Harrisburg, PA– As Pennsylvania experiences a resurgence of COVID-19 cases with significantly higher daily case counts than in the spring and hospitalizations on the rise, the Wolf Administration has identified four new mitigation efforts, which Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced today.

“It is our collective responsibility to protect our communities and our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians from COVID-19 and to continue to work together to get through this pandemic. These targeted mitigation efforts, combined with existing ones, are paramount to saving lives and protecting our economy,” Gov. Wolf said. “The administration will continue to monitor the risks posed by COVID-19 across the commonwealth and will reinstate or institute new targeted mitigation tactics as necessary.”

The efforts announced today include:

Protecting Our Health Care System
Dr. Levine issued a memorandum to acute care hospitals outlining expectations to care for Pennsylvanians who need care during the pandemic.

Hospitals are to work through the established health care coalitions and other partnerships to prepare for how they will support one another in the event that a hospital becomes overwhelmed during the pandemic. Hospitals should also be working to move up elective procedures necessary to protect a person’s health and prepare to suspend them if our health care system becomes strained.

Restrictions on elective surgeries put into effect in March and lifted in April were to help with both PPE and bed capacity and were considered successful.

Hospitalizations are increasing, as are ICU patients, and according to modeling from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, which does not take into account hospitalizations from influenza, Pennsylvania will run out of intensive care beds in December if ICU admissions continue at the current rate.

The same modeling indicates we will have sufficient medical-surgical beds with some uncertainty as to capacity from region to region.

Traveler Testing
Dr. Levine issued an order requiring anyone who visits from another state to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering the commonwealth.

If someone cannot get a test or chooses not to, they must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvanians visiting other states are required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their return to the commonwealth or to quarantine for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania.

This order, which takes effect on Friday, November 20, does not apply to people who commute to and from another state for work or medical treatment.

Strengthened Masking Order

Dr. Levine first issued a masking order on April 15. The order signed today strengthens this initial order with these inclusions:

• Masks are required to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home.
• When outdoors, a mask must be worn if you are not able to remain physically distant (at least 6 feet away) from someone not in your household the entire time you are outdoors.
• When indoors, masks will now be required even if you are physically distant from members not in your household. This means that even if you are able to be 6 feet apart, you will need to wear a mask while inside if with people other than members of your household.
• This order applies to every indoor facility, including homes, retail establishments, gyms, doctors’ offices, public transportation, and anywhere food is prepared, packaged or served.

Colleges and Universities

The departments of Health and Education issued recommendations for colleges and universities to implement a testing plan for when students return to campus following the holidays.

These recommendations include establishing routine protocols for testing.

Colleges and universities should have adequate capacity for isolation and quarantine and should be prepared to enforce violations of established policies such as mask wearing and physical distancing.

Every college and university should test all students at the beginning of each term, when returning to campus after a break and to have regular screening testing throughout the semester/term.

“We must remain united in stopping COVID-19,” Dr. Levine said. “Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay apart and download the COVID Alert PA app. If you test positive, please answer the call of the case reviewer and provide information that can help protect others. It’s the selfless, right thing to do.”

Harrisburg, PA – The Wolf Administration today began distribution of the sixth allotment of COVID-19 antigen test kits provided by the federal government to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified institutions in Bedford, Cambria, Franklin, Lancaster and Lehigh 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, 139,200 tests were distributed to 70 facilities in Armstrong, Dauphin, Delaware and Indiana counties. Additional tests will be provided to health care 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. The department will continue to provide 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 on 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.

Fifty seven (57) new cases added Tuesday in Lycoming County remains at 1,398 cases, no new deaths, 33 total deaths, with 17,651 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

2,575 Patients Hospitalized and 558 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 17, that there were 5,900 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 275,513. This is the highest daily increase of cases.

There are 2,575 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 558 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.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of November 6 – November 12 stood at 9.6%.

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 10 and November 16 is 366,744 with 35,317 positive cases. There were 42,584 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 16.

As of 11:59 p.m., Monday, November 16, there were 30 new deaths reported for a total of 9,355 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 9,305 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 644 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,588,467 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;
• Approximately 13% are ages 19-24;
• Approximately 36% 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 19 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 11 percent of cases so far in November;
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 9 percent of cases so far in November; and
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 11 percent of cases so far in November.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 30,055 resident cases of COVID-19, and 6,184 cases among employees, for a total of 36,239 at 1,162 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 6,086 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 13,602 of our total cases are among health care workers.
 

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Nov. 16:
 

• Announced that mitigation efforts in place are vital to stopping spread of COVID-19.
• Provided update to 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 – Today, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the approval of seven agricultural projects being funded through the First Industries Fund (FIF). These projects, located in three counties, will help existing farms expand their operations, bring in additional revenue, and transition agribusinesses to the next generation of farmers.

“Pennsylvania’s economy is powered by its agriculture industry, so it is imperative that we continue to support projects that will lead to growth and investments in communities across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Wolf. “COVID-19 has drastically impacted so many of our state’s critical industries, and this funding will provide needed support to our agribusinesses, helping them grow, create jobs, and continue their critical services.”

The approved projects are as follows:

Berks County

Gerry and Darlene Noecker, through the Greater Berks Development Fund, were approved for a 15-year, $400,000 PIDA loan at a 0.75 percent reset rate for the construction of a single 20,000-square-foot duck breeding facility, including a 600,000-gallon liquid manure lagoon. The 6,600-head barn will be equipped with laying boxes that are located over a conveyor belt to move the eggs to the end of the barn for collection. This will be one of the first barns in the United States to utilize this system. The current industry standard is hand-picking eggs daily and this will significantly cut labor requirements. The use of this technology will also put the Noecker’s in a strong position to add an additional barn in the future. The total project cost is $1,147,000.

Jay and Lorelle Nolt, through the Greater Berks Development Fund, were approved for a 15-year, $400,000 PIDA loan at a 0.75 percent reset rate for the construction of a 20,000-square-foot duck breeding facility in Centre Township. The duck breeder house will hold 6,650 birds and will be a under a 15-year contract with Joe Jurgielewicz & Son, Ltd. The operation will be one of the first in the United States with a conveyor system under the layer boxes for the ducks. The total project cost is $1,200,000.

Gary and Victoria Wessner of KCLW, LLC, through the Greater Berks Development Fund, were approved for a 15-year, $325,000 PIDA loan at a 0.75 percent reset rate to acquire a 57.16-acre farm property located in Albany Township. The property contains 25 tillable acres, a two-story stone dwelling, a stone barn, and a 480-square-foot stone recreational building. The property’s 25 acres of open farmland is currently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and Gary plans to crop farm the property as soon as the CREP expires. Gary and Victoria will also be selective timbering the property. The total project cost is $650,000.

Theodore and Christine Auman of Hex Provisions, LLC, through the Greater Berks Development Fund, were approved for a 15-year, $189,148 PIDA loan at a 0.75 percent reset rate for the construction of a small-scale meat processing facility and the acquisition of meat processing equipment. The system is made up of “lockers,” which are repurposed sea containers that are retrofitted for refrigeration and designed for expedited approval for USDA approved inspection. As part of the overall purchase of the locker system, the manufacturer, Dirigo Food Safety, assists the purchaser with all food safety regulatory approvals in addition to securing USDA granted inspection in an expedited fashion. The total project cost is $378,296.

Lancaster County

John and Miriam Hoover, through the EDC Finance Corporation, were approved for a 15-year, $400,000 loan at a 0.75 percent reset rate to purchase a 60-acre farm located in Brecknock Township that they are currently leasing. The farm contains a homestead, a renovated bank barn used for hog and sheep production, and two turkey barns, encompassing 88,200 square feet that can house up to 10,500 toms or hens. The Hoovers have a three-year contract with Lewistown Valley Enterprises d/b/a Koch’s Turkey Farm. Hogs produced on the farm are sold to Stevens Feed Mill while the sheep are sold through local markets. The farm also has a kennel barn, which is utilized for Miriam’s dog breeding business. The total project cost is $1,380,000.

Lebanon County 

Robert and Andrea Brubaker, through Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation, were approved for a 15-year, $300,000 loan at a 0.75 percent reset rate to purchase a 36.54-acre farm in South Londonderry Township. The property includes a single-family dwelling, a bank barn with an attached garage/shed, and some other outbuildings. The property will be primarily utilized for crop production and manure application. The total project cost is $600,000.

Teresa Shuey, Kevin Shuey, Richard Hill, and Gale Hill of Little Hill Farm, LLC, through Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation, were approved for a 15-year, $247,500 loan at a 0.75 percent reset rate for the construction of a 31,500-square-foot broiler house. Little Hill Farm recently obtained a new seven-year contract from Bell and Evans for this house. They will continue to operate their two existing broiler houses which are also under contract with Bell and Evans. The total project cost is $495,000.

More information about the Commonwealth Financing Authority can be found on the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) website. To stay up-to-date on all Pennsylvania economic development news, follow DCED on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and be sure to sign up for the department’s monthly e-newsletter.

Harrisburg, PA – As residents prepare for cooler weather and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, members of the Wolf Administration are reminding Pennsylvanians of several important fire safety tips to keep your home and family safe.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that nearly 2,400 house fires occur nationwide on Thanksgiving alone.  These incidents result in numerous fatalities, injuries, and $19 million worth of property losses. Many of these home fires are due to deep-frying accidents.

“More cooking fires occur during the Thanksgiving holiday than any other day of the year; in fact, cooking is often the number one source of house fires in the commonwealth,” said State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego.  “Furthermore, as the seasons change and more and more Pennsylvanians begin heading indoors, many are choosing to turn on their home-heating for the first time.  Annual tune-ups and inspections are excellent ways to prevent issues with carbon monoxide and fires, particularly if using a system that utilizes an open flame.”

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2014 and 2018, home cooking fires caused an average of $1 billion in direct property damage each year, often peaking at Thanksgiving and Christmas,” said Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman. “Consumers should ensure that their belongings and even new gifts are covered under their homeowners or renter’s insurance, as many policies have lower limits for valuables such as electronics, jewelry and firearms.”

Here are some tips to minimize the threat of fire in your home during this time of year:

• Turkey Fryer Tips:
• • Read the turkey fryer owner’s manual thoroughly for proper set-up and safety tips.
  • Do not deep fry your turkey inside your garage, on your porch or deck, or inside your home.
  • Use your fryer outside, away from trees, walls, fences and other structures.
  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed (hot oil and ice/water do not mix).
  • Have an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish oil fires.
• Home Heating Tips:
• • Keep areas around your furnace free of clutter and combustible material; never set items on top of your furnace.
  • Regularly replace furnace filters.
  • Likewise, keep combustible materials a safe distance from vent/exhaust lines.
• • Call a professional if you notice a problem; many offer annual tune-up services.
• Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector Tips:
  • Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home including the basement.
  • Test all alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
  • People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
  • Have a home escape plan and practice it with your entire family.

Hazards associated with the presence of carbon monoxide are a serious threat to Pennsylvanians, and the state routinely ranks among the nation’s worst affected. Since it is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, it can incapacitate victims before they are aware that they have been exposed. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often include nausea, headaches, dizziness, disorientation and fatigue.  These symptoms are can easily be confused with flu and COVID-19 symptoms, making it exceptionally important to utilize a carbon monoxide detector.

Homeowners insurance policies generally cover the structure of a home, personal belongings and liability protection for injured guests. However, increased preparedness and awareness of possible dangers can help homeowners avoid these types of costly claims. Renters should note that their landlord’s insurance will not cover their personal belongings. Renters insurance is highly recommended for those looking to protect their assets.

With increased holiday gatherings this time of year, it is important to follow the above fire safety tips as well as COVID-19 safety tips. All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to follow the Pennsylvania Department of Health universal masking order, social distancing guidelines, and download the COVID Alert PA app. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa.”  Together Pennsylvanians can continue to fight the COVID-19 virus, even during Thanksgiving holiday.

“Fire safety is a health concern each year,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.  “As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday this season, there is another major concern, COVID-19 safety. We encourage Pennsylvanians to spend the holiday with people in your household. If you must spend the holidays with people outside of your household, please wear your mask, wash your hands frequently and take your own food and place settings. We are at a critical point in the pandemic. Remember, if we all do not take steps to prevent the spread of this virus, we put our family, friends, and loved ones at risk.”

Visit www.BeFireSafePA.com for additional fire safety tips, and the turkey fryer factsheet.  For additional resources regarding homeowners or renter’s insurance, visit www.insurance.pa.gov., or call the Insurance Department’s Consumer Services Bureau at 1-877-881-6388.  The ReadyPA monthly preparedness newsletter will also include safety in the home and carbon monoxide safety tips. Sign up to receive this helpful information here.

Pennsylvanians must unite against COVID

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf reminded Pennsylvanians that as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the state’s existing mitigation efforts remain in place and are more important than ever to understand and follow.

“The fall surge in cases is something we expected and were prepared for and we’ve learned a lot since the spring, but as I’ve said many times, the virus goes where it wants, we must do all that we can to ward it off and protect ourselves, our loved ones, our communities, and our health care systems,” Gov. Wolf said. “The current mitigation efforts and orders in place are more important than ever. We must unite against COVID and follow these orders.”

The following chart outlines current restrictions in place:

“Decisions are made based on ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to health care, and never is it more important than those in need of treatment for COVID,” Gov. Wolf said. “Our hospitalizations continue to rise, but our system is not overwhelmed. We need to keep it that way.”

The state has learned a lot about the virus and the work Pennsylvania has done and continues to do in order to meet the needs in hospitals and long-term care facilities also includes providing new treatment drugs like Remdesivir, performing case investigations and contact tracing as necessary, increasing testing, and introducing tools such as the COVID Alert PA app available to notify people of COVID-19 exposures quickly.

Existing orders include:

• Building safety order: For business permitted to conduct in-person operations, this order provides for proper protocols for cleaning and disinfecting.
• Worker safety order: This order from the Secretary of Health requiring certain actions to be taken by employers and their employees to protect their health and lives, the health and lives of their families, and the health and lives of the residents of the Commonwealth who depend upon their services.
• Hospital reporting order: This order requires hospitals to make daily reports of specified data regarding supplies and equipment and an amendment to that order that changed reporting from three times per day to one time per day.
• Hospital safety order: This order requires hospitals to implement measures to protect hospital staff and patients, including notifications for all staff when a staff member is positive, and proper provisions for PPE.
• Universal testing order: This was put in place to ensure testing of all residents and staff of long-term care facilities in the state.
• Long term care facilities personal protective equipment order: This order worked to ensure that all staff and residents of long-term care facilities has proper PPE and protections in place.
• Mask wearing order: This order defines a “face covering,” how to wear one, and when one must be worn.
• July 15 targeted mitigation order: This order placed restrictions on bars, restaurants, social clubs and indoor gatherings to help stop the spread of COVID after multiple research studies noted an increase in cases from these types of businesses.

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

“As Pennsylvania continues to see cases rise each day, we remain vigilant in our efforts to protect Pennsylvanians by making testing widely available and encouraging mitigation efforts that we know to be effective,” Gov. Wolf said. “I ask that all Pennsylvanians follow these orders and look out for one another so we can stop the spread.”

Visit pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ or the Pennsylvania Department of Health coronavirus pages for more information.

TalkWilliamsport.com reached out to the Pennsylvania Department of Health for clarity on the explosive rise in positive cases and how they are being counted.

Nate Wardle, Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health provided the following response to TalkWilliamsport.com:

“When someone tests positive for COVID-19, it is possible they may live in a household with other people. If, during the case investigation and contact tracing process, it is learned that other people in the household have COVID-19 symptoms, they would be considered a probable case.

There are a few probable case definitions. One is for people who have a positive antigen test and symptoms, another, the one applicable in this instance, is as follows from the CDC:

•            A person meeting clinical criteria AND epidemiologic evidence with no confirmatory laboratory testing performed for COVID-19;

So, this would mean they have symptoms (clinical criteria) and close contact exposure (epidemiological evidence) to COVID-19, which would make them a probable case.

This is not inflating the numbers or deceiving the numbers. It is part of the CDC’s case definition as a way to identify cases.

It is important to note, probable cases make up 6 percent of the total number of cases. More than half of these probable cases are the result of a positive antigen test. With how new antigen testing is, we expect the percentage of probable cases that is from a positive antigen test to only increase as we move forward.”

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Health today shared its weekly update on Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing data and encouraged Pennsylvanians to download the COVID Alert PA app to aid in contact tracing efforts.

“As we are experiencing a large surge in cases across the state, the public health infrastructure we continue to build is prioritizing case investigations in order to prevent outbreaks from occurring,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please answer the call from the health professional conducting a case review. If you were a close contact of someone, please answer the call. By answering the call, you are helping our health professionals mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities to further protect our neighbors and loved ones.”

Contact tracing is the process of identifying, notifying, and monitoring anyone who came in close contact with an individual who has COVID-19 while that individual was infectious. The contact tracing process is not possible without a case investigation, or review, by a public health professional. Case investigators make the initial call to those with positive COVID-19 test results.

During the case investigation, public health professionals spend 30 to 60 minutes asking questions to ensure all potential close contacts are identified. They collect information about with whom the individual came in contact and where the individual went while infectious. Information collected during the case investigation process is not shared publicly unless doing so would help the department in its efforts to stop the spread on a broader scale.

Between Sunday, November 1 and Saturday, November 7, there were 20,985 COVID-19 cases statewide and 25 percent of all cases had a case investigation started within 24 hours of receiving the positive report. Public health professionals will continue calling to complete the case investigation after the 24-hour period. An additional 9 percent of all cases had a case investigation started within 48 hours.

After the initial case investigation is complete, contact tracing begins. Within the same time period of November 1 to November 7, there were 1,672 contact tracing staff working with local and county health entities, partner organizations and the Regional Response Health Collaboration Program within the Department of Human Services as well as volunteers from Co-County Wellness in Berks County and Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

Currently, all of the allotted 1,000 people have been hired through a partnership with Insight Global. Some of these contact tracers have been promoted to perform case investigations to meet the immediate needs of increased caseloads. There are 40 supervisors, 12 regional field managers and coordinators, and 10 care coordinators who will help to refer Pennsylvanians to services during quarantine across the commonwealth.

These staff monitored 8,395 contacts who were identified during the case investigations.

On September 22, the department launched COVID Alert PA, a free mobile app that uses Bluetooth technology to let a person know that they have been exposed to COVID-19 without compromising the identity or location of either the person using the app, or of the person to whom they may have been exposed. There have been over 485,000 downloads thus far, and on average—36,000 individuals are logging their symptoms on a daily basis

The mobile app helps the contact tracing process by identifying and notifying those people identified as close contacts through Bluetooth technology when a person with COVID-19 does not know or remember everyone with whom they may have come in contact while infectious; for example, someone they sat next to on a bus. To best support those close contacts identified through the app, there are contact tracers specifically assigned to answer questions about the app.

As the contact tracing program expands, the Department of Health continues to work in partnership with over 150 organizations, in addition to the county and municipal health departments, through regional partnerships to help gather and answer questions, identify problems and find solutions to improve contact tracing efforts within the region. Each regional partnership has met at least once, and includes public health staff, health providers, academic institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders interested in helping to coordinate and engage around contact tracing efforts.

Organizations and entities interested in partnering in these efforts should reach out to RA-DHCONTACTTRACING@pa.gov.

You can find more information on the state’s contact tracing efforts and all available contact tracing positions at the Department of Health’s website here.

Pennsylvanians are reminded that mask-wearing is required when visiting businesses or in any setting outside the home where social distancing is difficult. Remember: My mask protects you; your mask protects me.

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.

• 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.