Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

636 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 87,242

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., July 1, that there are 636 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 87,242. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,687 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 38 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

“As nearly the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Mask wearing is required in all businesses in all phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 633 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 689,562 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
• 1% are ages 5-12;
• 2% are ages 13-18;
• 7% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• 24% are ages 50-64; and
• 27% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,805 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,291 cases among employees, for a total of 21,096 at 699 distinct facilities in 52 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,583 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,636 of our total cases are in health care workers.

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

Currently, all 67 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, June 30:

• Provided the latest CMU metrics report.
• Provided an update from Pennsylvania State Police on business closure enforcement actions.
• Signed House Bill 2418, which extends the sunset date for the Geospatial Coordinating Board by four years; and provides for the Treasury to submit a COVID-19 debt cost reduction review to the General Assembly.

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.

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
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

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.

Submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure

Harrisburg, PA – The PennDOT Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) announced today that it is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through July 31.

PennDOT usually holds an unsolicited proposal period in April and October each year. However, due to COVID-19, the April submission period was postponed until July.

“We appreciate the industry’s understanding our decision to postpone the April solicitation period, and are looking forward to reviewing the solicitations we receive this month,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian.

The submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure. During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Proposals can also include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs.

The private sector may also submit applications for non-PennDOT-owned assets directly to the P3 board during this time. Transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction, such as transit authorities, may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round. Unsolicited proposals are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on July 31. Instructions on how to submit a project and information on the unsolicited proposal review process can be found on the state’s P3 website, www.P3.pa.gov.

The state’s P3 law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects.

As part of the P3 law, the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board was appointed to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects. If the board determines a state operation would be more cost-effectively administered by a private company, the company will be authorized to submit a proposal and enter into a contract to either completely or partially take over that operation for a defined period of time.

The next unsolicited proposal acceptance period will occur in October. To learn more about P3 in Pennsylvania, including active projects, visit www.P3.pa.gov.

Major League Baseball™ (MLB™) has informed Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) that it will not be providing its affiliated Minor League teams, including the Williamsport Crosscutters, with players for the 2020 season. As a result, there will not be a Minor League Baseball season in 2020.

“These are unprecedented times for our country and our organization as this is the first time in our history that we’ve had a summer without Minor League Baseball played,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “While this is a sad day for many, this announcement removes the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season and allows our teams to begin planning for an exciting 2021 season of affordable family entertainment.”

Crosscutters Principal Owner Peter Freund stated, “While this difficult decision was not ours to make, we feel it was the right one, for players, coaches, front office staff, stadium workers and most importantly Minor League fans across the country.”

In the coming days Cutters staff will be reaching out to our 2020 season tickets holders, sponsorship partners and those who had already planned group outings at the ballpark, to answer your questions and provide options moving forward. Now, more than ever, we ask for the continued support of our fans, business partners and the greater Williamsport community.

In addressing concerns regarding the 2021 season, the Crosscutters expect to again field a team under Major League Baseball’s umbrella. In addition, the team looks forward to co-hosting another MLB Little League Classic while also playing an important role in the future growth and reach of MLB.

While the Crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark remain closed to the general public, fans with questions can reach the front office by calling (570) 326-3389 or via email at mail@crosscutters.com.

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Health today launched an online early warning monitoring dashboard that provides information statewide and county COVID-19 prevalence to track increases in disease in the community on a weekly basis.

“This dashboard provides the entire community with early warning to changes in COVID-19 infection so that we can take action to prevent spread,” Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Recent increases in COVID-19 cases in parts of the state have shown the need for Pennsylvanians to continue to take simple steps to prevent the spread of this virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, maintain social distancing and stay home if you are sick.”

The dashboard shows data points being used to assess the spread of the virus in the state and in each county, including:

• Difference in confirmed cases (last 7 days vs. previous 7 days);
• Incidence rate (last 7 days and previous 7 days) per 100,000 residents;
• PCR positivity rate (last 7 days and previous 7 days);
• Difference in the average daily number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the last 7 days and the previous 7 days;
• Difference in the average daily number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators in the last 7 days and previous 7 days; and
• Percent of hospital emergency department visits in the last 7 days and previous 7 days due to COVID-like-illness (CLI).

The dashboard will be updated on a weekly basis to assist in providing information regarding the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Repeating shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

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 for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

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
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

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 – The Department of Human Services (DHS) today encouraged Pennsylvanians to make socially responsible decisions that protect themselves, their families, their communities and vulnerable populations, such as individuals with disabilities, from the dangerous COVID-19 virus. As Pennsylvania businesses reopen and people increasingly interact in public spaces, we must remain vigilant in heeding the advice of public-health professionals to wear a mask or other face covering, wash hands regularly, stay home if you’re sick and avoid large gatherings as much as possible.

“When you wear a mask in public spaces, you are protecting not just the people you encounter in the grocery store, or the barber shop or the July 4 family gathering,” DHS Secretary Teresa Miller said. “You are protecting everyone who might become a later link in a chain of COVID-19 transmission that you didn’t know you were a part of until it was too late. Too often, the people on the end of that chain are individuals with disabilities whose lives depend on the rest of us to make good decisions.”

Secretary Miller also announced that starting July 1, funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will begin to go out to long-term care, LIFE program, personal assistance service providers as well as Community HealthChoices (CHC) managed care organizations. This funding includes:

• $245 million to nursing facilities in two one-time payments:
  • $196 million of these funds will be distributed based on the number of Medical Assistance (MA) bed days in the third quarter of CY 2019. This will be for both fee-for-service and CHC Community HealthChoices.
  • $49 million will be distributed to all nursing facilities proportionally based on their number of licensed beds.
• $8 million for a one-time payment will be made based on the proportion of MA residents who receive necessary ventilator or tracheostomy care during the 3rd quarter of CY 2019. Private or county nursing facilities may qualify for this.
• $140 million to providers of personal assistance services to be split between agency and participant-directed service providers in the Office of Long-Term Living’s programs.
  • $112 million will be distributed to agency providers; AND,
  • $28 million will be directed to support participant-directed personal assistant service workers.
• $50 million to assisted living residences and personal care homes.
  • $45 million will be allocated based on facilities’ occupancy during their last inspection prior to April 1, 2020.
  • $5 million will be distributed based on the number of individuals living at the facility who received SSI payments during March 2020.
• $13 million to adult day care services and $1 million to residential habilitation, calculated based on payments from MA fee-for-service and CHC for the third quarter of CY 2019.
• $50 million to CHC managed care organizations (MCO) proportionally allocated based on their number of nursing facility clinically eligible participants covered by each MCO on March 31, 2020.
• $10 million to LIFE Program providers based on the organization’s total amount reimbursed for long-term care managed care for the first quarter of CY 2020.

“Long-term care providers across Pennsylvania have experienced great challenges caring for vulnerable populations during a pandemic that has created unique challenges in congregate care settings, and we know that threat has not subsided,” said Secretary Miller. “We will continue to work closely with our partners in the long-term care field so they are not alone in the uncertain weeks and months to come, and we hope this funding will help as providers continue to learn about this virus and grow prevention and mitigation efforts.”

The Department of Human Services administers Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, which helps more than 2.9 million Pennsylvanians access health care. About 17 percent – or roughly 480,000 people – are individuals with disabilities. These Pennsylvanians access health care and other assistive services primarily through two offices: developmental programs and long-term living.

Office of Developmental Programs

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) supports more than 56,000 individuals with an intellectual disability, developmental disability, or autism — a population that is particularly high risk for contracting COVID-19 — through home- and community-based services in intermediate care facilities. ODP is responsible for regulating more than 7,500 licensed settings across the commonwealth.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism tend to be care-dependent, which makes physical and social distancing difficult, if not impossible. As a group, these individuals reside in congregate care settings at higher rates than the rest of the population and also live with higher rates of co-morbidities, which translates to a higher risk of severe illness and death for a person who becomes ill with the COVID-19 virus.

In the days and weeks immediately following the detection of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, ODP took significant action to protect this vulnerable population. Among these actions were policy changes that allowed for necessary flexibilities in the home- and community-based system of providers that support individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, such as creating flexibilities in staffing patterns to reduce the number of direct support professionals interacting with individuals and providing some services remotely using technology, rather than through face-to-face interaction.

ODP regional staff and ODP’s Health Care Quality Units are supporting service providers with applying infection-control measures at licensed community homes for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. The department’s partners at the county level are also involved and meeting weekly with providers to ensure a constant learning loop and opportunity to identify both service gaps and successful approaches to protecting individuals from COVID-19.

ODP has also worked with the Department of Health and PEMA to distribute personal protective equipment to community homes and intermediate care facilities, including 80,000 cloth masks, and has developed resources designed to help families and service providers support individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism stay safe as they re-engage with their communities. Earlier this month, the Wolf Administration announced the distribution of $260 million in CARES Act funding for providers hard hit by this crisis and in need of a cash infusion to maintain the system’s high standards of care and service for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Office of Long-Term Living

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) supports individuals with physical disabilities and older adults who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid with their long-term care needs. This includes more than 450,000 Pennsylvanians who receive long-term services and supports through the Community HealthChoices program and more than 65,000 Pennsylvanians who live in more than 1,200 personal care homes and assisted living residences regulated and licensed by OLTL.

In March, OLTL implemented several flexibilities in the home and community-based waiver programs to enable service coordinators and providers to quickly adapt and ensure participants received the supports necessary to remain safe in their communities. Service coordinators conducted outreach to all participants receiving home and community-based services to ensure they did not have any unmet needs and were able to access necessary home supplies and food during the emergency period.

For example, when Adult Day Centers closed in mid-March, participants in OLTL programs who were no longer able to attend Adult Day programs were contacted by their service coordinator to identify any resulting gaps in care. These gaps were addressed by providing home-delivered meals, in-home care, or other supports necessary to supplement the Adult Day Center services.

To minimize potential opportunities for service interruption, OLTL temporarily allowed certain service providers to provide additional services in the community to offset provider shortages. OLTL also provided guidance allowing certain services to be provided by telephone or web-based technology.

OLTL has also coordinated continued support and education for long-term care providers through a partnership with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation and seven health systems. The Educational Support and Clinical Coaching Program (ESCCP) has conducted more than 16 webinars to more than 2,400 participants statewide on topics like proper use of PPE, infection prevention and control methods, emotional support for residents, and facilitating safe communication between residents and outside family and friends and providing safe entertainment and programming while restrictions are in place. In July, the ESCCP program will transition from a voluntary partnership to a contracted grant agreement that establishes Regional Response Healthcare Collaboratives and will provide financial support to contracted health system partners to assist with continued education, clinical support, testing, and other areas necessary to respond to COVID-19.

Visit DHS’ website for more information on guidance to DHS providers and related to COVID-19 and services that can help Pennsylvanians.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

618 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 86,606

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 30, that there are 618 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 86,606. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,649 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 35 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

“As nearly the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Mask wearing is required in all businesses in all phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 633 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 677,581 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
• 1% are ages 5-12;
• 2% are ages 13-18;
• 7% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• 24% are ages 50-64; and
• 27% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,735 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,261 cases among employees, for a total of 20,996 at 692 distinct facilities in 52 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,539 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,569 of our total cases are in health care workers.

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

Currently, all 67 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, June 29:

• Provided an update from Pennsylvania State Police on business closure enforcement actions.
• Visited UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic to thank staff, urge mask-wearing.

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.

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
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

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 – As health care professionals work the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and the commonwealth continues to emphasize the importance of mask-wearing and social distancing to protect all, Governor Tom Wolf today visited UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg to thank staff and stress why mask-wearing is a necessary requirement to fight the spread of COVID-19.

“The past four months have not been easy, but you all have done a tremendous job working on the front lines to save lives,” Gov. Wolf said. “On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I thank you for the work you’ve done.”

The Wolf Administration’s measured approach to reopening was instrumental in keeping cases from escalating as the state reopens, and mask-wearing continues to be vital to keep Pennsylvanians safe. Last week, the governor reminded Pennsylvanians that wearing a mask is mandatory inside businesses. Everyone, including workers and customers, must wear a mask unless they have a medical reason not to or are under the age of 2.

“Over the past few days, we have seen several other states experience alarming new case increases and a few have had to implement new restrictions on places where people gather,” Gov. Wolf said. “Right now, in Pennsylvania, we are monitoring a few hot spots and we are asking Pennsylvanians to use extreme caution when out in public.

“Every Pennsylvanian should be wearing a mask when in public. They should be wearing them when in crowded areas outside. They should be wearing them for the entire time they are inside a store and they should be wearing them when spending time with family or friends who do not live in their household.”

The governor supported Allegheny County’s decision to prohibit on-premises alcohol consumption as he continues to stress the requirement to wear masks out of respect for all, including our health care workers.

“If you start to feel like it’s uncomfortable to have a mask on for the hour or so that you’re in a store, I want you to think of these men and women at UPMC Pinnacle who wear masks while on their feet for 12-hour shifts caring for patients,” Gov. Wolf said. “Wearing a mask is a sign of strength, and courage, and kindness to protect others.”
The governor was joined at today’s event by Department of Health Sec. Dr. Rachel Levine; Doug Neidich, chair, UPMC Pinnacle Board of Directors; Christian Caicedo, MD, president of UPMC Pinnacle Dauphin Region; and John Goldman, MD, infectious disease specialist and vice president, UPMC Pinnacle.

“We have learned that our communities are filled with heroes, including the ones who are here with us today,” Dr. Levine said. “And we have learned that this virus is not done with us yet. Across the country, states are seeing increases in cases, including here in Pennsylvania. It has been wonderful to be able to see each other and resume some of the activities that we love to do. But we still must be careful. COVID-19 still represents a danger to our communities and our health that we cannot take lightly.”

“We are grateful to Governor Wolf, Secretary Levine, and all our other attendees for visiting today to recognize our team members who are working hard to care for the patients and communities impacted by COVID-19,” said Philip Guarneschelli, president of UPMC Pinnacle.

“UPMC has introduced extensive, system-wide measures to protect our patients, staff, and communities. We encourage all members of the community to get the care they need, and not to delay in an emergency. This is critical so that you do not experience worsening symptoms or serious complications,” said Christian Caicedo, MD, president of UPMC Pinnacle Dauphin Region.

“We all have a responsibility to protect our most vulnerable, ill and compromised loved ones, even as we all eagerly return to a more normal life. The evidence supporting the effectiveness of masks grows every day. Studies point to their ability to slow the spread of the disease and actually reduce the number of deaths caused by COVID-19,” said John Goldman, MD, infectious disease specialist and vice president, UPMC Pinnacle.

The Wolf Administration’s guidance for business includes comprehensive FAQs on mask-wearing.

Read more on Gov. Wolf’s Process to Reopen PA here.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

492 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 85,988

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 29, that there are 492 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 85,988. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,614 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 8 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

“As nearly the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Mask wearing is required in all businesses in all phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 633 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 666,901 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
• 1% are ages 5-12;
• 2% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 7% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• 24% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 28% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,697 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,224 cases among employees, for a total of 20,921 at 689 distinct facilities in 52 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,531 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,508 of our total cases are in health care workers.

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

Currently, all 67 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, June 28:

• Provided an update from Pennsylvania State Police on business closure enforcement actions.
• Issued a statement in support of Allegheny County’s Mitigation efforts.
• Announced CARES Act funding for small businesses will be available on June 30.

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.

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
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

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 – Governor Tom Wolf announced that beginning tomorrow small businesses across Pennsylvania can apply for grants to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order.

“In unprecedented times, like those we are currently facing, collaboration is imperative to getting help to those who need it most, as quickly and effectively as possible,” said Gov. Wolf. “This joint effort between my administration, the legislature, and The Pennsylvania CDFI Network will provide critical assistance to Pennsylvania’s small businesses, putting them on better financial footing as they begin to reopen.”

The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program, announced earlier this month, will provide $225 million in grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible businesses through Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding.

Beginning tomorrow, June 30, eligible businesses may begin applying for the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program here.

The first application window will remain open for ten days. Applications will continue to be accepted after 10 business days but will be considered for future rounds of funding, as this is not a first-come, first-served program. Applications will be prioritized and selected for funding based on the program criteria.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will distribute the funds to the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which will then administer the funding in the form of grants.

Today, DCED Secretary Dennis Davin joined state Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Senator Vincent Hughes, Senator John Blake, Representative Jordan Harris, Mark Masterson of Northside Community Development Fund, Leslie Benoliel of Entrepreneur Works, Jim Burnett of West Philadelphia Financial Services, and Dan Betancourt from the Community First Fund at a virtual press conference to announce the opening of the first of four application windows.

Eligible businesses will be able to use the grants to cover operating expenses during the shutdown and transition to re-opening, and for technical assistance including training and guidance for business owners as they stabilize and relaunch their businesses.

The funds will be available through three programs:

• $100 million for the Main Street Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the governor’s March 19, 2020 order relating to the closure of all non-life-sustaining businesses and have or will incur costs to adapt to new business operations related to COVID-19;
• $100 million for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the business closure order, have or will incur costs to adapt to new business operations related to COVID-19, and in which socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51 percent interest and also control management and daily business operations.
• $25 million for the Loan Payment Deferment and Loss Reserve Program, which will allow the CDFIs the opportunity to offer forbearance and payment relief for existing portfolio businesses that are struggling due to the impact of COVID, as well as shore up the financial position of the CDFIs that are experiencing significant increased defaults in their existing loan portfolios.

This project is financed by a grant from the federal Department of U.S. Treasury, under the administration of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania CDFI Network. The PA CDFI Network is a group of 17 PA-based community development financial institutions that primarily provide financing options for small businesses.

More information about the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program can be found on DCED’s website.