June 16,2020
Gov. Wolf: Department of Health Reaches COVID-19 Testing Goal in May, Continues to Increase Testing in Several Regions
The world is changing quickly. We will keep you up to date
a message from our state officials
Update on Coronavirus Impact in PA
Information about the presence and spread of coronavirus here in the Commonwealth is quickly and constantly changing. To help you keep up-to-date on the information that matters most to you, I put together a page of online resources that includes links to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as news about school closures, PennDOT information and more.
Coronavirus 101 - What is it and how do I protect myself?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
The CDC and PA Department of Health (DOH) suggest some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others:
" Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow. Do not use your hands!
" Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
" Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items.
" If you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.
Why did the governor close our schools and businesses?
Information from the World Health Organization, the CDC, DOH and others, clearly show that coronavirus has been taking a toll on countries around the globe and is now having wide impact across the United States. Cases have been reported throughout the state, with our first coronavirus-related death occurring this past week. More than 100 have died across the nation, and more than 8,000 worldwide according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.
The vast majority of people afflicted with COVID-19 recover; however, it is especially dangerous for senior citizens and others with compromised immune systems. The closures outlined by the governor are designed to help prevent the spread of the virus to protect those vulnerable populations using the concept of "social distancing" - simply keeping people apart so as not to pass the virus from one person to another. Since a person may be a carrier of the virus for as long as two weeks without displaying any symptoms, simply telling people to stay home if they are not feeling well is not enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Currently, grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations are among the businesses that may remain open, as well as bars and restaurants offering take-out or delivery services (no dine-in service is permitted). Businesses that must be closed, based on the governor’s guidance, include things like hair and nail salons, gyms, theaters and sports venues. With regard to businesses, the governor has urged nonessential businesses (which he defines as things like hair and nail salons, gyms, theaters and sports venues) to close to help create social distancing, but as yet has not issued an emergency order. He has ordered bars and restaurants to discontinue dine-in services, but they may offer pick-up, take-out or drive through service. Even before businesses were urged to close temporarily, many had seen a significant drop in traffic, affecting both their bottom line and in many cases, that of their employees. For more information concerning unemployment compensation for EMPLOYEES, click here. For more information concerning EMPLOYER unemployment relief, click here.
What's Next?
As suggested by the CDC, it is important we all stay calm, limit unnecessary travel and interactions with others, wash our hands, pay attention to how we are feeling and be patient. The House was in session earlier this week to vote on a rules change that will allow us to cast votes on legislation remotely if necessary. We will be looking at legislation to address unemployment needs, business assistance and more.
Most Everything You Need To Know!
During this international crisis we will try to keep you informed of the most up to date information
We will try to stay current on updates to how Federal, State and local governments are dealing with the COVID-19 crisis (updated-6/8/2020)
STATE RESOURCES
these sites are the best starting places:
Responding to COVID-19 - PA's Resource Guide
PA Department of Health updates
Information for Businesses Affected by the State Closure Order:
Updated FAQs about "Life sustaining" business://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/business-faq
PA Department of Community & Economic Development (additional business designations and resources)
Unemployment Compensation Updates for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
Other Information by Departments:
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program extension
Emergency Food Assistance During COVID-19 Mitigation
PA Department of Education (information on school closures)
Impact on higher education assistance through PHEAA
PennDOT actions (Drivers License centers, construction work, REAL ID)
PA Department of Aging (PACE program extension)
Requests for Birth and Death Certificates (revised system)
FEDERAL AND OTHER RELATED RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Department of State (information for travelers)
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center
It is a wise move to contact (by phone,text, email etc.) any stores you intend to visit to discover if they are open, will take orders by phoned in credit card information and if they will deliver to your vehicle.
