• Require all customers to wear masks while entering, exiting or otherwise traveling throughout the restaurant or retail food service business (face masks may be removed while seated). Further, employees are required to wear masks at all times.
• Provide at least six feet between parties at tables or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back.
• Ensure maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor areas are posted and enforced.

Harrisburg – As people continue to spend time outdoors during the fall months, the Wolf Administration wants to remind residents of the dangers of tick and mosquito-borne illnesses, and to take steps to protect themselves.

“Autumn is a wonderful season to spend time outdoors and participate in many activities, such as hiking and observing the fall foliage, but we want to make sure people protect themselves when they are outside,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Both ticks and mosquitoes  carry a number of serious diseases. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and protect yourself from these diseases.”

Before heading outdoors, it is important to cover exposed skin, wear light-colored clothing (to aid in insect detection), tuck your pants into your socks and use an insect repellent containing 20 percent or more DEET. You can also treat your clothing with a product containing permethrin to repel ticks. These steps will help protect you from both ticks and mosquitoes.

“Fall is for many the best time for hiking with beautiful colors, crisp air and fewer bugs, but many people are surprised to learn that there are ticks that remain active throughout the year, so it’s always important to take preventative measures so you can enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of being in the outdoors,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.

Adult blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are the most common carrier of Lyme disease and are the only tick species that is active during the fall and winter months in Pennsylvania. These ticks emerge during the fall and are typically active during the winter months on days where the temperature is above 40 degrees. In addition to Lyme disease, these ticks also can carry several other diseases, such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis and Powassan Virus, that have been reported in the state. Ticks typically thrive in tall grass, brush and wooded areas, but deer ticks have been found in every county in the state and can live in any habitat.

Once returning home, immediately check yourself, children and pets for ticks. Then, take a shower to remove any ticks that may be attached to your skin. Carefully check your clothing and gear and put them in the dryer on high to kill any ticks.

Areas to check where ticks can become attached are:

•               Under the arms;

•               In and around the ears;

•               Inside belly button;

•               Back of the knees;

•               In and around the hair;

•               Between the legs; and

•               Around the waist.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a bull’s-eye rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. It is important to know that someone who has been bitten by a tick carrying Lyme disease may not always get a bull’s-eye rash.

If you believe you have been bit by a tick, it is important to speak to a doctor immediately. Antibiotic treatment during the early stages of Lyme disease can help prevent the onset of more severe symptoms. If not treated promptly, Lyme disease may lead to severe health concerns affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system.

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes that breed in areas with standing and stagnant water. These areas include urban catch basins, clogged gutters, discarded tires, poorly maintained swimming pools, flower pots, roof gutters and other containers that hold water. Reduce your chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito by eliminating standing water around your home.

Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day or night, the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active at dawn and dusk. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.

WNV can cause a serious neurological infection, including encephalitis and meningitis. Symptoms of these infections include a severe headache, high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, paralysis, possible confusion and disorientation, tremors, and even death.

For more information on ticks and mosquitoes, visit www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on Pennsylvania’s West Nile virus control program, visit http://www.depgis.state.pa.us/WNV/index.html.

Eighteen (18) new cases added Wednesday in Lycoming County now at 771 cases and no new deaths, 26 total deaths, with 13,978 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

1,309 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 166,552

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 7, that there were 1,309 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 166,552. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 30 and October 6 is 200,610 with 7,429 positive cases. There were 36,675 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 6.

There are 8,272 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 28 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

“We know that congregation, especially in college and university settings, yields increased case counts. The mitigation efforts in place now are essential to flattening the curve and saving lives,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings, and telework will help keep our case counts low. Make your phone part of the fight against COVID-19 today by downloading the COVID Alert PA exposure notification app. Together, as Pennsylvanians, all of our efforts are designed to support our communities to ensure that cases of COVID-19 remain low.”

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 963 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 1,967,542 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
• Nearly 22% 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 38 percent of cases so far in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 19 percent of cases so far in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 21 percent of cases so far in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 12 percent of cases so far in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 23 percent of cases so far in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 12 percent of cases so far in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 23,538 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,210 cases among employees, for a total of 28,748 at 994 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,525 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 11,113 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. 6:

• Provided the latest CMU metrics report.
• With Sen. Casey, urged Affordable Care Act protections.
• Provided Pennsylvania State Police enforcement data.

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

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

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

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

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

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced two new low-interest loan approvals through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) that will assist in the construction of a produce growing, processing, and warehouse facility in Snyder County and the demolition, renovation, and construction of an existing manufacturing property in Lebanon County that could create a combined over 60 full-time jobs.

“Agriculture and manufacturing are two of our commonwealth’s proudest and strongest industries and they need our continued support as they grow and expand, especially now as our economy navigates a pandemic,” said Gov. Wolf. “These projects will bring major investments into central Pennsylvania, supporting local farming, processing, and distribution and a decades-old, locally-owned hand lettering sign business.”

In 2020, PIDA has approved $28,833,617 in low-interest loans that have resulted in $47,097,465 in private investment and supported 1,056 created and retained full-time jobs.

PENN Greenhouse, LLC, through SEDA – Council of Governments, was approved for a $2.25 million PIDA ​real estate loan at a 15-year, 0.75 percent reset interest rate and a $700,000 PIDA machinery and equipment loan at a 10-year, 1.75 percent fixed interest rate to construct a 263,000 square foot growing, processing, and warehouse facility and installation of new processing equipment located on Lorain Drive in Penn Township. PENN Greenhouse specializes in on-site growing, cleaning and packaging of leafy vegetables for immediate distribution and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BrightFarms, Inc., a national provider of leafy vegetables specializing in serving local divisions of national supermarkets, cutting time, distance, and land and water usage from the produce supply chain. The expansion will create 59 new jobs in three years and the total project cost is $19,967,312.

Horst Signs, through the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation, was approved for a $1,214,850 PIDA loan at a 15-year, 0.75 percent reset interest rate for the demolition of a portion of an existing building, the renovation of the remaining 18,653 square foot property, and a 18,703-square-foot addition to be constructed on the renovated space located on Lincoln Avenue in Jackson Township. This will provide 37,454 square feet of newly renovated and constructed space for the well-established manufacturing business. The expansion will create four new jobs in three years and the total project cost is $2,462,515.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority and other DCED initiatives, visit dced.pa.gov.

BY: Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com

NEWS@TALKWILLIAMSPORT.COM

On Monday afternoon the Williamsport Area School District and this author submitted responses to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records in a Right to Know Law appeal seeking public records relating to Myrtle Beach case.

The case is currently being investigated by PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro having been referred by Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner.

The Right to Know Law appeal was filed by this author by and through legal counsel.

There is a now a time period in which the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records reviews the appeal before providing a decision in the matter.

Until that time, on the advise of counsel, no further published comment will be made by this author until the decision by the OOR is rendered.

LINKS TO SERIES ARTICLES

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXI

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XX

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XIX

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVIII

BREAKING NEWS: PA AG Press Office confirms receipt of Criminal Sexual Misconduct referral from DA Gardner

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVI

EXCLUSIVE: AG Shapiro press office on referral: “If and when we receive it, it will be promptly reviewed”

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVII

BREAKING NEWS: PA AG Press Office confirms receipt of Criminal Sexual Misconduct referral from DA Gardner

UPDATE: Charges filed in Greater Latrobe Junior High hazing case cited in “A Baseball Story”

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVI

EXCLUSIVE: AG Shapiro press office on referral: “If and when we receive it, it will be promptly reviewed”

BREAKING NEWS: District Attorney Gardner refers Myrtle Beach case to PA Attorney General – PART XV

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XIV

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XIII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XI

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART X

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART IX

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART VIII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART VII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART VI

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART V

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART IV

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART III

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART II

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART I

Fans often ask me, what if?

Millionaire Baseball Mayhem in Myrtle Beach

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Agriculture today released data related to COVID-19 restaurant enforcement actions from September 28 through October 4, 2020. The information is specific to COVID-19 mitigation requirements for restaurants including social distancing, masking, and occupancy limits.

These numbers include actions taken during routine food safety inspections and inspections prompted by consumer complaints.

From September 28 through October 4, the Bureau of Food Safety performed 718 total inspections, 19 of which were complaint-driven; 9 were COVID-19 specific complaints. The bureau distributed 47 COVID-19 complaint-driven educational letters. Nine COVID-19 related complaints were referred to local and county health jurisdictions. One formal Warning Letter was issued.

A county by county breakdown of COVID-19 restaurant enforcement actions can be found on the Department of Agriculture’s website. The data will be updated weekly, with data from the previous week.

Among other requirements, all businesses in the restaurant and retail food service industry authorized to conduct in-person activities are mandated to:

• Require all customers to wear a mask while entering, exiting, or otherwise traveling through the restaurant or retail food service business (mask may be removed while seated).
• Employees are required to wear masks at all times.
• Provide at least six feet between parties at tables or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back.
• Ensure maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor areas are posted and enforced.

The Bureau of Food Safety has always operated with an education-first model, and always works to educate and correct on-site before taking official action. Businesses unwilling to correct on-site will first receive a warning letter, followed by monetary citations ranging from $25 to $300 per offense. Following an initial warning, food safety inspectors will follow up with unannounced inspections to ensure compliance or issue citations as necessary.

Consumers with general food safety complaints or concerns about non-compliance for COVID-19 mitigation can file a report online. COVID-19 mitigation restaurant enforcement actions will be released on a weekly basis.

For more information about the Department of Agriculture’s COVID-19 response, visit agriculture.pa.gov/covid.