Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of six projects through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) to assist local governments with planning for zoning, coordinating emergency services, and creating comprehensive plans.

“Pennsylvania’s municipalities and local governments rely on comprehensive planning to bring critical projects to fruition, and that planning is crucial now more than ever,” Gov. Wolf said. “This funding helps ensure communities have the resources they need to provide services to residents both now and in the future, which is especially important during this time of uncertainty due to COVID-19.”

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) recently approved nearly $228,000 in funding for six municipal projects throughout the state. Funding from MAP assists local governments to plan for and efficiently implement municipal projects available in three groups of activities: shared services, community planning, and floodplain management.

The approved projects are as follows:

• $23,000 to Upper Makefield Township, Newton Township, and Wrightstown Township in Bucks County to update the Newtown Area Joint Zoning Council (NAJZC) multi-municipal comprehensive plan, which will prepare the three townships to meet continuing growth pressures while protecting the area’s important natural and historic resources. The update will provide municipal officials with a solid foundation on which to base land use decisions and enact land use controls, moving forward into the next decade.
• $85,000 to Luzerne and Lackawanna counties’ Joint County Comprehensive and Long-Range Transportation Plan. Luzerne and Lackawanna counties have a history of working together on Transportation Planning issues. The two counties make up the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). In the past, the counties prepared a bi-county Comprehensive Plan and a Long-Range Transportation Plan and are ready to conduct an update to the combined plans.
• $37,500 to the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission to provide an updated “toolbox” of model ordinance and reference materials to better enable their municipalities to address planning-level issues such as affordable housing, redevelopment, and rural development in consistent and effective means. This project will focus on providing these materials in an easy-to-use online format that is tailored to address the greatest current needs, but flexible enough to update to address changing issues and trends.
• $10,000 to the City of Lock Haven to support a project lead by Downtown Lock Haven, Inc., (DLH), which will use the funding to conduct a feasibility and market study of an historic downtown building. DLH is collaborating with the Clinton County Arts Council to bring a county cultural center to the heart of Lock Haven. They plan to adapt the Masonic Temple Lodge 199 to be the home of a new cultural center, preserving a historic structure and opening its doors to the community.
• $17,500 to the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation, which will embark on a plan to ensure the resiliency of Clarion County’s economy. Clarion County seeks to develop an economic development strategy to best leverage its unique assets to make the county a more livable, healthy, and prosperous place. Through this planning, Clarion County will seek implementable ways to leverage its assets and help build a stronger domestic supply chain for the United States.
• $55,000 to Washington County to update its comprehensive plan, which was originally completed back in 2005. The goal of updating the plan is to provide a large-scale blueprint for the growth and development of Washington County. The county will look at land use globally and establish targeted areas of investment for economic development; parks, open space and greenways; farmland preservation; public infrastructure, and transportation networks. The plan will establish priorities for county and local officials to implement as well as identify opportunities, obstacles and funding options for each section of the plan.

The Municipal Assistance Program, administered by DCED, provides technical resources and assistance for municipalities, consolidation, regional efforts as well as serving as a resource for local government officials, developers, and citizens interested in planning to improve, grow, and enhance communities.

More about MAP and other DCED initiatives can be found on the DCED website, and be sure to stay up to date with all of our agency news on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is urging motorists to drive safely in work zones after three separate work zone intrusions resulted in motorists hitting a PennDOT crash truck.

“Even though construction season is winding down in many places, we still have road crews out there,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Please don’t speed, never drive distracted, and always buckle up, especially in work zones.”

According to PennDOT data, in 2019 there were 1,754 work zone crashes, resulting in 16 fatalities. Since 1970, 89 PennDOT employees have died in the line of duty.

In addition to crash data from police reports, PennDOT monitors work-zone safety with internal reports. As of November 10, there have been 72 reported intrusions in PennDOT work zones. Of those work-zone intrusions, seven resulted in injures to PennDOT employees, 25 caused damage to PennDOT fleet or equipment, and 40 did not result in injury or damage but had the potential to do so.

Pennsylvania law states that anyone stopped by law enforcement for violating the posted speed limit by more than 5 mph will face doubled fines. The fine is determined based on the amount the driver is traveling over the speed limit. Governor Tom Wolf signed a law in 2016 that says any driver who causes serious bodily injury within a work zone could face up to $5,000 in fines and a six-month license suspension, and a driver causing a death within a work zone could face up to a $10,000 fine and one-year license suspension. Drivers who don’t turn on their headlights in posted work zones face a $25 fine.

Additionally, in an effort to change unsafe driving behaviors in work zones, Pennsylvania’s Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement began earlier this year. The program uses vehicle-mounted systems to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more using electronic speed timing devices. AWZSE systems can be deployed in active work zones, where workers are present, on the turnpike as well as any active work zone on a federal aid highway – this includes higher class roadways like interstates, major arterials, and numbered routes. Registered owners will receive a warning letter for a first offense, a violation notice and $75 fine for a second offense, and a violation notice and $150 fine for third and subsequent offenses. These violations are civil penalties only; no points will be assessed to driver’s licenses.

For more information on work zone safety visit, www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.

Harrisburg, PA – The Wolf Administration, with the support of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, today urged the federal government to reauthorize Title 32 to allow Pennsylvania National Guard members to carry out missions that assist long-term care facilities affected by COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.

“The Pennsylvania National Guard has been instrumental in our Nation’s response to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including supporting community-based testing sites, distributing millions of meals to Pennsylvanians in need and aiding our frontline health workers who provide care to COVID-19 patients in long-term care facilities,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). “I urge the Trump Administration to renew the federal Title 32 authorization for the Pennsylvania National Guard to streamline pay and benefits for National Guard members and their families. As the nation expects spikes in COVID-19 cases in the coming months, this renewal is much needed to ensure the National Guard is able to support efforts to keep our citizens safe and to maintain National Guard operations without additional burden to states and territories.”

Without federal authorization, Pennsylvania would have to consider placing the Pennsylvania National Guard on State Active Duty, which the state would be financially responsible for. Also, federal authorization provides more protection for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard for healthcare and benefits.

“Our PA National Guard has been on the frontlines of this pandemic,” said Houlahan. “What is abundantly clear is that this pandemic is not yet over. Cases are spiking across the country, and we will need the Guard as we navigate the next phase of this pandemic. That’s why I have joined a bipartisan coalition urging the Trump Administration to renew Title 32 authorization and to do so in a way that does not financially burden the individual states. This renewal cannot wait. It will help shore up our statewide protections against this virus through the vital operations run by the Guard as well as streamline the payment process for these brave Pennsylvanians.”

“The assistance of the Pennsylvania National Guard has been essential in ensuring we are caring for residents in long-term care facilities during this pandemic,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “As we see cases increasing across the state, we know that cases in long-term care facilities are a direct reflection of the community. The Pennsylvania National Guard is a vital resource in assisting these facilities when there are staffing needs.”

Throughout the pandemic, the Wolf Administration has been working diligently to assist long-term care facilities with any needs they have. This work is particularly important as we see an increase in cases. A team of staff is working to assess where outbreaks are occurring and providing resources. These resources may include infection control expertise, connection to testing resources, and working to assist stakeholders with questions.

One of the primary resources the administration can offer is support from the Pennsylvania National Guard. The Pa. National Guard can provide staffing support to assist in patient care, as well as providing support services such as preparing meals, cleaning, etc. This work has been invaluable to assist where there are shortages due to COVID-19 to ensure residents are receiving the care they need and deserve. Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard has served the equivalent of 7,351 days as part of the COVID-19 response.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has truly emphasized the National Guard’s vast array of capabilities as well as our devotion to our commonwealth and communities,” said Albert R. Fogle, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in Geriatric Medicine and a lieutenant colonel in the PA National Guard. “As the second largest Guard in the nation, we have been able to apply our civilian skill sets and military occupational specialties to assist long-term care facilities throughout the pandemic. Working together with our state partners and citizens is how we will get through these times of uncertainty. We are all in this together.”

In September 2020, Mountain View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Northumberland County welcomed the support from Geisinger, the region’s Regional Response Health Collaboration Program (RRHCP), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the National Guard.

“Not only did the National Guard staff support the nursing staff at Mountain View, they also assisted with daily tasks that needed to be completed.  No matter how big or small the tasks for our residents, from passing trays, providing ice and water and conducting face time visits, the National Guard was there supporting our staff and meeting the needs our of residents and staff.” Kelli Martz, Nursing Home Administrator stated.

The National Guard was phenomenal in working collaboratively with the dedicated staff at Mountain View. This additional support provided our staff to keep their focus on resident care.  The health and safety of our residents and staff, prior to, through out and continuing through this pandemic, continue to be our number one priority.  The staff at Mountain View would like to acknowledge and thank these individuals for their commitment and compassion displayed throughout the time they were at the facility.

The Wolf Administration has taken a three-pillar approach to protecting the vulnerable residents living in nursing homes and other long-term living settings:

       Ensuring resident safety through testing, education and resources;

       Preventing and mitigating outbreaks; and

       Working in partnership with state agencies, local health departments and long-term care facility operators.

The Wolf Administration has provided long-term care facilities with the resources and expertise in order to prevent or control existing outbreaks. This include:

       Providing direct support through Regional Response Health Collaborative Programs; Pennsylvania Department of Health’s (DOH’s) Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI) team; DOH infection control contractor ECRI; the Patient Safety Authority; General Health Resources; and the Pennsylvania National Guard;

       Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) regularly to facility operators, as well as education and training on how to safely put it on and take it off;

       The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) coordinates closely with the DOH as they evaluate various types of support that may be needed at facilities across the commonwealth. Once specific needs are identified, PEMA works with agencies, such as the Pennsylvania National Guard, to provide the support needed as quickly as possible.

       Regularly inspecting facilities and responding to every complaint filed with DOH;

       Creating rapid response strike teams using the state’s staffing contract with nurses to staff the facilities in need;

       Providing virtual mental health services to facilities through the Department of Human Services’ medical reserve corps;

       The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention teams provided on-site assistance for 13 long-term care facilities using their infection prevention and control expertise and training of U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) teams

       Sharing information through bulletin boards, nursing home associations, and our normal channels of communication such as Health Alert Network messages; and

       Prioritizing nursing homes and long-term care facilities to receive PPE, and for testing among symptomatic individuals.

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

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

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

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced today his intention to nominate in December current Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Deputy Secretary for Safety and Labor-Management Relations Jennifer Berrier to serve as department secretary.

“Jennifer Berrier’s 15 years of experience and service with L&I provide her with a strong background that will allow her to move smoothly into the role of secretary during this crucial time,” said Gov. Wolf. “Her broad knowledge of L&I and her record of effective leadership gives me confidence in her ability to oversee an agency that provides critical services to millions of Pennsylvanians and will play a vital role as we rebuild our economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As Deputy Secretary for Safety and Labor-Management Relations, Berrier has overseen four bureaus that help vulnerable workers, certify the safety of buildings and other building components, ensure that individuals with disabilities who are unable to work receive Social Security benefits, and facilitate resolutions in labor mediations and arbitrations. Previously, Berrier served as the Director for the Bureau of Occupational & Industrial Safety and prosecuted labor and employment law cases as legal counsel to the department. Berrier is a graduate of York College and earned her Juris Doctor from Widener University.

Berrier will assume the role of Acting Secretary when L&I Secretary W. Gerard “Jerry” Oleksiak retires on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. Oleksiak has led L&I for over three years since Sept. 5, 2017.

“I have been deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as L&I secretary, and I will be forever grateful to Governor Wolf for affording me the chance to lead this agency,” said Secretary Oleksiak. “I am proud of the talent, resilience, commitment, and hard work L&I staff have demonstrated since my arrival and am confident they will continue to respond effectively to serve the crucial needs of fellow Pennsylvanians under Jennifer’s leadership.”

“Jerry Oleksiak has been a tireless advocate for Pennsylvania workers everywhere. He fought for an increase to the minimum wage and oversaw the implementation of a new overtime rule that expanded overtime eligibility to 143,000 people and strengthened overtime protections for up to 251,000 more,” said Gov. Wolf. “His resolute and steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was crucial to L&I paying out more than $30 billion in unemployment benefits to eligible Pennsylvanians since the beginning of mitigation efforts. His legacy of improving working conditions and supporting innovative workforce solutions will benefit Pennsylvania workers and Pennsylvania’s economy for many years to come.”

Forty six (46) new cases added Wednesday in Lycoming County remains at 1,173 cases, no new deaths, 32 total deaths, with 17,081 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

Highest Daily  Increase of 4,711 Additional Positives Brings Statewide Total to 243,368

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 11, that there were 4,711 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 243,368. This is the highest daily increase of cases.

The most accurate daily data is available on the websiteOpens In A New Window, with archived data also availableOpens In A New Window.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between November 4 and November 10 is 354,972 with 23,786 positive cases. There were 43,158 PCR test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 10.

As of 11:59 p.m., Monday, November 10, there were 59 new deaths reported for a total of 9,145 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard. Opens In A New Window

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 6,208 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 645 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,888,761 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
• Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
• Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 20% are ages 65 or older.

There are 1,948 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 417 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.Opens In A New Window

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 providersOpens In A New Window 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 22 percent of cases so far in November;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 14 percent of cases so far in November;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to 11 percent of cases so far in November;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 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 approximately 9 percent of cases so far in November.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 28,142 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,932 cases among employees, for a total of 34,077 at 1,126 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,922 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.Opens In A New Window

Approximately 13,036 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Nov. 10:

• Provided the latest CMU metrics report.
• Commended President-elect Biden on coronavirus task force.
• 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 StoreOpens In A New Window and the Apple App StoreOpens In A New Window by searching for “covid alert pa”.

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

• Daily COVID-19 ReportOpens In A New Window
• Press releases regarding coronavirusOpens In A New Window
• Latest information on the coronavirusOpens In A New Window
• Photos of the state’s lab in ExtonOpens In A New Window (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphicsOpens In A New Window (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materialsOpens In A New Window

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-AlertsOpens In A New Window.

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf commended President-elect Joe Biden for selecting former Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Pedro Rivera to serve on the agency review team for the U.S. Department of Education. The review teams are comprised of experts who will help to ensure a smooth transition of power to the Biden Administration.

“Pedro Rivera was an excellent secretary of education for Pennsylvania and he is a tremendous choice by President-elect Biden to help prepare the education efforts of the next administration,” said Gov. Wolf. “Pedro’s leadership was critical to rebuilding strong relationships to local school communities and improving the quality of education in our state.

“Under Pedro Rivera’s leadership, Pennsylvania reduced the overreliance on standardized testing, adopted a landmark basic education funding formula, created the innovative Future Ready PA Index and more. I am proud that Pedro served in my cabinet and I look forward to his efforts to help set the values and priorities of the incoming administration.”

After serving as Pennsylvania secretary of education since Gov. Wolf took office in 2015, Rivera became president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology on Oct. 1. He was previously the superintendent of the School District of Lancaster.

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced that as of November 7, there have been 383 laboratory-confirmed flu cases and one flu-associated death statewide, the first of the 2020-2021 flu season. As flu season intensifies, the department urges Pennsylvanians to get their flu vaccine if they have not already done so.

“As flu season is still in the beginning stages, now is the time to get your flu vaccine, if you haven’t already, and practice flu safety,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “It is more important than ever to get your flu vaccine amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to protect yourself, your loved ones, and health care workers who are caring for people sick with respiratory illness, from contracting the flu. We know that people who get the flu after being vaccinated have a less severe case and are not sick as long as those who do not get vaccinated.”

The vaccines are available as a flu shot for anyone six months or older and as a flu shot or nasal spray for anyone two or older. Flu vaccines are available at your doctor’s office, pharmacy, local walk-in clinic or grocery store.

The first death was reported to the department during the Week 45 (ending 11/7/2020) update. The individual was in the 50-64-year-old age group.

Flu activity is low across the commonwealth. There are flu cases in 26 of the 67 counties. Influenza A and B have been identified by laboratory testing. The percent of outpatient visits associated with Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) has been low and is still below the state epidemic threshold. A total of nine influenza associated hospitalizations have been reported in Pennsylvania during the current flu season.

Flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the nose, throat and lungs and may include the following symptoms:

• Fever;
• Headache;
• Tiredness;
• Dry cough;
• Sore throat;
• Nasal congestion; and
• Body aches.

In addition to getting vaccinated, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to practice healthy habits such as covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, frequently washing your hands, and remembering to disinfect commonly touched objects including door knobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones and computers. Furthermore, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to practice COVID-19 safety measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and downloading the COVID Alert PA app.

If you do become sick with the flu, it is imperative that you stay home. If you are at risk for developing serious complications from the flu, or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional immediately.

For more information on the 2020-2021 flu season, click here.

Additional information on how to stay healthy and prevent the spread of flu and COVID-19 can be found on the Department of Health’s website, Facebook, and Twitter.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of the flu and 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”.

Harrisburg, PA – As COVID-19 cases reach record-highs in Pennsylvania and across the country, Governor Tom Wolf today thanked and commended President-elect Joe Biden for making fighting the COVID-19 pandemic a priority, and on the introduction of his coronavirus task force that includes public health experts with ties to Pennsylvania.

“It is reassuring to see President-elect Biden take this virus seriously and move forward with a task force that is focused on science and reality,” Gov. Wolf said. “The members of his task force are some of the most respected public health experts in the country, including two Philadelphia-area physicians.”

“We need leadership that is consistent and committed to ending this pandemic, to saving lives and livelihoods, and to making decisions based on facts and science. I commend President-elect Biden for the team he has put together to lead the country out of this very difficult period.”

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced new apprenticeship programs in Southcentral and Southeastern Pennsylvania in water treatment, abatement, and industrial manufacturing and mechatronics. The Wolf Administration is commitment to helping workers increase their skills and attracting more businesses throughout the commonwealth.

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves a chance to build a rewarding career and provide for their family through a sustaining wage,” said Gov. Wolf. “Apprenticeships enable students and workers to get hands-on experience and learn the necessary skills needed for in-demand careers, all while earning a paycheck from their employer. We are investing in apprenticeships across the commonwealth to ensure that Pennsylvania has the most prepared and talented workforce in the country.”

The Department of Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO) recently approved a group, non-joint apprenticeship program with Mifflin Academy of Science & Technology in Lewistown, for Water Systems Operation Specialists. The Academy will partner with the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Lewistown to provide the program-related instruction.

“The Academy is proud to continue our support of local employers and registered apprenticeships through this program,” said Mike McMonigal, supervisor of adult and post-secondary education at Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology. “Our partnership with the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Lewistown further demonstrates how industry and education can work together to develop a skilled workforce for our community.”

The Baxter Group, Inc. recently registered an individual, non-joint apprenticeship program for abatement supervisors. They have partnered with Aerosol Monitoring and Training to establish these construction/maintenance training programs.

“From the moment I reached out for more information on establishing an Apprenticeship Program and throughout the entire approval process, the representatives and committee members generously provided guidance and direction,” said Jocelyne Melton, CEO of the Baxter Group, Inc. “We are very excited to be able to offer such an opportunity and strive to make our company one of the best companies to work for in Franklin County, thus creating a journey of success to our employees.”

Lastly, the German American Chamber of Commerce Philadelphia (GACC Philadelphia) registered a group, non-joint apprenticeship program in partnership with the Northampton Community College and Lehigh Carbon Community College. The training provided will support an industrial manufacturing and mechatronics technician with the manufacturing industry.

“The German American Chamber of Commerce places companies at the center of training and aligns curriculum with strategic academic partners such as community colleges and high schools,” said Susanne Rehse, executive director of GACC Philadelphia. “We carefully design and oversee these programs to ensure they are sustainable for the host companies, the apprentices, and the surrounding communities.”

The Wolf Administration established the ATO in 2016 to support and expand registered apprenticeship programs statewide. The office provides outreach, education, and technical support to current and prospective apprenticeship program sponsors and apprentices.

“Reskilling programs are a critical tool to adapt and rebuild our workforce to respond to changes in the economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said L&I Secretary Jerry Oleksiak. “Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for Pennsylvanians to earn a steady paycheck while learning the skills needed for the jobs that will exist in this new economy.”

Since the ATO was created in early 2016, the office has registered 180 new program sponsors and 274 new occupations, bringing the total number of registered apprentices to 17,966 statewide.

Apprenticeship programs are used to provide employer-driven training to create a more productive, diverse, highly skilled workforce for employers and help reduce employee turnover. The program provides job seekers with increased skills, and a nationally recognized credential to support future career advancement and increased wages.

Visit ATO for more information about apprenticeship programs and the Apprenticeship and Training Office.

Harrisburg, PA – The Wolf Administration today began distribution of the fifth allotment of COVID-19 antigen test kits provided by the federal government to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified institutions in Armstrong, Dauphin, Delaware and Indiana 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, 371,480 tests were distributed to 15 facilities in Elk, Lawrence, Mifflin and Philadelphia counties. Philadelphia distributed all 353,280 of their allotment during week four. 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.