Coronavirus – COVID-19
Gov. Wolf signs order granting civil immunity to health care providers during covid-19 pandemic
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-signs-order-granting-civil-immunity-to-health-care-providers-during-covid-19-pandemic/
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf grants civil immunity to doctors, health care workers in COVID-19 front line
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/pennsylvania-gov-tom-wolf-grants-civil-immunity-to-doctors-health-care-workers-in-covid-19-front-line.html
Gov. Wolf says civilian corps will trace contacts as Pa.’s COVID-19 cases slow
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/06/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-deaths-cases-data-pandemic-1/stories/202005060099
Wolf announces formation of Commonwealth Civilian Coronavirus Corps
https://www.timesleader.com/news-main/782652/wolf-announces-formation-of-commonwealth-civilian-coronavirus-corps
Pennsylvania to hire civilians to ramp up coronavirus contact tracing
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-set-to-hire-civilians-to-ramp-up-coronavirus-contact-tracing/
Wolf: Commonwealth Civilian Coronavirus Corps will help fight COVID-19, unemployment in Pa.
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200506/wolf-commonwealth-civilian-coronavirus-corps-will-help-fight-covid-19-unemployment-in-pa
Pennsylvania to create Commonwealth Civilian Coronavirus Corps; will employ people to expand state’s ability to do tracing and testing, help fight virus
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-corps-virus-created-20200506-kweq73ccbzdt7i3sm6g77niuzq-story.html
Wolf proposes creating army of public health workers to tackle contact tracing of COVID-19
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/wolf-proposes-creating-army-of-public-health-workers-to-tackle-contact-tracing-of-covid-19/
Wolf announces plan for more virus testing, tracing this fall
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/wolf-announces-plan-for-more-virus-testing-tracing-this-fall-1.2625423
As coronavirus death and case numbers decline, pressures build to reopen. Governors say not so fast.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-deaths-cases-philadelphia-jersey-shore-beaches-20200506.html
Pennsylvania reports 94 new coronavirus deaths, 4th straight day with under 1,000 new cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-94-new-coronavirus-deaths-3rd-straight-day-with-under-1000-new-cases/
Many new Allegheny County coronavirus cases linked to long-term care facilities
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/many-new-allegheny-county-coronavirus-cases-linked-to-long-term-care-facilities/
One-third of Allegheny County COVID cases are at long-term care facilities
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/07/one-third-of-allegheny-county-covid-cases-are-at-long-term-care-facilities/
Allegheny County reports 19 more coronavirus cases, 2 deaths
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-19-more-coronavirus-cases-2-deaths/
4 new cases, no additional coronavirus deaths reported in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/4-new-cases-no-additional-coronavirus-deaths-reported-in-westmoreland-county/
3 more COVID-19 deaths reported in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/3-more-covid-19-deaths-reported-in-county-1.2625622
Berks County adds 8 coronavirus deaths
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-adds-8-coronavirus-deaths/article_ea13c276-8fcf-11ea-8633-9f1e9145e129.html
4 more deaths at Berks Heim, county reports; 44 new positives for county in Pa data
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/4-more-deaths-at-berks-heim-county-reports-44-new-positives-for-county-in-pa/article_aae9ff14-8fae-11ea-8e86-dbfa37999e31.html
Coronavirus death toll climbs to 379 in Montco with 26 more deaths reported
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-379-in-montco-with-26-more-deaths-reported/article_fa7b86df-1005-5534-bf8d-4f8f747b05a9.html
More than 3,500 in Bucks now have coronavirus; 52,000 statewide
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200506/more-than-3500-in-bucks-now-have-coronavirus-52000-statewide
Chester County Coroner: Coronavirus deaths on the decline
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/chester-county-coroner-coronavirus-deaths-on-the-decline/article_6ec8c1e4-8fc4-11ea-82e8-8fb95b0d32db.html
Poconos see low increase in COVID-19 cases Wednesday, state keeps an eye on data trends
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200506/poconos-see-low-increase-in-covid-19-cases-wednesday-state-keeps-eye-on-data-trends
‘Folks need to get back to work’: Motorists line up at Lehigh Valley’s first drive-thru coronavirus testing site amid calls for expanded access
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-testing-easton-hospital-20200506-gutfsawfcvep3p4jypfylxxoim-story.html
Rite Aid to begin offering coronavirus tests for adults without symptoms
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/rite-aid-to-begin-offering-coronavirus-tests-for-adults-without-symptoms.html
An elder-care facility locked down to contain COVID-19. Then a resident was found shoeless wandering the street.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-nursing-homes-highgate-paoli-covid-19-lockdown-20200506.html
Suburban Philadelphia nursing homes are loaded with COVID cases and paralyzing the economy | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/coronavirus-covid-19-nursing-home-deaths-bucks-chester-delaware-montgomery-county-maria-panaritis-20200507.html
‘COVID toe’ — a mystery condition affecting children
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/06/COVID-toe-children-condition-mystery-coronavirus-association-health-COVID-19/stories/202005060087
COVID-19 can mean agitation, delirium, and other neurologic symptoms, doctors are finding
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coroanvirus-covid19-mental-health-psychiatry-20200507.html
People may be overspending out of boredom during COVID-19 lockdown
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/people-may-be-overspending-out-of-boredom-during-covid-19-lockdown-1.2625639
The second wave of coronavirus: How bad will it be as lockdowns ease?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-second-wave-united-states-italy-germany-britain-20200506.html
Trump contradicted nurse he was honoring over protective-gear shortages
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/05/06/Trump-nurse-sporadic-PPE-protective-gear-coronavirus-contradicts/stories/202005060180
Trump reverses, says task force to convene ‘indefinitely’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-task-force-trump-20200506.html
Trump Administration shelves CDC guide to reopening country
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/trump-administration-cdc-guidelines-coronavirus-reopening-country-20200507.html
Legislature
Sen. Schwank holds telephone town hall on coronavirus health concerns and unemployment
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/sen-schwank-holds-telephone-town-hall-on-coronavirus-health-concerns-and-unemployment/article_f60fad94-8ffa-11ea-bbb2-377ab55cdac8.html
Pa. Senate examines liquor store closures during pandemic. The big question: When will they reopen?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-senate-dives-into-problems-highlighted-by-liquor-store-closures-during-covid-19-pandemic-including-when-will-they-reopen.html
Senate bill would mandate safety protocols for Pennsylvania nursing homes
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/senate-bill-would-add-mandate-safety-protocols-for-pennsylvania-nursing-homes/
The ‘nuclear option’ and the emergency ticker: How Pa. lawmakers are trying to limit Wolf’s power in a pandemic
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/the-nuclear-option-and-the-emergency-ticker-how-pa-lawmakers-are-trying-to-limit-wolfs/article_f4885f0e-8fcb-11ea-9ad7-b373e378958e.html
GOP lawmakers criticize Gov. Wolf’s planned ‘Coronavirus Corps’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/gop-lawmakers-criticize-gov-wolfs-planned-coronavirus-corps.html
Pollster to GOP: Grass is greener on the side of pot legalization
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/06/pollster-to-gop-grass-is-greener-on-the-side-of-pot-legalization/
Rep. Toohil pushes for automatic and immediate rebates for seniors
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/782584/rep-toohil-pushes-for-automatic-and-immediate-rebates-for-seniors
Lawmakers should cut pay
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/lawmakers-should-cut-pay-1.2625488
Administration
COVID-19 changed our lives. But we can, and will, emerge together | Tom Wolf
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/covid-19-changed-our-lives-but-we-can-and-will-emerge-together-tom-wolf/
There are reasons Gov. Wolf’s red-yellow-green code draws questions | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/there-are-reasons-gov-wolfs-red-yellow-green-code-draws-questions-john-baer.html
Business
Nonessential businesses will stay closed, as U.S. Supreme Court denies request to suspend Gov. Wolf’s shutdown
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-supreme-court-denies-request-suspend-pennsylvania-20200506-ct2l6kosnvgannezn4n3mzp22m-story.html
State Rep. candidate Danny DeVito loses Supreme Court challenge to reopen Pa
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/state-rep-candidate-danny-devito-loses-supreme-court-challenge-to-reopen-pa/Content?oid=17259024
Businesses open in defiance of Pennsylvania coronavirus shutdown
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/businesses-open-in-defiance-of-pennsylvania-shutdown.html
Just pop the trunk: Giant Eagle opens ‘totally contactless’ store in Parkway Center
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/05/06/Giant-Eagle-e-commerce-online-shopping-grocery-Parkway-Center-albertsons/stories/202005060150
Uber to cut 3,700 jobs, adding to growing number of tech layoffs
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/05/06/Uber-layoffs-3700-jobs-14-percent-workforce-coronavirus-pandemic/stories/202005060183
Thanking low-wage frontline workers demands more than just a pay raise | Albert Eisenberg
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-covid-mitt-romney-patriot-play-frontline-workers-20200506.html
Debt collection lawsuits are growing and the coronavirus crisis will probably make it worse
https://www.inquirer.com/consumer/debt-collection-lawsuits-pew-coronavirus-crisis-20200506.html
Finally, there’s help for Pa.’s small businesses that doesn’t involve a lot of red tape | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/coronavirus-loans-small-business-covid19-pennsylvania-philly-jenice-armstrong-20200506.html
Cee-Kay Auto closes Wilkes-Barre store
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/cee-kay-auto-closes-wilkes-barre-store-1.2625482
Home Depot offering hourly workers two extra weeks of paid time off
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/home-depot-offering-hourly-workers-two-extra-weeks-of-paid-time-off-1.2625478
Construction companies in Berks County relieved to reopen, nervous about future
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/construction-companies-in-berks-county-relieved-to-reopen-nervous-about-future/article_59493f3c-8f2a-11ea-9b27-4307084ebacb.html
Manufacturer has flags ready but not allowed to sell them for Berks Memorial Day events
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/manufacturer-has-flags-ready-but-not-allowed-to-sell-them-for-berks-memorial-day-events/article_0cfb455a-8faa-11ea-905b-1389cd4d207f.html
Allentown jewelry shop, Walnutport consignment shop close permanently due to pandemic
https://www.mcall.com/business/retail-watch/mc-biz-two-lehigh-valley-retail-shops-close-permanently-amid-pandemic-20200507-qijpruta2fbcndgrdlo3c4rytq-story.html
Modern union busting and how it’s ushered the decline of the middle class | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/modern-union-busting-and-how-its-ushered-the-decline-of-the-middle-class-opinion/
Education
Berks high school football finds new home with Lancaster-Lebanon League
https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/high-school/berks-high-school-football-finds-new-home-with-lancaster-lebanon-league/article_1c1b5cd4-8f35-11ea-b7a3-cb28359604d7.html
Let the virtual graduations commence: Coronavirus has pushed ceremonies online
https://www.inquirer.com/education/commencement-temple-west-chester-rutgers-coronavirus-virtual-20200507.html
Penn State coach James Franklin wants a 2020 season, but only if it’s safe and healthy for everyone
https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/penn-state/penn-state-nittany-lions-head-coach-james-franklin-2020-football-season-scenarios-scientific-experts-20200506.html
Education Department announces new campus sexual assault rules that bolster rights of accused
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/betsy-devos-education-department-sexual-assault-rules-changes-20200506.html
Valid revision
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/valid-revision-1.2625490
Elections/Politics
What will Luzerne County voting be like on June 2?
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782680/what-will-luzerne-county-voting-be-like-on-june-2
Pedri’s primary plan gets approval
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pedri-s-primary-plan-gets-approval-1.2625620
Editorial: Community needs people to work polls
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-community-needs-people-to-work-polls/article_021a63e4-8f9d-11ea-91a9-2336e4e6c09c.html
U.S. Rep. Scott Perry stays on a list of “most vulnerable” incumbents in 2020 campaign cycle
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/05/us-rep-scott-perry-stays-on-a-list-of-most-vulnerable-incumbents-in-2020-campaign-cycle.html
Why this could be Pennsylvania’s messiest primary election ever
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-pennsylvania-mail-in-ballots-primary-muschick-20200507-mgl7p2wuvnfx7bgpmcx4aijymq-story.html
Health Care
Region’s hospitals increase cooperation through leadership groups
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/05/06/Pittsburgh-area-hospitals-health-care-systems-task-force-COVID-19-patients/stories/202005060128
Local News
Lackawanna County Commissioners extend emergency declaration to June 8 because of expected surge of mail-in ballots
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-commissioners-extend-emergency-declaration-to-june-8-because-of-expected-surge-of-mail-in-ballots-1.2625470
Berks County officials want local economy to reopen without meeting benchmarks
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-officials-want-local-economy-to-reopen-without-meeting-benchmarks/article_a59ee5d0-8fb6-11ea-be91-4bbbd88f5788.html
Humane Pennsylvania pet food pantry in Berks hands out over one ton of food
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/humane-pennsylvania-pet-food-pantry-in-berks-hands-out-over-one-ton-of-food/article_14a69868-8fcd-11ea-b26f-5f6367b7b3b7.html
Delaware County residents warned against rush to reopen
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/delaware-county-residents-warned-against-rush-to-reopen/article_06680d8e-9001-11ea-863d-b35edb3bcf20.html
Cartwright announces $500K brownfields grant for Earth Conservancy
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782664/cartwright-announces-500k-brownfields-grant-for-earth-conservancy
$500,000 released to clean up mine-scarred Espy Run in Hanover Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/500-000-released-to-clean-up-mine-scarred-espy-run-in-hanover-twp-1.2625479
Wilkes-Barre City Council working on public participation for next meeting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782661/wilkes-barre-city-council-working-on-public-participation-for-next-meeting
Yudichak, Newport Twp., DCNR partner on enforcement at Pinchot forest
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782571/yudichak-newport-twp-dcnr-partner-on-enforcement-at-pinchot-forest
Reopening of court offices will take time
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/reopening-of-court-offices-will-take-time-1.2625536
Scranton dentist accused of namedropping Trump in deal with feds involving coronavirus test kits
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-dentist-accused-of-namedropping-trump-in-deal-with-feds-involving-coronavirus-test-kits-1.2625465
NIZ authority doles out tax revenue to City Center, other developers before returning $22 million baseline to state coffers
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-niz-waterfront-city-center-harrisburg-20200507-lwt7oxa2hnfkpewswyprxkl2qa-story.html
Vogel, Marburger Dairy donate milk to Beaver, Lawrence county food pantries
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200506/vogel-marburger-dairy-donate-milk-to-beaver-lawrence-county-food-pantries
National News
Nearly 1 in 5 children in U.S. not getting enough to eat, research finds
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/05/07/food-insecurity-children-US-nearly-1-in-5-coronavirus/stories/202005070087
Gov. Whitmer sued by Michigan’s House and Senate over emergency powers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/05/06/Michigan-Governor-Whitmer-legislature-Republicans-sue-state-emergency-orders/stories/202005060182
Philly
Philly health-care workers are giving their all treating COVID patients. Where’s the love from their city?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/front-line-essential-workers-doctor-nurse-health-care-applause-celebration-demonstration-philadelphia-20200507.html
City ‘moving in the right direction,’ health commissioner says
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/city-moving-in-the-right-direction-health-commissioner-says/article_c8854dda-a07f-54cb-a634-5e3659f86ebd.html
Philly small businesses are getting ready to reopen. If only they knew when.
https://www.inquirer.com/economy/philadelphia-small-businesses-reopening-coronavirus-20200507.html
Homeless living at airport — and one man found in a parked plane — underscore the wreckage of COVID-19
https://www.inquirer.com/news/homeless-philadelphia-airport-security-mayor-kenney-protest-coronavirus-pandemic-20200506.html
Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium offer free coronavirus testing during Ramadan
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/black-doctors-covid-19-consortium-offer-free-coronavirus-testing-during-ramadan/article_fd0db9ba-8fa0-11ea-9642-1bb35c1e7b9f.html
Do I have to pay my rent? Renters’ rights in Philadelphia during the coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/coronavirus-covir19-rent-strike-do-i-have-to-pay-rent-renters-rights-philadelphia-pennsylvania-20200422.html
Here’s who’s behind ‘reopen’ rallies planned for Friday at Philadelphia City Hall
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/coronavirus-rally-reopen-philadelphia-city-hall-jim-kenney-20200506.html
With social distancing tweaks, Philly pools should reopen this summer | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-swimming-pools-closed-2020-budget-coronavirus-20200506.html
Pitt
Peduto: Pittsburgh’s ‘true north’ is resident safety when it comes to reopening
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/05/06/Peduto-Public-Safety-COVID-19-pittsburgh-response/stories/202005060097
Peduto: Coronavirus could bring pop-up drive-in theaters to Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-coronavirus-could-bring-pop-up-drive-in-theaters-to-pittsburgh/
Food Bank’s doorstep program brings food to people with health problems and without wheels
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/07/Greater-Pittsburgh-Community-Food-Bank-doorstep-deliveries-program-COVID-19-help/stories/202005060139
Pittsburgh Food Bank responding to covid-19 needs in variety of ways
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-food-bank-responding-to-covid-19-needs-in-variety-of-ways/
Police: Pitt researcher’s slaying didn’t involve his COVID-19 work
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/06/bing-liu-hao-gu-ross-murder-suicide-allegheny-county-motive/stories/202005060096
Delay the Kenny Chesney concert: This is no time for tens of thousands to gather
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/07/Delay-Kenny-Chesney-Pittsburgh-concert-Heinz-Field/stories/202005070025
Allegheny County courts extend judicial emergency into June
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/06/Allegheny-County-courts-extend-judicial-emergency-into-June-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202005060158
Brian O’Neill: A shrunken Pittsburgh still gets crowded
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2020/05/07/Pittsburgh-COVID-19-Allegheny-County-population-density-mass-transit-Chris-Briem-cities/stories/202005070014
Pittsburgh HIV/AIDS advocate August Pusateri dies
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/community-advocate-played-important-role-in-hiv-aids-research-motivated-others/
PWSA: Water in shuttered buildings could contain contaminants like Legionella
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pwsa-water-in-shuttered-buildings-could-contain-contaminants-like-legionella/
Rats are eating each other in Pittsburgh amid waste shortage caused by coronavirus closures
https://triblive.com/local/regional/rats-are-eating-each-other-in-pittsburgh-amid-waste-shortage-caused-by-coronavirus-closures/
State News
Pa.’s birth-control war returns to a divided U.S. Supreme Court
https://www.inquirer.com/news/supreme-court-birth-control-pennsylvania-little-sisters-trump-contraception-affordable-care-act-20200506.html
Ruth Bader Ginsburg weighs in on Trump v. Pennsylvania birth control case from hospital bed
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/justice-ginsburg-weighs-in-on-trump-v-pennsylvania-birth-control-case-from-hospital-bed/
Have Torah, will travel: Zoom mitzvahs adapt an ancient Jewish tradition for the pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-bar-bat-mitzvah-jewish-synogogue-20200507.html
Asian giant ‘murder hornets’ buzz into U.S. Could they get to Philly area?
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/murder-hornets-honeybees-philadelphia-south-jersey-rutgers-20200506.html
Limited in-store sales to resume at 77 Pennsylvania liquor stores
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/limited-in-store-sales-to-resume-at-77-pennsylvania-liquor-stores/
State police unable to hold memorial ceremony to mark 115th anniversary
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-police-unable-to-hold-memorial-ceremony-to-mark-115th-anniversary/
PA rape-kit backlog down 97 percent since 2016; Beaver County has eight
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200506/pa-rape-kit-backlog-down-97-percent-since-2016-beaver-county-has-eight
Down in the dumps: Poconos seeing rash of illegal dumping
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200507/down-in-dumps-poconos-seeing-rash-of-illegal-dumping
Washington
Top Republican fundraiser and Trump ally named postmaster general
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/postal-service-postmaster-general-20200506.html