Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Administration Michael Newsome announced today that a mapping application developed for PennDOT is among the winners of the 2020 Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology awards presented by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).

The project was selected from a pool of over 90 nominations in 10 categories submitted by state governments.

“We are honored to see Pennsylvania recognized on the national level once again for its leadership and innovation in technology,” said Secretary of Administration Michael Newsome. “This award-winning project demonstrates how we can use data in new ways to uncover insights and improve outcomes for the people of Pennsylvania.”

The app, known as Maintenance IQ, has improved maintenance planning and the management of equipment, workers and other assets at PennDOT. The app ​uses data from ​existing PennDOT systems to better detect highway deficiencies, determine roadway treatments, plan operations and monitor production. This helps to ensure projects remain on schedule and are initiated in the proper sequence. Maintenance IQ was also integrated with another PennDOT app used to collect data on guide rails, stormwater facilities, shoulders and paved and unpaved roads. Maintenance IQ helps PennDOT complete the right maintenance or treatment at the right time, helps infrastructure last longer and maximizes the value of taxpayer investments.

“PennDOT’s maintenance crews are critical to keeping Pennsylvania’s roads safe all year round,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Maintenance-IQ has been an incredible tool for our maintenance crews and I’m so glad that it’s getting this recognition.”

Additionally, PennDOT’s REAL ID implementation and the Office of Administration’s use of data to create key cybersecurity risk indicators were selected as runners-up in their respective award categories.

NASCIO presents the Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology awards to states that have implemented exceptional programs that have made an important contribution to the operation of state government.

To learn more about the NASCIO awards, visit www.nascio.org.

Eleven (11) new cases added Thursday in Lycoming County now at 858 cases, no new deaths, one new death, 29 total deaths, with 14,843 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

1,598 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 177,520

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 15, that there were 1,598 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 177,520. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Allegheny is reporting an increase of 117 cases, Philadelphia is reporting an increase of 163 cases and Westmoreland is reporting an increase of 135 cases.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between October 8 and October 14 is 240,220 with 9,370 positive cases. There were 33,839 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 14.

There are 8,432 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 21 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 1,474 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,089,197 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
• Nearly 5% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 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, as there are more cases in younger age groups than in those 50-64 and 65+. The following regions saw significant increases among 19 to 24-year-olds in each month from April to present in October:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 35 percent of cases so far in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 18 percent of cases so far in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 20 percent of cases so far in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 19 percent of cases so far in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 13 percent of cases so far in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 10 percent of cases so far in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 24,213 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,332 cases among employees, for a total of 29,545 at 1,014 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,585 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 11,516 of our total cases are among health care workers.

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

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Oct. 14:

• 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.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded funds for two local projects in central Pennsylvania.

The Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation (CPWDC) was awarded $1,018,500 for the Reboot Workforce Program: Recovery at Work in Central PA. In partnership with Geisinger and SEDA Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), CPWDC will use these funds to address the opioid epidemic in central Pennsylvania by providing workforce preparation and training services to individuals in recovery and ultimately reintegrate them back into the workforce.

Other local, state, and federal sources contributed an additional $1,104,000 to the project.

Union County was awarded $2,500,000 for the four-county Central Pennsylvania Rural Broadband Deployment Implementation Project. This grant will help bring high speed internet service to underserved locations in Union, Clinton, Lycoming, and Northumberland counties. It is expected that 20 businesses and 270 households will initially benefit from this project.

In addition to ARC’s funds, SEDA Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Revolving loan fund will provide $4,000,000 and ISPs will provide $1,500,000, bringing the project total to $8,000,000.

On the awarding of the grants, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement:

“Congratulations to the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation and Union County for being awarded these grants. What makes these projects special are the outstanding partners—like ARC, SEDA-COG, Geisinger, and other local entities—that come together to address the challenges we face in central Pennsylvania, such as increasing rural access to broadband and combatting the opioid epidemic. I look forward to seeing how these funds are used to develop our workforce and strengthen our communities.”

Harrisburg, PA — At Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary Carrie Lepore reminded Pennsylvania restaurants of the benefits of joining Open & Certified Pennsylvania. More than 7,500 restaurants have self-certified – by completing a quick, easy online self-certification application – confirming that they’re taking every precaution, following all health guidelines, and keeping safety a top priority.

“Throughout the pandemic, Pennsylvania’s restaurants have innovated to continue serving our commonwealth,” said Redding. “Now, we’re innovating for them by offering Open & Certified Pennsylvania as a new way to put themselves in front of Pennsylvanians looking for a safe place to dine.”

PA Preferred^® Appalachian Brewing Company has self-certified all six of their locations in hopes of instilling confidence in Pennsylvanians looking for a safe, local dining experience. Local businesses are the heartbeat of Pennsylvania’s economy, and Open & Certified Pennsylvania is a way for people to choose an eatery with confidence and support strong local economies.

“In the fight against COVID-19 and in our path to economic recovery, it’s going to take all of us – businesses and consumers alike – doing the right thing, keeping each other safe, and remembering to support our local businesses,” said Lepore. “By self-certifying, restaurants like Appalachian Brewing Company show their commitment to employees, patrons, and surrounding community.”

Those looking for a safe dining experience are encouraged to browse self-certified facilities in the Open & Certified PA Business Directory, where searches can be performed based on county, city, zip code, or restaurant name.

Restaurants interested in being added to the directory can self-certify online at pa.gov/covid. In addition to being added to the searchable database for patrons, self-certifying allows restaurants, private social clubs, and other food service businesses that serve dine-in, sit-down food in a regular, non-event capacity to increase indoor occupancy to 50 percent. Self-certified retail food facilities must continue adhering to mitigation efforts that will keep employees and customers safe, at 50 percent occupancy.

Restaurants that self-certify are not subject to additional food safety inspection or scrutiny. The occurrence of regularly scheduled or complaint-based inspections from enforcement agencies is not affected by certification status. In fact, certifying proves that a business is committed to protecting employees and providing patrons a safe dining experience.

The Wolf Administration has released Frequently Asked Questions as a reference for restaurant owners and the public, along with updated restaurant guidance.

Business owners with additional questions about the self-certification program can contact covidselfcert@pa.gov.

Note: Video available at PACast.com.

CBS News Special Report: Sen. Kamala Harris cancels travel through Sunday after two people linked to her campaign test positive for COVID-19.

Two people linked to Kamala Harris’ campaign — her Communications Director Liz Allen and a non-staff flight crew member — have tested positive for the coronavirus. As a result, Harris will suspend in-person events until Monday.

Senator Harris was not in close contact, as defined by the CDC, with either of these individuals during the two days prior to their positive tests; as such, there is no requirement for quarantine.

Twelve (12) new cases added Wednesday in Lycoming County now at 847 cases, no new deaths, one new death, 29 total deaths, with 14,684 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

1,276 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 175,922

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 14, that there were 1,276 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 175,922. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between October 7 and October 13 is 239,891 with 9,403 positive cases. There were 29,347 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 13.

There are 8,411 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 27 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 1,395 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,074,729 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
• Nearly 5% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 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, as there are more cases in younger age groups than in those 50-64 and 65+. The following regions saw significant increases among 19 to 24-year-olds in each month from April to present in October:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 35 percent of cases so far in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 18 percent of cases so far in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 20 percent of cases so far in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 20 percent of cases so far in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 14 percent of cases so far in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 18 percent of cases so far in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 24,111 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,323 cases among employees, for a total of 29,434 at 1,013 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,585 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 11,456 of our total cases are among health care workers.

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

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Oct. 13:

• Provided latest CMU metrics report.
• Provided COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring Dashboard update.
• Announced more Pennsylvanians to benefit from rental and mortgage relief programs.
• 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.

Defends Judge Barrett’s SCOTUS qualifications, says Senate should confirm her “without hesitation”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) published an Op-Ed in The Hill highlighting Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s renowned credentials as a jurist and a brilliant legal scholar worthy of serving on the United States Supreme Court.

The Op-Ed outlines Washington Democrats’ blatant attempts to obstruct Judge Barrett’s path to the Supreme Court in order to fulfill their vision of a partisan, packed court that legislates from the bench.

Here are some excerpts:

The political scuffle that erupted in the aftermath of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court proves that Washington Democrats will misrepresent the role of the judiciary to score political points.

However, unlike Washington Democrats, Republicans do not root for outcomes before the courts. We recognize that judges have a singular responsibility to uphold the Constitution.

Democrats’ criticisms of Judge Barrett are rooted in the specious claim that confirming Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court would ensure the court’s overturning of Obamacare. This is nothing more than an election year scare tactic.

After all, if Washington Democrats truly believed that Obamacare is constitutional, they should have nothing to worry about given Judge Barrett’s strict adherence to the Constitution.

The shameful attacks on Judge Barrett only serve to highlight the left’s predilection for activist judges who seek to usurp the Constitution and legislate from the bench, instead of carrying out the important task with which the judiciary has always been charged.

…Judge Barrett has demonstrated a sound understanding of the Constitutional role of the judiciary and is eminently qualified to serve as a member of the United States Supreme Court. The Senate should confirm her without hesitation.”

You can read the Op-Ed in full HERE.