Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Wolf Administration will begin using the national Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system to provide important public messages about the COVID-19 pandemic.

WEA is a national public safety system that allows customers who own compatible mobile devices to receive geographically targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area. The WEA system is commonly used to issue time-sensitive and life-saving alerts, such as Amber Alerts or severe weather warnings.

The Federal Communication Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau allows the state, as an authorized alert originator of messages, to use the WEA system as a COVID-19 communications tool.

Pennsylvania’s first message will be sent statewide today, with the option to target specific regions of the state for future messages. For example, if one region of the state is experiencing an exceptionally high surge in COVID-19 cases, cellphone users may in that region may receive an alert with information about staying at home or where to find an available COVID-19 testing site in their area.

“WEA is one more way to reach as many Pennsylvanians as we can to provide timely information on COVID-19,” Governor Tom Wolf said. “This tool is another tool in our toolkit to fight the pandemic and unite against COVID.”

Message content, in both English and Spanish, is a combined effort of the Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. PEMA will send alerts through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to participating wireless carriers, which then push the alerts to compatible mobile devices in the area. Wireless companies volunteer to participate in WEA.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, since its launch in 2012, the WEA system has been used nearly 56,000 times to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations – all through alerts on compatible cell phones and other mobile devices.

We appreciate the NFL for its diligence in working closely with us to ensure the well-being of players, coaches and staff from both the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers organizations.

Protecting the health and safety of each team, in addition to our communities at large, is of utmost importance. We will continue to follow guidance from the NFL and its medical experts, as we focus on safely resuming preparations for Sunday’s game.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community of Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin encouraged Pennsylvanians to support local businesses safely this year by only shopping virtually and utilizing curbside pickup options.

“Black Friday is enjoyed by both consumers and retailers alike and is a tradition that we encourage people to celebrate in the safest way this year,” said Sec. Davin. “With the recent additions of Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, shoppers now have a vast array of options this holiday season to safely support their favorite retailers—including e-commerce platforms, ordering by phone, purchasing downloadable gift certificates, and picking up products curbside. This year, to keep Pennsylvanians safe and healthy, those options are more important than ever.” 

COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air by coughing or sneezing; through close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; and by touching an object or surface with the virus on it—all vehicles for transmission when individuals are gathered in groups, crowds, or public settings. While masks are required at all times in all retail establishments in the commonwealth, by shopping virtually and using curbside pickup, Pennsylvanians can limit their risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

With new modeling projecting 22,000 new COVID-19 cases per day in Pennsylvania in December, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine recently announced new targeted mitigation measures to help stop the spread during this critical time.

Additionally, to keep everyone safe this holiday season and limit the spread of COVID-19, the Wolf Administration is advising Pennsylvanians to stay at home.  Those who must go out in public for necessities are reminded to:

• Observe social distancing guidelines in public
• Wash your hands frequently
• Wear a mask both indoors and outdoors
• ​Continue to keep your distance from people who do not live in your household and avoid crowds
• Download the COVID Alert PA app

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, Pennsylvanians should follow www.governor.pa.gov and www.doh.pa.gov.

Harrisburg, Pa. – Today, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law House bills 30, 64, 616, 777, 862, 941, 942, 1342, 1534, 1538, 1617, 1662, 1808, 1962, 2233, 2293 and 2296 and Senate bills 835, 983, 1193, 1214, 1216, 1241, 1268 and 1309.

House Bill 30, which increases the optional organ donation check-off contribution for vehicle owners renewing a car’s registration to help stabilize the Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund.

House Bill 64, which allows professional licensing boards and commissions within the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to permit their licensees to carry over continuing education credits in excess of the number required for biennial renewal.

House Bill 616, which places the drug Carfentanil on the Schedule II list of controlled substances.

House Bill 777, which allows clubs to use small games of chance proceeds to cover operating expenses during and up to one year following the termination of a proclamation of disaster emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides for reporting requirements.

House Bill 862, which authorizes the commonwealth to join the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact.

House Bill 941, which increases transparency regarding pharmacy benefit manager pricing practices, specifically with regard to the state’s Medicaid program.

House Bill 942, which revises the composition of membership of the commonwealth’s Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee.

House Bill 1342, which expands vision screening requirements and standards for children prior to admission to school for the first time.

House Bill 1534, which updates and expands the commonwealth’s anti-pyramid scheme law.

House Bill 1538, which allows the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole to wait up to three years to consider another parole application from certain violent offenders after denying a parole application.

House Bill 1617, which makes changes to the act known as the Liquor Code regarding the treatment of malt or brewed beverages and allowing for the conversion of a hotel license to a restaurant license upon application to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

House Bill 1662, which renames the Methadone Death and Incident Review Act as the Medication Death and Incident Review Act and expands the scope of the Act to cover all medications approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

House Bill 1808, which requires the conversion of post-use polymers through advanced recycling to comply with applicable EPA and DEP regulations and revises applicable definitions.

House Bill 1962, which requires SERS and PSERS to perform an annual stress test and submit results to the Governor, General Assembly and the Independent Fiscal Office.

House Bill 2233, which permits political subdivisions and volunteer emergency services to enter into written agreements for the commingling of tax-free motor fuel and allow political subdivisions to transfer tax-free motor fuels to volunteer emergency services.

House Bill 2293, which requires any utility that delivers natural gas liquids through high consequence areas to make the utility’s emergency response plan available, upon written request, to certain state and emergency management officials.

House Bill 2296, which updates requirements and restrictions for commercial driver’s license holders, including reporting requirements for violations.

Senate Bill 835, which promotes and supports the expansion of broadband access in underserved areas of the commonwealth.

Senate Bill 983, which expands and revises the health screening requirements for newborns.

Senate Bill 1193, which provides for funding for the PA Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board.

Senate Bill 1214, which authorizes DGS, with the approval of the Governor and State Departments to grant and convey certain lands, buildings and improvements, easements.

Senate Bill 1216, which amends the Public School Code, including to provide temporary flexibility in teacher certification requirements and other provisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Bill 1241, which amends the Administrative Code, in powers and duties of the Department of General Services and its departmental administrative and advisory boards and commissions, providing for report of State facilities owned or leased.

Senate Bill 1268, which provides for certification of temporary nurse aides hired during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Bill 1309, which authorizes the Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey High Properties, LP, a certain tract of unimproved land situated in Manheim Township, Lancaster County.

The governor also vetoed House bills 1747 and 2440 and Senate Bill 790.

Forty seven (47) new cases added Wednesday in Lycoming County now at 1,840 cases, one new death, 36 total deaths, with 18,635 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

3,897 Patients Hospitalized and 826 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

6,759 Additional Positive Cases of COVID-19

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 25, that there were 6,759 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 327,829.

There are 3,897 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 826 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 2,300 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 18 and November 24 is 405,184 with 45,557 positive cases. There were 56,197 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 24.

As of 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, November 24, there were 144 new deaths reported for a total of 10,095 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 14,361 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 2,743,221 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 approximately 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 32,915 resident cases of COVID-19, and 6,466 cases among employees, for a total of 39,381 at 1,232 distinct facilities in 64 counties. Out of our total deaths, 6,430 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 14,198 of our total cases are among health care workers.
 

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Nov. 24:
 

• Provided latest CMU metrics report.
• Provided COVID-19 testing and contact tracing update, encouraging contact tracing participation.
• 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”.

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 – Yesterday Governor Tom Wolf signed a third renewal of his 90-day Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. The first proclamation was signed on March 6, following the announcement of the first two presumptive positive cases of the virus in Pennsylvania.

“With cases and hospitalizations increasing, we cannot afford to let down our guard,” said Governor Wolf. “This renewal will allow the commonwealth to maintain its response and support efforts as we face increasing case numbers and decreasing hospital capacity.”

The emergency disaster declaration provides for increased support to state agencies involved in the continued response to the virus and recovery for the state during reopening. This includes expediting supply procurement and lifting certain regulations to allow for efficient and effective mitigation.

The disaster declaration has allowed for waivers and extensions to continue to provide for Pennsylvanians and businesses under the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic, including the ability to waive the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment compensation, work search requirements, and the registration with PA CareerLink for applicants, and to provide relief from charges for employers; and allowing the commonwealth to suspend numerous training requirements and certification and licensure renewals for health care professionals, child care workers, direct care workers, direct support professionals, among other professional groups who provide life-sustaining services to our children, seniors, and vulnerable residents.

Through the disaster declaration, PEMA has been able to mission assign the National Guard to provide various types of support for long term care facilities, including providing direct patient care support, ancillary support, and testing, and at community-based testing sites. It also provides PEMA with the ability to leverage continued federal support such as non-congregate sheltering.

The renewed disaster declaration will continue to support all of these efforts, as well as allow the commonwealth to rapidly scale response efforts and employ new intervention tactics, such as the administration of a vaccine.

The Department of Health’s Department Operations Center at PEMA continues to be active, as is the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center there.

A Proclamation of Disaster Emergency is effective for a 90-day period unless sooner rescinded or extended by official action of the Governor.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) welcomed new staff in November.

Frankie Hockenbrocht joined SEDA-COG Nov. 24 as a program analyst for the Economic Development department.

Hockenbrocht has over five years of experience in project management, organization, and administrative support. He was the program manager for the Downspout Disconnection Program at the Rock Creek Conservancy in Bethesda, Md. He also was the director of programs and development at the Policy Studies Organization in Washington, D.C., among numerous other positions.

He earned his master’s degree in Public Administration from American University in D.C. and his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Juniata College with a minor in Anthropology. He also has an International Teaching English as Foreign Language Training Certificate.

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Departments of State and Education today announced that they are launching a pilot program to provide additional opportunities for students in cosmetology and barber Career and Technical Center (CTC) programs to earn educational hours and practical experience.

The pilot also will allow CTC educators in these programs the flexibility necessary to assist their students in obtaining all the required education hours prior to their planned graduation date.

“The Department of State is proud to partner with the Department of Education on this pilot to help high school students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs gain academic, technical and real-world skills,” said Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar. “These programs prepare students for many postsecondary options, including direct entry into skilled careers, apprenticeships and college.”

For students interested in becoming a cosmetologist or barber, Pennsylvania has 72 cosmetology programs and three barber programs within CTCs. To become a licensed cosmetologist or barber, 1,250 hours of instruction are required. CTC students typically complete these hours over a period of three years (grades 10, 11 and 12) with classes that address specific subjects and tasks necessary for the state board examination and entry-level job skills, as well as a high school diploma.

The pilot consists of three major components by which cosmetology and barber CTC students may earn educational credit toward their respective 1,250-hour instruction requirements: (1) up to 650 hours of distance education, including practical skills review; (2) up to 350 hours of internships and job shadowing; and (3) the remainder to come from traditional in-person instruction.

“The opportunity to develop new and innovative pathways for residents of the commonwealth to reach their professional aspirations of becoming cosmetologists and barbers is a goal the department,” said Acting Secretary of Education Noe Ortega. “I am always encouraged by efforts to grow our technical and education programs in an effort to enhance the trade industries across PA.”

Full details regarding the pilot program may be found at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Cosmetology/Pages/CTE-Cosmetology-Barber.aspx.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 1,700 approved career and technical education programs, offered in over 200 schools including 80-plus regional CTCs and more than 140 high schools. The pilot program will remain available to cosmetology and barber CTC students for the remainder of the current school year (2020-21) and next school year (2021-22), subject to further extension by the Departments of State and Education.

More information about professional licensing in Pennsylvania is available on the Department of State’s website.

Monetary donations are tax-deductible

Annville, PA – In the spirit of the holiday season, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) reminds Pennsylvanians that this is a great time to give to programs that support the commonwealth’s nearly 800,000 veterans, active military and their families.

“As we approach the holiday season people often ask how they can honor current and former servicemembers as a way to thank them for their incredible service to our nation,” said Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Many Pennsylvania veterans and current military need our help this year more than ever because of the challenges brought about by COVID-19. We are proud to administer four tax deductible programs that honor our veterans and provide them with aid, but these programs rely on generous donations from the public.”  

The four tax-deductible programs administered by the DMVA are:

Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP): The MFRAP provides financial assistance, in the form of grants, to eligible Pennsylvania servicemembers and their eligible family members who have an immediate financial need based on circumstances beyond their control. This program is made possible by generous donations from taxpayers who designate all or part of their Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax refund to support Pennsylvania military personnel and their families, and by those who donate online, or privately by mail.

Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF): The VTF issues grants to statewide charitable organizations that assist veterans, veterans service organizations and county directors of veterans affairs to help veterans in need of shelter and necessities of living. The VTF also issues temporary assistance grants to individual veterans that have qualifying financial needs. The grants are funded by generous Pennsylvanians who voluntarily make a donation when applying for or renewing their driver’s license or photo identification card and renewing a motor vehicle registration, from proceeds generated by the sale of the Honoring Our Veterans and Honoring Our Women Veterans license plates, and through private donations by mail.

Residents’ Welfare Funds: Residents’ Welfare Funds at each of the DMVA’s six veterans homes help to keep the residents active and healthy by providing activities and entertainment. Donations are made online or through private donations by mail. The six Pennsylvania veterans homes and their locations are: Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home (Philadelphia), Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center (Scranton), Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home (Hollidaysburg), Pennsylvania Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Home (Erie), Southeastern Veterans’ Center (Spring City), and Southwestern Veterans’ Center (Pittsburgh).

Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial Trust Fund: Located at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Lebanon County, and maintained by the DMVA, the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial is the first in the commonwealth to honor veterans of all eras from the Revolutionary War forward and it is the largest veterans memorial located in any of the national cemeteries. Donations are accepted online or by mail to help fund the maintenance and repair of the memorial.

When an online donation is made, donors may choose to enter honoree information and a plaque in their honor will be displayed on the Virtual Donor Wall. Online plaques will show that donations have been made: ‘in honor of,’ ‘in memory of,’ or ‘on behalf of’ someone.

To make a donation online or by mail for any of these tax-deductible programs, or to learn more about each one, go to www.donate.dmva.pa.gov.

Harrisburg, PA — Michael Huff, Director of Testing and Contact Tracing for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, presented an update today on the commonwealth’s COVID-19 testing and contact tracing efforts, emphasizing the need to prioritize case investigations and for those who test positive to participate in contact tracing.

To date, the state has been conducting both PCR and antigen tests. In total, Pennsylvania has conducted 5,498,223 tests, which equates to nearly half the state’s population.

“The increase in testing demonstrates the increased need for case investigation and contact tracing – two key public health activities that occur when a case of COVID-19 is identified,” Huff said. “Given the continued increase in both the number of positive cases and the positivity percentage rate, which stood at 11 percent for the week of Nov. 13 – Nov. 19, the recommendations for prioritization of COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing have been enhanced.”

Huff outlined key case investigation prioritization recommendations from the CDC that were released yesterday and are meant to enhance efforts already initiated by the Department of Health. These include:

• Prioritize case investigation interviews for people diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 6 days (based on specimen collection date or symptom onset, if known);
• Prioritize contact tracing efforts on household contacts exposed in past 6 days, and people living, working or visiting congregate living facilities, high density workplaces or other settings (or events) with potential extensive transmission;
• As resources allow, expand case investigation and contact tracing to people outside the household who are at increased risk for serious illness, are part of a cluster, or were exposed within the past six days,
• If more than 14 days have elapsed since the specimen was collected, case investigation should generally not be pursued.

Case investigation and contract tracing remain essential components of the COVID-19 response and are a key strategy to interrupt disease transmission and reduce spread of the virus in a community. With more than 34,000 positive cases reported in the past seven days, contact tracing has become even more critical to identifying those who may have been exposed to the virus by someone who has tested positive.

As cases of COVID-19 are at record levels, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine yesterday announced new mitigations efforts to help stop the spread of COVIC-19 at this critical time.

Huff reiterated the importance of the mitigation efforts, “As Governor Wolf, Secretary Levine, I and others have said in the past, the COVID-19 situation is fluid, and guidance continues to change over time, even after plans are prepared and adopted. One thing has not changed – citizens of Pennsylvania have individual responsibility to contribute to proper behavior and to adhere to public health guidance to protect themselves and others as well as to help control the spread of COVID-19. Public health controls are only as effective as the willingness of individuals to carry them out.”

Huff also reminded Pennsylvanians to download the free COVID Alert PA app, which is an important tool to join the fight against COVID 19. To date there have been more than 560,000 downloads and more than 42,000 daily check-ins on average.

Pennsylvania is uniting against COVID. Here are the mitigation measures in place to keep people safe:

BUSINESS, WORK, SCHOOL, CHILD CARE, AND CONGREGATE SETTINGS

Child care may open, complying with guidance Congregate care restrictions in place Prison and hospital restrictions determined by individual facilities Schools subject to CDC and commonwealth guidance Telework must continue unless impossible Businesses with in-person operations must follow updated business and building safety requirements Masks are required in businesses All in-person businesses may operate at 75% occupancy, except where noted Self-certified restaurants may open at 50% capacity for indoor dining On-premises alcohol consumption prohibited unless part of a meal; cocktails-to-go and carryout beverages are allowed Serving alcohol for on-site consumption must end at 11 p.m, and all alcoholic beverages must be removed from patrons by midnight Personal care services (including hair salons and barbershops) open at 50% occupancy and by appointment only Indoor recreation and health and wellness facilities (such as gyms and spas) open at 50% occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged; fitness facilities are directed to prioritize outdoor fitness activities All entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) open at 50% occupancy Construction activity may return to full capacity with continued implementation of protocol

SOCIAL RESTRICTIONS

Gathering limits determined using maximum occupancy calculator Face coverings are required to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home Unnecessary travel should be limited

Local Guidelines

The Wolf Administration supports local officials who choose to maintain additional restrictions. The following counties are under additional local guidelines:

• Allegheny
• Delaware
• Philadelphia

Travel

There are travel requirements in place across Pennsylvania. Visit the Department of Health’s website for the latest travel guidelines.