Secretary of Human Services Teresa Miller answers questions from the press.Governor Tom Wolf announced that people with intellectual disabilities and autism and the providers of support services for these vulnerable Pennsylvanians will receive $260 million in CARES Act funding to help continue to provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Wolf was joined by Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller, who outlined to details of funding allocations. JUNE 15, 2020 – HARRISBURG, PA

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today discussed support the Wolf Administration is providing for long-term care facilities through the Regional Response Health Collaborative (RRHC) program, a statewide program providing clinical, operational, and educational support to long-term care facilities preparing for or facing outbreaks of COVID-19 at their facility. The RRHC is operated regionally by local health systems, and in Southeast Pennsylvania, Jefferson Health works in partnership with Main Line Health and Lehigh Valley Health Network and Penn Medicine works in partnership with Temple Health.

The RRHC is funded through Pennsylvania’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act award, the program is currently scheduled to end on December 1. The Wolf administration recently sent a letter to President Trump requesting funding to extend the program so it may continue to be a resource throughout the winter. Governor Tom Wolf urged President Trump to work with Congress on a new stimulus package that would support the RRHC program and other resources crucial to protecting the lives, health and safety of Pennsylvanians.

“We know how dangerous COVID-19 can be in congregate care settings, particularly in settings that serve people who are medically fragile or have other health vulnerabilities that make them more likely to experience additional complications from COVID-19, as often is the case for residents of long-term care facilities,” said Sec. Miller. “The unfortunate reality of this pandemic is that outbreaks can and will happen because these facilities and their staff cannot exist in a bubble. What matters most is how we catch and respond to outbreaks when they occur, and the RRHC program is strengthening our response at the state level and making local facilities better equipped to respond. This collaborative approach is saving lives.”

The secretary was joined by Dr. Nina O’Connor and Laura Porter from Penn Medicine, Dr. Katherine Behan and Kristen Vogl from Jefferson Health, and Steve Carson from Temple Health, who lead the RRHC’s efforts in Southeast Pennsylvania, and leadership from DHS and the Department of Health overseeing the RRHCs to discuss the health systems’ work supporting facilities in Southeast Pennsylvania and why the program must continue to be supported beyond its December 1, 2020 end date.

“The Department of Health is pleased with the RRHCs work to assist in ensuring facilities have the resources they need to respond to COVID-19 in these vulnerable settings,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “As we are in the midst of a fall resurgence, the RRHCs will become even more important. The introduction of COVID-19 into a long-term care facility is a reflection of the number of cases in the community, which is why all Pennsylvanians have a role in helping protect these facilities.”

Pennsylvania’s long-term care system serves more than 127,000 people living in nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living residences, and private intermediate care facilities. Due to the congregate nature and because they often serve individuals who are older or have co-occurring medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to an acute case of or complications from COVID-19, constant vigilance is necessary to avoid a serious outbreak at these facilities.

The RRHC program was designed to bolster Pennsylvania’s support for long-term care facilities and their residents and staff. Launched in late July, the RRHC program was established to provide clinical support, technical assistance, and education to long-term care facilities as they work to prevent and mitigate spread of COVID-19. The RRHCs are available 24/7 to support the nearly 2,000 nursing facilities, personal care homes, assisted living residences, and private intermediate care facilities in Pennsylvania and the residents they serve. Eleven health systems were selected to serve six regions across Pennsylvania.

Each RRHC is required to make a minimum of two on-site visits to each facility in its region, including an initial on-site assessment that will help the RRHC evaluate a facility’s COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies and its preparedness to respond to an outbreak if that were to occur. Based on this assessment, the RRHCs will help those facilities implement best practices in infection control, implement contact tracing programs in facilities, support clinical care through on-site and telemedicine services, and provide remote monitoring and consultation with physicians. RRHCs are in regular communication with DHS, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to report on experiences interacting with facilities, trends experienced by facilities, and potential challenges.

When a RRHC engages with a facility or is called in to help with a concern identified from collaboration between DHS, DOH and PEMA daily calls, these efforts are classified as missions. A mission could be anything from assistance with testing, assessing a facility’s preparedness, staffing support, rapid response deployment to facilities, PPE support, testing to ensure PPE is properly fitted, and questions or concerns requiring consultation. Since launching, the RRHCs have been assigned more than 6,800 missions, primarily covering testing, consultations, facility assessments, and support with PPE. The RRHCs are also working with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation to operate a statewide learning network available to all long-term care facilities. This network holds regular webinars on topics related to infection control and the latest guidance for responding to and mitigating spread of COVID-19. These webinars have reached more than 5,200 participants since the start of the RRHC program.

The administration also can deploy rapid response teams staffed by the RRHCs when an outbreak is suspected or confirmed at a long-term care facility. These rapid response teams consist of clinical and infection control professionals from the RRHCs to evaluate the situation, ensure proper cohorting of patients based off COVID status, facilitate resident transfers and additional staffing if necessary, and coordinate safe continued care for residents who are not COVID-positive. The rapid response teams also can provide emotional support to both residents or staff to help with the stress and fear associated with an outbreak. Rapid response teams are designed to stabilize potential or confirmed outbreaks, and assistance from RRHCs is not withdrawn until the situation is stabilized and there is no immediate risk to staff and residents.

The Jefferson Health, Penn Medicine, Temple Health, Main Line Health, and Lehigh Valley Health Network work in partnership to serve eight counties in Southeast Pennsylvania. Since July, the Southeast Pennsylvania RRHCs have participated in 2,428 missions covering facility assessments, testing assistance, PPE support and fit testing, training and consultation, and staffing assistance, among others. The health systems have assisted with 60 rapid response deployments across the Southeast Region.

“The pandemic has placed a disproportionate burden on the long-term living facilities in our region. Penn Medicine is proud to partner with the state and our collaborator, Temple Health, to contain the spread of the virus and protect some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable residents,” said Laura Porter, executive director of Sub-Acute and Therapy Services at Penn Medicine.

“In creating this collaborative program between health systems, state agencies, community partners and more to manage this pandemic together, we’ve significantly expanded our capacity to help protect some of the most vulnerable among us,” said Dr. Katherine Behan, Jefferson Health’s Chief Population Health Officer. “By proactively building relationships, assessing needs, and providing support and stability, we improve lives across the Commonwealth.”

“The last eight months have been a period of great learning. We’re now at a point where we have a system that is working and helping to stabilize and prevent outbreaks. As the country works to get a vaccine that is effective in market and available, we need to do all we can to protect people who are most vulnerable to this virus,” said Sec. Miller. “The RRHC program cannot stop COVID altogether, but it is undoubtedly making us better at fighting it. We cannot lose this resource.”

For more information on guidance to DHS’ providers related to COVID-19, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.

This important message is in regard to the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Sale scheduled for Friday November 6, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in Executive Plaza located at 330 Pine Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

In order to comply with the COVID-19 CDC guideline, seating will be restricted to 25% of the room’s lawful capacity per code, which will only be thirty – five (35) public seats. Please arrive early to be assure a seat.

Once we have reached capacity, we will not be able to accommodate any additional seating needs. Seats not available to use will be clearly identified.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Sheriff Mark Lusk.

Harrisburg, PA – The Wolf Administration today began distribution of the third allotment of COVID-19 antigen test kits provided by the federal government to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified institutions in Blair, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Tioga, Venango, and Wyoming counties.

“Antigen test cards are a timely, quick and easy-to-use tool for communities to receive rapid COVID-19 testing,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “These test kits, provided by the federal government and being distributed to areas in need by the Wolf Administration, will further help communities struggling with the spread of COVID-19. Antigen tests look for pieces of proteins that make up the SARS-CoV-2 virus and are less sensitive than PCR tests for detecting COVID-19 infections.”

Last week 92,520 tests were distributed to 55 facilities in Berks, Huntingdon, Union, and Westmoreland counties. Additional tests will be provided to healthcare providers in those counties in the coming weeks. Archived lists of distributions since week one can be found on the Department of Health’s Coronavirus Symptoms & Testing webpage under the Antigen Tests subhead.

The antigen test detects an antigen on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus while the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects viral RNA. Both PCR and antigen tests can detect active infection and are considered diagnostic. Antigen tests can be considered for symptomatic individuals (within the first five to seven days of symptom onset) and in asymptomatic individuals in settings where there is a high probability that the individual to be tested is positive, such as when they are a close contact of a case.

On October 15, the Secretary of Health issued an Order to health care providers and facilities reinforcing that all antigen test results, both positive and negative, are required to be reported to the Department of Health. A patient with a positive antigen test result is considered a case and receives a complete case investigation and contact tracing. All entities conducting testing to identify SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are required by law to report positive, inconclusive/indeterminate, and negative results to the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (PA-NEDSS) within 24 hours. All laboratory reporters must request a PA-NEDSS account if they do not already have one.

The department anticipates receiving hundreds of thousands of tests over a number of weeks from the federal government. We will then be providing kits to counties in need.

CLIA-certified sites include:

• All long-term care facilities;
• Higher-education institutions;
• Drug and alcohol and behavioral health treatment centers;
• State and county correctional facilities;
• Healthcare providers:
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers;
  • Urgent Care Centers;
  • Pharmacies; and
  • Primary Care doctors.

The targeted populations will be tested at CLIA-certified sites that directly receive these test kits and can provide timely test results and health care advice during their visit.

Targeted populations include:

• Individuals in congregate care settings;
• Day care workers or clients;
• K-12 students and adults who work in K-12 settings;
• College and university students;
• Individuals without permanent housing;
• Food distribution facility employees;
• Food workers, and
• First responders.

For more information about the CLIA certificate and antigen test card reporting, reference the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA) Health Advisory Network (HAN) Advisory:  Guidance for Reporting Point of Care SARS-CoV-2 Test Results.

For more information about the antigen tests, reference the PA HAN Advisory:  Point of Care Antigen Test Use and Interpretation.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Ten (10) new cases added Tuesday in Lycoming County now at 960 cases, no new deaths, 31 total deaths, with 15,779 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

2,751 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 198,446

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 27, that there were 2,751 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 198,446. Daily increases are now comparable with what we saw in April 2020, and today’s increase is the largest daily increase to date.

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 20 and October 26 is 245,029 with 12,380 positive cases. There were 34,946 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 26.

There are 8,696 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 23 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 2,699 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 647 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,254,523 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.

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 is seeing 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 October are available below:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 30 percent of cases so far in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 17 percent of cases so far in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 16 percent of cases so far in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 15 percent of cases so far in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 12 percent of cases so far in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to 10 percent of cases so far in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 25,624 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,539 cases among employees, for a total of 31,163 at 1,052 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,706 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,125 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Oct. 27:

• Urged Pennsylvanians to hand-deliver mail ballots immediately.
• Provided update on 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.

Harrisburg, PA – Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of Health, today highlighted the steps the Wolf Administration has taken to emphasize LGBTQ equity for all.

“The Wolf Administration has been a leading ally for the LGBTQ community, and the fight for equity,” Secretary Levine said. “Along with facing unique health care needs, LGBTQ individuals may also struggle with mental health concerns. As we recognize LGBTQ History Month, we must continue to push forward with our mission of a healthy Pennsylvania for all.”

Since taking office, Governor Wolf and his administration have helped to lead efforts to provide LGBTQ equity in Pennsylvania:

• Signed an Executive Order in April 2016 preventing discrimination as part of employment;
• In 2016, the Department of Health allowed hospitals to report new parents as parents without specifying the mother and father;
• Created the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, through Executive Order in August 2018;
• Condemned the Trump Administration’s rule in June 2020 stripping Americans of their right to health care because of their sexual orientation and gender identity;
• Began collecting sexual orientation and gender identity data as part of the COVID-19 response; and
• Offered a non-binary gender designation option on driver licenses, ID cards.

While the administration has taken a number of steps, LGBTQ individuals struggle significantly with mental health issues. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, lesbian, gay and bisexual-identifying adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition. Additionally, lesbian, gay or bisexual-identifying high school students are five times more likely to attempt suicide, compared to their heterosexual peers. Strikingly, nearly 50 percent of all transgender adults have considered suicide in the last year, compared to four percent of the overall U.S. population.

In Pennsylvania, the data further reflects the need for access to mental health assistance for LGBTQ individuals. The 2018 LGBT Health Needs Assessment, conducted by the Department of Health, showed that nearly 93 percent of respondents under the age of 25 have experienced a mental health condition in the last 12 months. Nearly 58 percent of respondents under the age of 21 reported receiving psychological or psychiatric counseling or treatment from a doctor or other healthcare professional for a mental health condition or problem related to emotions such as depression, anxiety, stress or suicidal ideation.

“The LGBTQ community continues to deal with the impacts of health disparities especially in the field of mental health,” said Rafael Alverez Febo, executive director for the Governor’s Commission for LGBTQ Affairs. “Many of these disparities can be attributed to systemic inequities that perpetuate trauma and abuse. We are proud of the strides the Pennsylvania Department of Health has made under Dr. Rachel Levine’s leadership and the important policy changes made under the leadership of Governor Wolf. Members of the LGBTQ community and our commission will continue to advocate for better access to healthcare and other crucial services to ensure that all Pennsylvanians can thrive in our commonwealth.”

The department funds programming for LGTBQ youth between the ages of 14-21 at several locations across the state. Services provided include:

• Mental health screenings;
• Suicide risk screenings;
• Depression screenings;
• Substance abuse screenings;
• Rapid HIV testing;
• Sexually transmitted infection screening;
• Risk reduction counseling; and
• Healthy eating education.

For more information on LGTBQ health, visit the Department of Health’s website at www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Washington, D.C. — This evening, the United States Senate voted 52-48 to confirm President Donald Trump’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

In response, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement:

“The confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court marks a historic victory for the American people, our Constitution, and the rule of law in our country. I commend my colleagues in the Senate for fulfilling their advise and consent function and for confirming Justice Barrett based on her exemplary qualifications.

“The American people can count on Justice Barrett to uphold the Constitution and serve the Supreme Court with distinction. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that Justice Barrett will have over the course of her long, bright future on our nation’s highest court.”

The Williamsport Crosscutters will be holding a free trick or treating event for children and their families this Saturday night at BB&T Ballpark. Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat will take place in the stadium parking lot on Halloween night from 6pm-8pm presented in part by Backyard Broadcasting.

The event will be hosted by Boomer, the Cutters popular mascot, and give children age 14 and under in costume, the opportunity for a fun, safe trick or treating experience. Over a dozen other exhibitors, including some of Boomer’s mascot buddies, are slated to be part of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat.

Crosscutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi stated, “With COVID-19 impacting many of the usual Halloween activities in our area, we simply wanted to give children and their families a safe way to do some trick or treating.”

All participants will be required to stay inside their vehicle as they receive treats from the Williamsport Crosscutters and other area businesses. CDC Halloween recommendations will be observed including;

• All exhibitors wearing protective masks and gloves
• All candy individually wrapped and in treat bags
• No-contact trick or treating where children (or parents) pick up the treat bag instead of it being handed to them

Those attending the event are asked enter the BB&T Ballpark lot via the 4^th St. entrance only. Cars will exit at the back of the stadium on Beeber St.

More information on Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat is available by calling the Cutters Hotline at (570) 326-3389 x1100.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller reminded Pennsylvanians that safety-net programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid are available to individuals and families who are struggling to afford food or access health care.

“So many people are coping with the stress and anxiety of these challenging times by simply putting one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. I want to remind Pennsylvanians that they are not alone. There is help available, and it always OK to reach out for help when you need it,” Sec. Miller said. “I encourage Pennsylvanians who are struggling to apply for these programs online at www.compass.state.pa.us. You do not need to know your own eligibility in order to apply. We’ll take care of that part.”

Enrollment statewide for Medicaid has increased by 244,603 people since February, for a total enrollment of 3,076,166 in September – an 8.6 percent increase. Secretary Miller also reported that because Governor Wolf expanded Medicaid eligibility in 2015 through the Affordable Care Act approximately 160,000 Pennsylvanians are getting through this pandemic with their access to health care intact.

Around this time last year, about 680,000 Pennsylvanians had health care coverage because of Medicaid expansion. That number is now up to more than 840,000 as of the end of September. If the Affordable Care Act is repealed or struck down, Medicaid expansion would be among the expanded health care options and critical consumer protections that would no longer exist.

“Medicaid expansion has provided a lifeline when people need it most. If you aren’t healthy and taking care of medical needs, you can’t think about getting a job or moving forward. And yet, the Affordable Care Act is under attack,” Sec. Miller said. “If we lose the Affordable Care Act, the nearly 1.3 million people in Pennsylvania who have health insurance because of the ACA could lose that coverage. But the ripple effect will not stop there. Consumer protections like coverage on a parent’s policy up to age 26, no lifetime limits, essential health benefits, and coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions will end – leaving millions of people vulnerable.”

DHS has found that more than half of Pennsylvania’s Medicaid expansion population is working a job that does not offer health benefits. In fact, a new report reveals that workers with incomes of less than $30,000 a year are offered employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) less than 30 percent of the time.

When people leave Medicaid coverage, many are doing so because their income is increasing. Research suggests that Medicaid expansion has had a positive effect on keeping workers employed and helping the unemployed get a new job.

Enrollment for SNAP statewide has increased by 129,155 people since February, for a total enrollment of about 1,866,614 in September — a 7.4 percent increase.

SNAP helps nearly 1.9 million Pennsylvanians expand purchasing power by providing money each month to spend on groceries, helping households have resources to purchase enough food to avoid going hungry. Inadequate food and chronic nutrient deficiencies have profound effects on a person’s life and health, including increased risks for chronic diseases, higher chances of hospitalization, poorer overall health, and increased health care costs. As the nation faces the COVID-19 pandemic, access to essential needs like food is more important than ever to help keep vulnerable populations healthy and mitigate co-occurring health risks.

Applications for SNAP and other public assistance programs can be submitted online at www.compass.state.pa.us. Those who prefer to submit paper documentation can print from the website or request an application by phone at 1-800-692-7462 and mail it to their local County Assistance Office (CAO) or place it in a CAO’s secure drop box, if available. While CAOs remain closed, work processing applications, determining eligibility, and issuing benefits continues. Clients should use COMPASS or the MyCOMPASS PA mobile app to submit necessary updates to their case files while CAOs are closed.

For more information about food assistance resources for people around Pennsylvania impacted by COVID-19 and the accompanying economic insecurity, visit the Department of Agriculture’s food security guide.

For more information visit www.dhs.pa.gov.