Harrisburg, Pa. – Today, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law House Bill 2536 and Senate Bill 1350.

These bills, which provide funding for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s budget through June 30, 2021, sustain commonwealth services and programs during a critical time as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

The 2020-21 budget prioritizes public education in the commonwealth, protecting more than $1.2 billion that the Wolf Administration has invested in public education during Gov. Wolf’s time in office.

Ninety five (95) new cases added Sunday and Monday in Lycoming County now at 1,755 cases, no new deaths, 35 total deaths, with 18,431 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

3,379 Patients Hospitalized and 775 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

11,837 Two-Day Total of Additional Positive Cases of COVID-19

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 23, that there were 4,762 new cases, in addition to 7,075 new cases reported Sunday, November 22 for a two-day total of 11,837 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 314,401.

There are 3,379 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 775 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

The trend in the 14-day moving average of number of hospitalized patients per day has increased by nearly 2,100 since the end of September.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of November 13 – November 19 stood at 11.1%.

The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between November 16 and November 22 is 399,573 with 44,502 positive cases. There were 62,299 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 21 and 39,901 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 22.

As of 11:59 p.m., Saturday November 21, there were 41 new deaths and as of 11:59 p.m., Sunday November 22, there were 28 new deaths reported for a total of 9,870 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 12,731 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 643 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,705,170 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 3% are ages 5-12;
• Nearly 6% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 13% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 20% are ages 65 or older.

The department has seen significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics. Increases among 19 to 24-year-olds from April to present in November are available below:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 16 percent of cases so far in November;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 13 percent of cases so far in November;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 11 percent of cases so far in November;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 11 percent of cases so far in November;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 11 percent of cases so far in November; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 9 percent of cases so far in November.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 32,198 resident cases of COVID-19, and 6,407 cases among employees, for a total of 38,605 at 1,224 distinct facilities in 64 counties. Out of our total deaths, 6,270 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 14,070 of our total cases are among health care workers.
 

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Nov. 22:
 

• Provided updated data on the Early Warning Monitoring dashboard.
• Provided Pennsylvania State Police enforcement data.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Eighty (80) new cases added Saturday in Lycoming County now at 1,660 cases, one new death, 35 total deaths, with 18,159 negatives according to DOH report.

Department Of Health Provides Update On COVID-19:

3,162 Patients Hospitalized And 661 Patients In The Intensive Care Unit

Increase Of 6,778 Additional Positive Cases Of COVID-19

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 21, that there were 6,778 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 302,564.

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak today reminded residents to remain vigilant against scams as new reports emerge nationally of fraudsters offering cash rewards to access state unemployment benefits.

“As we continue to work with our state and federal law enforcement partners to prevent frauds and scams, please note the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry will never contact you and ask for your personal, private information,” said Secretary Oleksiak. “If you receive a call, email, text, social media message, or other communication seeking information such as your username, password or full Social Security number, do not provide it. We will never ask you for this information.”

The latest scam involves fraudsters engaging in social engineering to commit identity theft by circulating emails and Facebook posts informing recipients they won a prize. When the victim clicks on the link, the attacker has them take steps to tie their identity to the attacker’s login.

L&I does not currently offer assistance to claimants over social media messaging due to the inability to guarantee security and confidentiality, and messages received by “L&I” over social media are most likely fraudulent and should be ignored.

Multiple states, including Pennsylvania, have been inundated with fraudulent unemployment claims, primarily through the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which assists out-of-work individuals who are typically ineligible for traditional unemployment compensation. Due to this issue there have been questions about the authenticity of a legitimate email distributed by L&I to PUA claimants between 5:00 and 6:00 PM Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, from the email sender “LI, oucbp-fedp-pua.” This is the account name for UCPUA@pa.gov. The department submitted this communication to all claimants who have emailed UCPUA@pa.gov since March 15 as a follow-up during a special review of emails.

Claimants concerned that this email may be a phishing attempt and hesitant to reply to the sender can provide the requested information directly to UCPUA@pa.gov.

Any PUA claimant with outstanding questions or concerns about their claim is encouraged to submit the following information directly to UCPUA@pa.gov:

• Full name as it appears on their claim
• User ID number
• Last 4 digits of their Social Security number
• Telephone number
• Best time to contact by telephone if needed
• Brief description of the issue on their claim

For more information on identifying fraud, what to do if you believe you have been a victim of fraud, or how to report fraud, visit L&I’s website.

• Require all customers to wear masks while entering, exiting or otherwise traveling throughout the restaurant or retail food service business (face masks may be removed while seated). Further, employees are required to wear masks at all times.
• Provide at least six feet between parties at tables or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back.
• Ensure maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor areas are posted and enforced.

Says Democrats’ partisan workforce proposal will stifle private sector innovation, kill jobs 

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) voted against House Democrats’ H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, a bill that disregards the needs of the current economy and the modern American workforce. The bill was passed by a vote of 246-140.

On Thursday, Keller spoke on the House Floor in opposition to H.R. 8294, saying that, while apprenticeship programs are vital for the success of American workers and businesses, the bill misses the mark in making much-needed updates to a severely outdated apprenticeship system. Below are excerpts of his remarks. 

I rise today in opposition of H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020.

H.R. 8294 aimed to address many needed updates; however, it completely failed to address and expand work-based learning programs beyond the traditional registered model.

Given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy, now more than ever we need an apprenticeship system that provides tools and opportunities for workers to succeed and will encourage our small and medium-sized businesses to participate.

The current administration has addressed these needs by creating the industry recognized apprenticeship program, commonly referred to “IRAPS”.

It’s time that we allow employers to participate in a system that is reflective of their needs and the needs of the workforce.

Doing so will open greater pathways to work for current workers and job seekers and ultimately get more Americans back to work.

Most importantly, this bill would actively prevent IRAPs from moving forward, decimating thousands of opportunities for workers to participate in a dynamic and innovative apprenticeship system.

In addition to his concerns with the broader bill, Keller conveyed his strong opposition to an amendment offered by Congressman Mike Levin (D-CA) which attempts to elevate the wants of unions over the needs of the American people.

This amendment essentially restricts non-union entities from being able to apply for funding under Title II, allowing taxpayer dollars to go to apprenticeship programs that partner only with unions.

At best, it is signaling that congress would rather double down on a union-dominated registered model rather than expanding to new participants.

BACKGROUND:

Keller offered an amendment to H.R. 8294 that would ensure that apprenticeship programs protect the safety and well-being of apprentices equally across the board by requiring state registration agencies to hold all programs to the same standard, regardless of which entity sponsors the program.

Without this important amendment, H.R. 8294 creates a special carve-out for union-sponsored apprenticeship programs, allowing them to ignore safety requirements that ensure that a sufficient number of supervisors are present on the job site to protect workers.

This amendment was blocked by Democratic leadership.

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced the federal government will be distributing monoclonal antibodies to healthcare systems throughout the commonwealth. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins built in a laboratory that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful antigens, like the COVID-19 virus.

“The department will determine which healthcare systems receive allocations based upon county case counts,” Dr. Levine said. “Then, the federal government will distribute the antibodies to the respective healthcare systems to further help communities struggling with the spread of COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies may provide short term protection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus for appropriate COVID-19 patients.”

The healthcare partners who receive the monoclonal antibodies will then ensure that patients who meet the criteria will be able to receive this treatment in a range of different distribution settings. Health care systems will determine eligibility for the antibodies based upon the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization (EUA) guidelines.

The for the investigational monoclonal antibody therapy, bamlanivimab, for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adult and pediatric patients. Bamlanivimab is specifically directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, designed to block the virus’s attachment and entry into human cells. Bamlanivimab is not authorized for the patients who are hospitalized or require oxygen therapy due to COVID-19.

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit health.pa.gov.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Human Services (DHS) today recognized those who help children and youth achieve permanent homes. The Wolf Administration is committed to supporting and advocating on behalf of children and youth in the foster care system.

DHS will receive $5,885,500 in Adoption and Legal Guardianship Incentive Payments from the United States Department of Health and Human Services for its improved performance in helping children and youth in foster care find permanent homes through adoption and legal guardianship. These funds will be used to further increase awareness of and provide services to families interested in adopting a child from foster care.

“All children deserve the opportunity to live and grow at home with a supportive family, and in many cases, adoption is the best chance for children and youth to achieve a healthy and happy life. That’s why I’m especially proud to recognize Adoption Awareness Month,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “DHS works every day to help Pennsylvania’s children and youth find their forever homes. There is still a need for permanent, loving homes for children in this commonwealth, so I encourage anyone who can offer a loving and nurturing home to children and youth as permanent or foster parents to reach out. You can offer a child a brighter future.”

The Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN), administered by DHS’ Office of Children Youth and Families, helps match children in need of adoption with potential families. SWAN brings together state, county, and private agencies to coordinate permanency-related services for children and post-permanency services to families. Since SWAN began in 1992, there have been more than 51,000 adoptions in Pennsylvania. Currently, Pennsylvania has 14,400 children in foster care and 3,094 with a goal of adoption. In 2019, 2,722 children and youth were successfully adopted – the most adoptions to occur in Pennsylvania in a given year.

Secretary Miller also hosted the 28th Annual Pennsylvania Permanency Conference, which was held virtually due to COVID-19 precautions. The annual conference is attended by child welfare professionals, current and prospective foster or adoptive families, kinship care providers, and others with a vested interest in ensuring children have safe, permanent and loving homes.

The permanency conference is designed to:

• Train participants on how to prepare children and their families for their journey towards permanency;
• Educate and support all those involved in finding permanent homes for Pennsylvania’s foster children; and
• Provide an opportunity for children to be matched with prospective foster and adoptive families.

The conference traditionally includes an awards ceremony to recognize those who help children and youth achieve permanent homes. This year’s virtual awards ceremony honorees include:

Permanent Family Recognition Award

Families selected have provided legalized permanency for a child or children involved in the child welfare system:

• Ian & Amanda Ferree, Westmoreland County
• George & Charlotte Beatty, Allegheny County
• Ruth Ann Esh, Lancaster County
• Robert and Darren Girardeau, Chester County
• Kelvin Johnson, Philadelphia County
• Jackson Duncan, Philadelphia County

Permanency Teamwork Recognition

Teams nominated for this award exemplify a collaborative effort that promotes permanency for children with special needs:

• Lauren Howard, Berks County Children and Youth Services
• Erin Oshansky, Diakon
• Patti Menow, Diakon
• Dr. Allison Hill, Berks Counseling Associates

Philanthropy Recognition

The individual and organization selected demonstrates a significant charitable commitment that promotes the permanency of children in foster care:

• Amy Gambler, Little Brown Suitcase Ministries

Permanency Advocate Recognition

This award recognizes a dynamic individual who demonstrates a commitment to building cooperative relationships to expedite the permanency process:

• Rene Hensley Williams

Independent Living Professional Recognition

The individual selected for this award has demonstrated that they have helped youth transition into becoming successful contributing members of society:

• Lindsey Glezen, Lackawanna County Children and Youth Services

Permanency Professional Recognition

Individuals selected to receive this award are permanency professionals working in a public or private child welfare agency:

• Ashley Allen, Chester County Department of Children and Families

Youth Advocate Recognition

The individual nominated for this award is a current or former foster youth who has raised awareness on behalf of themselves and/or their peers about the challenges of foster care:

• Clishon “CiCi” Griffin, Achieving Independence Center (AIC) Member

To learn how to begin the adoption process and what to expect as you become a foster parent or adoptive parent, go to www.adoptpakids.org, call 1-800-585-SWAN, or follow SWAN on Facebook.

Penn College esports coach assesses first full season

“Amazing.”

That’s how Joshua Young, Pennsylvania College of Technology esports coach, described the college’s recently completed first full season of competition in the National Association for Collegiate Esports.

“We started our first varsity season by competing in one of the top leagues (in NACE). Our teams learned to have confidence in themselves and the team because we were competitive against large traditional sports schools like the University of Michigan, Boise State and Mizzou,” Young said.

“Our main goal was to build the program for a successful future. We competed in Overwatch, Rocket League and Valorant in the NACE Fall Cup. We finished the season exceeding all expectations with our Overwatch and Valorant teams making the postseason, making that two out of our four teams making the playoffs,” Young said.

The coach then detailed the season, saying:

Overwatch

“The NACE Overwatch Fall Cup was comprised of 85 teams from National Junior College Athletic Association to NCAA Division I schools all across the United States and several Canadian teams. The season started out rough with three straight losses but turned it around with a victory against Lakeland University, where former Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green is head coach. (We) finished the regular season 6-4 to secure one of 32 spots in the postseason. The team (managed by sophomore Jared Patten, of South Abington Township) was matched up in the round of 32 against Southeastern University Black, which was undefeated in the regular season. (We) came up short in the match but finished 17th overall.

“(We) now have moved onto the TESPA (formerly Texas eSports Association) qualifiers for the collegiate championship, which will start in February.

Rocket League

“The NACE Rocket League Fall Cup was comprised of 123 teams, broken into 12 groups where the top three from each group made the playoffs. We fielded two teams with our ‘A’ team finishing 4-6 and the ‘B’ team 0-9. Our teams (managed by Logan Readinger, of Oley) are regrouping and playing in the PlayVS National League Fall tournament for the remainder of the fall.

Valorant

“The NACE Valorant Fall Cup was comprised of 78 teams. Valorant is a new game we added to the fall season, so we were not sure at our level of competition. (We) started out with a loss to Full Sail University, but then won out the last four games of the shortened season to make the playoffs. Our team (managed by sophomore Drew Thomas, of State College) matched up against Lebanon Valley College for the first round of the playoffs. It was a highly contested match, but ultimately our Wildcats could not keep up and finished the season 17th. (We) will continue to

build for the future and look for additional leagues and tournaments to enter for the remainder of the academic year.”

With the NACE fall season over, Young said, in addition to the Overwatch and Rocket League teams, the League of Legends team, managed by David Feldman, of Westminster, Maryland, has begun its season in the Collegiate StarLeague. The NACE spring season will see Penn College competing in EA Sports titles, Hearthstone and Fortnite.

“We will build off the confidence and success of the fall season to make it to that next level. Our quick, growing success has fueled our student-athletes to focus on training, dedicated to building the best compositions and strategies, and they have increased team activities like VOD review and team study halls. Building relationships with the team members outside the game will allow us to build on this success to make us championship contenders in our game titles,” Young said.

“I am proud of the accomplishments we obtained while dealing with the pandemic. It far exceeded our expectations, and our teams now know that Penn College can compete in the top levels of esports. I hope that we can continue this success and maintain our teams in the top 25 for the rest of the academic year,” Young added.

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today encouraged Pennsylvanians to be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes and practice a healthy lifestyle that includes regular appointments with your health care provider to reduce the risk of developing this disease. Individuals with type 2 diabetes, of any age, are more likely to have serious complications from COVID-19; diabetes is the third most common comorbidity reported in Pennsylvania COVID-19 deaths.

“Diabetes is a chronic disease in which blood sugar levels are above normal,” Dr. Levine said. “Diabetes must be managed effectively. If not, this disease can lead to a number of serious health conditions, including adult blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputations. In 2019, almost 29,400 people were hospitalized in Pennsylvania for a diabetes-related health issue. It’s especially important for people to learn more about diabetes now because the disease can be a cause for further complications from COVID-19.”

Eleven percent of adults in Pennsylvania have diabetes and a significant number of those are not aware of it, which greatly increases their health risk. One in three adults has pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but are not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. This means that almost half of all Pennsylvanians either have diabetes or are at significant risk of developing diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are encouraged to talk to their primary care physician about participating in a diabetes self-management education and support program to learn how to better manage their disease.

People can develop diabetes because the pancreas produces little or no insulin, or because insulin is not used properly.  There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a disease of the immune system, and typically starts out during the childhood and young adult years. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease in adults. Type 2 diabetes typically begins when insulin is not used properly. Over time, the pancreas becomes unable to produce enough insulin. Managing type 2 diabetes requires maintaining a healthy weight, making healthy food choices and getting regular physical activity.

The best way to prevent developing type 2 diabetes is to regularly see a primary care provider and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There is a screening tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that allows individuals to determine if they have prediabetes.  Individuals with prediabetes are encouraged to enroll in and attend a Diabetes Prevention Program, where they will learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their daily life and deal with stress.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and urination;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Blurred vision; and
• Feeling tired all the time.

High blood pressure or elevated cholesterol is also associated with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in certain racial and ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians.

More information on diabetes can be found on the Department of Health’s website at health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.