Harrisburg, Pa. – Today, Governor Tom Wolf reaffirmed his commitment to counting every vote in the 2020 general election and condemned all efforts to stop the vote count before every eligible vote is counted. Ahead of planned efforts in Philadelphia to disrupt election officials from counting the vote, he released the following statement:

“Pennsylvania is going to count every vote and no amount of intimidation will stop our dedicated election officials in our municipalities. As a country and a commonwealth we must reject efforts to intimidate election workers and prevent votes from being counted. The planned attacks on our elections this morning are undemocratic and all elected officials must denounce them. Pennsylvania will be prepared to protect our election workers and our votes.”

Twelve (12) new cases added Thursday in Lycoming County now at 1,043 cases, no new deaths, 32 total deaths, with 16,527 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

Highest Daily Increase of 2,900 Additional Positives Bring Statewide Total to 220,566

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 5, that there were 2,900 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 220,566. This is the highest daily increase of cases.

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 October 29 and November 4 is 288,689 with 16,992 positive cases. There were 43,941 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 4.

There are 8,937 deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 47 new deaths reported. 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 4,375 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,391,336 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;
• Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
• Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
• Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 21% are ages 65 or older.

There are 1,531 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 335 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 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 through the end of October are available below:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 28 percent of cases in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 16 percent of cases in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 14 percent of cases in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 12 percent of cases in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 14 percent of cases in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 12 percent of cases in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 26,902 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,785 cases among employees, for a total of 32,687 at 1,100 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,860 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,747 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Nov. 4:

• 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.

Nine (9) new cases added Wednesday in Lycoming County now at 1,031 cases, no new deaths, 32 total deaths, with 16,399 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

2,795 Additional Positives Bring Statewide Total to 217,666

Record high testing of over 49,000 PCR tests

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 4, that there were 2,795 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 217,666. Daily increases are now the highest they have ever been since the start of the pandemic.

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 October 28 and November 3 is 277,017 with 16,425 positive cases. There were 49,087 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 2. This is a record high number of PCR test results reported to the department.

There are 8,890 deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 35 new deaths reported. 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 4,130 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,374,265 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;
• Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
• Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 21% are ages 65 or older.

There are 1,417 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 316 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 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 through the end of October are available below:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 28 percent of cases in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 16 percent of cases in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 14 percent of cases in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 12 percent of cases in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 14 percent of cases in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 12 percent of cases in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 26,721 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,753 cases among employees, for a total of 32,474 at 1,094 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,851 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,663 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Nov. 3:

• Provided the latest CMU metrics report.
• 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.

Harrisburg, Pa. – Today, Governor Tom Wolf released a statement on efforts by Pennsylvania Republican leaders to undermine Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and the integrity of Pennsylvania elections. The governor made the following statement:

“This is a partisan attack on Pennsylvania’s elections and our votes. Our election officials are working diligently to make sure every vote is counted and everyone’s voice is heard. Attacks like this are an attempt to undermine confidence in the results of the election, and we should all denounce them for the undemocratic actions they are. I support our Secretary of State and all of our state and local election officials who are working hard to deliver timely, accurate results and ensure that everyone’s vote is counted and protected.”

Harrisburg, PA– Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced four new low-interest loan approvals through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) that will provide for business expansion and job creation in Elk, Lancaster and Northumberland counties.

“No matter the challenging circumstances our commonwealth is facing, we continue to make strategic investments in businesses and projects across Pennsylvania,” said Gov. Wolf. “These projects will benefit both businesses and their surrounding communities by creating jobs, supporting businesses, and making Pennsylvania a better place to live and work every day.”

In 2020, PIDA has approved $34,498,467 in low-interest loans that have resulted in $67,502,442 in private investment and supported 1,148 created and retained full-time jobs.

The projects approved today are as follows:

Elk County 

Elk Life, LLC, through North Central PA Regional Planning & Development Commission, was approved for a $150,000, 15-year reset rate loan at 0.75 percent interest to purchase a 1,600-square-foot building on 1.05 acres in Benezette at the former site of the Old Bull Café. Elk Life, LLC was established in 2018 by the owners of Benezette Wines in Benezette, Elk County. The business has been located inside the Benezette Wine Shop since 2018 and includes a coffee shop and retail sales of other novelty items identified with the Elk tourist area. The business has trademarked the Elk Life brand for a line of apparel which is retailed both in-store and through online sales.

The new location will offer a larger footprint to feature Elk Life apparel, novelty and gift items purchased from local area businesses, coffee and specialty drinks, ice cream, donuts and other limited food items. The building is 0.3 miles from Benezette Wines and within proximity to the Elk Country Visitor Center. The new location offers the company higher visibility to the large volume of tourists who visit this popular area in the Pennsylvania Wilds. The total project cost is $301,439 and Elk Life, LLC will retain three full-time employees as a result of this project.

Lancaster County 

PAP Technologies, Inc., through EDC Finance Corporation, was approved for a $1,469,800, 15-year reset rate loan at 0.75 percent interest to acquire a 43,500-square-foot facility in East Hempfield Township. PAP Technologies is a printing company specializing in highly secure gaming stock such as lottery tickets, betting slips and other gaming products. The new facility sits on 4.5 acres and consists of light manufacturing, warehouse, and office space. The company will be relocating from its Greenfield Industrial Park (Lancaster County) location to the project site in early 2021. The total project cost is $2,939,600 and the company has committed to relocating all 44 existing full-time jobs to the new facility.

Real estate development company Tri-S Management, LLC, through EDC Finance Corporation, was approved for a $1,953,000, 15-year fixed rate loan at 1.75 percent interest to construct a new industrial park in East Earl Township. The new park will total approximately 16 acres and will be divided into two lots for development. PIDA funds will be utilized for site improvement work that is required to make the two sites shovel ready for development.

Northumberland County 

Hidden Castle Banquets, LLC, through SEDA-Council of Governments, was approved for a $75,000, 15-year reset rate loan at 0.75 percent interest to acquire land and construct a parking lot located in Coal Township. The company offers a banquet hall and catering options for special events in the region. Off-street parking will provide safety and convenience for their guests and provide possible business growth opportunities in the future. The total cost of $153,693, and Hidden Castle Banquets, LLC will retain two full-time employees as a result of this project.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority and other DCED initiatives, visit dced.pa.gov.

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Agriculture today released data related to COVID-19 restaurant enforcement actions from October 26 through November 1, 2020. The information is specific to COVID-19 mitigation requirements for restaurants including social distancing, masking, and occupancy limits.

These numbers include actions taken during routine food safety inspections and inspections prompted by consumer complaints.

From October 26 through November 1, the Bureau of Food Safety performed 697 total inspections, 29 of which were complaint-driven; 12 were COVID-19 specific complaints. The bureau distributed 75 COVID-19 complaint-driven educational letters. 15 COVID-19 related complaints were referred to local and county health jurisdictions. Eight formal Warning Letters were issued. Two citations were filed.

A county by county breakdown of COVID-19 restaurant enforcement actions can be found on the Department of Agriculture’s website. The data will be updated weekly, with data from the previous week.

Among other requirements, all businesses in the restaurant and retail food service industry authorized to conduct in-person activities are mandated to:

• Require all customers to wear a mask while entering, exiting, or otherwise traveling through the restaurant or retail food service business (mask may be removed while seated).
• 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.

The Bureau of Food Safety has always operated with an education-first model, and always works to educate and correct on-site before taking official action. Businesses unwilling to correct on-site will first receive a warning letter, followed by monetary citations ranging from $25 to $300 per offense. Following an initial warning, food safety inspectors will follow up with unannounced inspections to ensure compliance or issue citations as necessary.

Consumers with general food safety complaints or concerns about non-compliance for COVID-19 mitigation can file a report online. COVID-19 mitigation restaurant enforcement actions will be released on a weekly basis.

For more information about the Department of Agriculture’s COVID-19 response, visit agriculture.pa.gov/covid.

WILLIAMSPORT, PA — Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) was reelected to serve the people of Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives today for a second term, winning the seat with 72 percent of the vote.

Congressman Keller made the following statement:0

“I am extremely grateful to have the confidence of the outstanding, hard-working people of Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. Since coming to Congress, our team has worked to advance policies that help small businesses and workers succeed, support our farmers, build upon Pennsylvania’s energy industry, expand rural broadband access, and ensure our veterans receive the benefits and care they earned. Thank you to the people of central and northeast Pennsylvania for their continued trust, support, and friendship.”

Only isolated issues amid high turnout and COVID-19 precautions  

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar reported that today’s presidential election in Pennsylvania saw no widespread significant problems amid high turnout at the polls and more than 2.5 million mail ballots cast.

“We’ve heard a lot from the candidates in the last year, but today it was time for the people to speak,” Governor Wolf said. “I’m proud of how Pennsylvanians conducted themselves in this historic election during a global pandemic. And I’m proud that democracy is alive and well in the commonwealth. This election elicited an apparent record in voter registration in Pennsylvania and impressively high turnout today at the polls as well as in mail ballot voting.”

Voter registration exceeded 9 million by the deadline to register to vote in today’s election. More than 2.5 million mail ballots were cast, up from about 1.5 million in the primary. This is the first general election in Pennsylvania where voters could vote by mail ballot without having to provide an excuse. The Department of State will have an unofficial estimate of turnout at the polls in a few days.

“County election officials, poll workers and voters efficiently and peacefully carried out today’s election amid the biggest reforms to voting in the commonwealth in 80 years,” Secretary Boockvar said. “They embraced the new mail-in ballot option and safely voted at the polls.

The Department of State’s election response team responded to and monitored issues reported throughout the day, including late-opening polling places, which happens in every election, lines at the polls, and some confusion over the use of provisional ballots, which were used in higher numbers today because some voters who applied for mail ballots chose to vote at the polls instead. A few counties ran low on provisional ballots or regular ballots but were able to replenish their supply.

By the time polls closed at 8 p.m., Department of State staff and volunteers from other state agencies had answered more than 5,000 calls received via the commonwealth’s voter help line (1-877-VOTESPA). Most callers asked if they were registered to vote or needed assistance locating their polling place.

Boockvar noted that Pennsylvania has 9,152 polling places staffed by about 45,000 poll workers.

“This election’s true heroes are the poll workers who kept the polling places open and safe for the millions of Pennsylvanians who voted today and the county election officials who have been working incredibly hard all year to implement the voting reforms,” Secretary Boockvar said.

Secretary Boockvar predicted that the overwhelming majority of ballots will be counted within a few days. She noted that the ballot count is never finished, much less official, on election night.

“If we stopped counting ballots tonight, we would disenfranchise countless numbers of military and civilian overseas voters whose ballots, by law, must be accepted up to seven days after the election,” she said. “I don’t think anyone wants to deny the men and women who are serving our country, nor the millions more civilian voters who voted by mail, their constitutional right to vote.”

The Department of State provides election returns showing votes cast by mail and in person as counts are received from each county. Additionally, the new dashboard at votesPA.com/Counting provides the numbers of mail and absentee ballots cast, counted, and remaining to be counted in each county; the in-person precincts counted; and provisional ballot counts, once those begin to be counted.

Harrisburg, Pa. – Governor Tom Wolf signed several bills into law today, including Senate bills 30, 94, 395, 530, 976, 1110 and 1195.

Senate Bill 30 amends the Tax Reform Code to make changes to city revitalization and improvement zones and to establish the PA Housing Tax Credit.

Senate Bill 94 revises the definition of “employee” in the Workers’ Compensation Act to clarify coverage requirements of members of volunteer emergency service organizations.

Senate Bill 395 amends the act entitled “An act granting to the Governor of the Commonwealth the sole authority for regulating the display of the flag of the United States from any public ground or building and from any ground or building of certain other institutions,” further providing for display of the POW/MIA flag.

Senate Bill 530 amends the Public School Code regarding attendance for students convicted or adjudicated delinquent of sexual assault of another student.

Senate Bill 976 allows the establishment of commerce courts and veterans’ courts.

Senate Bill 1110 amends the Disease Prevention and Control Law, providing for reports from health care facilities and personal care homes when a patient or resident is suffering from a communicable disease related to a disaster emergency and for confidentiality of reports and records.

Senate Bill 1195 amends the Insurance Company Law to adopt the Credit for Reinsurance Model Law and the Health and Life Insurance Guaranty Association Model Law.

The governor also vetoed Senate Bill 1164, which adds additional reporting requirements to certify a natural death. Given the substantial increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths, this bill would delay the reporting and the access to public health information needed to make timely public health and safety decisions, as well as the issuances of death certificates.

View the governor’s SB 1164 veto message.

Eight (8) new cases added Tuesday in Lycoming County now at 1,022 cases, no new deaths, 32 total deaths, with 16,288 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

Highest Daily Increase of 2,875 Additional Positives Bring Statewide Total to 214,871

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 3, that there were 2,875 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 214,871. This is the highest daily increase of cases.

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 October 27 and November 2 is 259,898 with 16,301 positive cases. There were 39,561 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 2.

There are 8,855 deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 32 new deaths reported. 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 3,846 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,354,346 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;
• Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
• Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 21% are ages 65 or older.

There are 1,352 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 301 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 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 through the end of October are available below:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 28 percent of cases in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 16 percent of cases in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 14 percent of cases in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 12 percent of cases in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 14 percent of cases in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 12 percent of cases in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 26,500 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,725 cases among employees, for a total of 32,225 at 1,086 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,816 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,595 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Nov. 2:

• Provided an update to the COVID-19 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.