphia-businesses-security-20200331.html
Philly postal worker tests positive for coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-post-office-philadelphia-mail-letters-packages-safe-covid-19-20200330.html
A Philly day-care owner laid off 100 people because of the coronavirus: ‘It was the worst day of my life’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-daycare-philadelphia-layoffs-kinder-academy-20200330.html
Philly’s day-care system is on the verge of a coronavirus collapse. Emergency cash is coming. Will it be enough?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/daycare-childcare-coronavirus-collapse-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20200330.html
Philly museums and med students band together to donate protective gear to front-line health-care providers
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/coronavirus-donations-penn-museum-barnes-foundation-ppe-20200330.html
William Penn Foundation fast-tracks $6.6 million for the arts, adds $5 million for pre-K, loosens grant restrictions
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid19-william-penn-foundation-pre-k-arts-new-measures-20200330.html
What to do when people defy social distancing directives during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-social-distancing-violators-philadelphia-20200331.html
Safe social distancing: Should Philly close more streets to cars during coronavirus? | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-coronavirus-closures-streets-parks-public-spaces-20200331.html
With language, internet challenges slowing access to relief funds, Philly bodega owners struggle to stay open
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/north-philadelphia-bodega-business-coronavirus-pandemic-20200331.html
Protesting in the time of social distancing: Philly demands action by car, bike, text, and tweet
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/protest-philadelphia-jails-social-distancing-coronavirus-covid-19-20200330.html
Police: Five people, including toddler, shot outside North Philly house
https://www.inquirer.com/news/shooting-north-philadelphia-baby-police-20200331.html
COVID-19 in Philly: Shootings continue to surge despite stay-at-home order
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/covid-19-in-philly-shootings-continue-to-surge-despite-stay-at-home-order/
Philadelphia mayor and police union president announce a one-year contract extension
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid19-philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-fraternal-order-police-contract-extension-20200330.html
Pitt
County plans quarantine facilities for homeless amid pandemic; first site to open this week
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/03/30/Allegheny-County-plans-quarantine-facilities-homeless-vulnerable-pandemic-Covid-19-coronavirus/stories/202003300096
Hundreds of cars line up for help from Pittsburgh food bank
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/hundreds-of-cars-line-up-for-help-from-pittsburgh-food-bank/
Feeding the hungry: A $1M assist from PNC Foundation to help fill gaps in food distribution systems
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2020/03/30/COVID-19-coronavirus-PNC-Foundation-provides-meals-needy-schools/stories/202003300071
Cleared for landing: Grounded planes crowd Pittsburgh International airfield
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/03/31/Pittsburgh-International-Airport-American-Airlines-Delta-Republic-grounded-jets/stories/202003300136
Sysco doing a ‘pop-up produce giveaway’ today for hospitality workers, others who need it
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2020/03/31/Sysco-Pittsburgh-food-produce-service-industry-workers-Lawrenceville/stories/202003290122
Pittsburgh Public Schools announce updated plan for online instruction
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-public-schools-announce-updated-plan-for-online-instruction/
How a free library card can keep you connected and sane during social distancing
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/books/2020/03/31/Books-databases-movies-and-language-instruction-are-still-available/stories/202003250116
Gene Therapy: Pittsburgh and the world await its next Salk moment
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/gene-collier-columns/2020/03/31/Salk-vaccine-anniversary-UPMC-COVID-19-Collier-gene-therapy-pittsburgh-research/stories/202003310044
Port Authority debuts first two electric buses in regular service on 88-Penn route
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/30/Port-Authority-electric-buses-88-Penn-route-first-regular-use-first-regular-use/stories/202003300134
Pittsburgh pothole patching on hold during coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-pothole-patching-on-hold-during-coronavirus-pandemic/
Hill District shooting leaves man injured
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/30/Hill-District-shooting-Wylie-Avenue-man-shot-in-arm-Webster-Pittsburgh-police/stories/202003300154
Washington
FBI reaches out to Sen. Burr over stock sales tied to coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-fbi-senator-richard-burr-stocks-20200330.html