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

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

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

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

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

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

CLIA-certified sites include:

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

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

Targeted populations include:

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

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

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

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

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

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

2,751 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 198,446

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

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

The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between October 20 and October 26 is 245,029 with 12,380 positive cases. There were 34,946 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 26.

There are 8,696 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 23 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 2,699 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 647 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,254,523 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

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

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

The department is seeing significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics. Increases among 19 to 24-year-olds from April to present in October are available below:

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

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

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

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

• Urged Pennsylvanians to hand-deliver mail ballots immediately.
• Provided update on COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring dashboard.
• Provided Pennsylvania State Police enforcement data.

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

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

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

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In response, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that Wren Manufacturing, Inc., a manufacturer of custom kitchen cabinets, will establish its North American headquarters and a manufacturing center in the Hanover Industrial Estates in Hanover Township and Sugar Notch Borough, creating a combined 360 new jobs at both locations in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

“Wren Manufacturing’s choice to establish its North American headquarters in Pennsylvania speaks to what our commonwealth can offer to businesses looking to grow and expand,” said Gov. Wolf. “This move will make a great difference in this Luzerne County community, making nearly 400 new jobs available as our economy moves toward recovery.”

Wren Manufacturing is a privately-owned British designer, manufacturer, and retailer of custom kitchen cabinets. The company is disrupting the custom cabinet market by improving the shopping experience—enabling customization of each product online and through a virtual reality experience at its network of retail centers. The company intends to add retail centers across the North America and provide support to them from this location. The company leased a 252,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and a 10,046-square-foot office facility in Luzerne County. The company will invest $15,442,449 in leasehold improvements and new equipment.

This international move speaks to the strength of Pennsylvania’s business climate. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin visited Wren Manufacturing’s headquarters in the United Kingdom in September 2019 on a business development mission that highlighted the commonwealth’s competitive advantages in workforce and advanced manufacturing to prospective investors considering the establishment of American operations.

“We’re excited to bring our vertically integrated model to the United States, the largest home improvement market in the world,” said Rafal Klimek, Manufacturing and Logistics Director for Wren Kitchens. “Luzerne County has a tremendous amount of talent in the local area and its location allows us to reach a huge percentage of the American population within a short drive time.”

Wren Manufacturing received a funding proposal from DCED for a $1.25 million Pennsylvania First grant, $392,400 in funding for job training through the WEDnet program, and $720,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation of the new jobs. The company may also be eligible for DCED’s Manufacturing Tax Credit (MTC) program.

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania, with assistance from the Office of International Business Development and its representative in the United Kingdom.

For more information about the Governor’s Action Team or DCED, visit dced.pa.gov.