Download the New COVID Alert PA App

“Since July 16th, the state Senate has met for a grand total of four days. They won’t meet again until October 5th. Their colleagues in the House of Representatives met six times and are scheduled back on September 29th. What were the top priorities of the Republican-held General Assembly in the midst of an unprecedented recession and pandemic?

“Not business owners. Lawmakers did not vote on a bill to ensure that business interruption insurance payments are made to business owners who paid premiums and had to close operations due to COVID-19.

“Not sick workers. They did not vote on a bill to ensure that workers have paid sick leave statewide.

“Not tenants or landlords. They did not vote on any of the Democratic bills proposed in the House to protect rents, homeowners, and small landlords from eviction and foreclosure.

…

“Instead, Republicans in both chambers picked a fight with the governor over the crowd size in school sports events.”

Read More…

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the departments of Health and Community and Economic Development announced the launch of a new statewide public health awareness campaign — PA Unites Against COVID — to remind Pennsylvanians that they have the power to stop the spread of COVID-19, and provide them with tools and resources to help educate others and join the fight against the virus.

“Now, more than ever, we need to come together to combat misinformation and do our part to protect the health of our friends and neighbors,” said Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin. “PA Unites Against COVID is a statewide communications effort that encourages every entity in the state — individuals and families, businesses, systems, and institutions — to come together in the fight against COVID-19.”

The campaign will invest $3.8 million funded through a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant to educate and rally together Pennsylvania to fight COVID-19, with special focus on marginalized communities. Paid media includes television and radio spots.

Downloadable resources including posters and social media toolkits for community outreach, and information on the new COVID Alert PA app can be found on PA.gov/COVID.

COVID Alert PA is a free, voluntary mobile app developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in partnership with NearForm, UPenn, and MIT Lincoln Laboratory using the Apple and Google Exposure Notification System. The app’s features include an interactive COVID-19 symptom checker, opt-in for alerts for potential exposures to the virus, updates on the latest public health data about COVID-19 in PA, and advice for what to do if you have a potential exposure to COVID-19.

“COVID-19 is still impacting Pennsylvanians across the state, so it is especially important that we continue to increase awareness about this virus and remind residents of the steps they can take together to help stop the spread,” Dr. Levine said. “I am calling on all Pennsylvanians to unite against COVID by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and downloading COVID Alert PA. This virus is still affecting our communities and it will not go away on its own. We all have a collective responsibility and must be united in this fight against COVID-19.”

Medical experts have applauded the Wolf Administration’s response to the pandemic. Research at the University of Pittsburgh concluded that mitigation efforts have saved thousands of lives. The modeling found that without the restrictions the number of deaths in Pennsylvania would have at least doubled or tripled.

Some of the actions Pennsylvanians can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 include:

• Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Covering any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Cleaning surfaces frequently.
• Staying home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, 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.”

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, diarrhea, chills, repeating shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and 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 more information on COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, visit the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov.

Governor Tom Wolf speaks during a press conference addressing the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Pennsylvania, inside PEMA headquarters on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

Harrisburg, Pa. – Today, Governor Tom Wolf urged President Donald Trump to help solve problems for Pennsylvanians instead of exacerbating public health risks in the commonwealth. He called on the president to abide by COVID-19 mitigation guidance when visiting the commonwealth and forgo holding unsafe rallies in Pennsylvania.

The governor made the following statement:

“Three weeks ago, the Trump campaign held a rally here in Pennsylvania that violated the commonwealth’s public health guidance by disregarding gathering limits, mask orders and social distancing guidelines. My administration did not make an exception for that rally, and is still awaiting a response to a letter sent to the Trump campaign on September 10, 2020, asking them to abide by the commonwealth’s COVID-19 mitigation measures in order to keep our residents safe. Again this past Tuesday, the president held a large rally in close quarters here in Pennsylvania. Once again, I am requesting that the President of the United States not endanger Pennsylvanians by holding unsafe rallies that will put Pennsylvania communities at risk.

“It is gravely concerning that the president would insist on holding this event with blatant disregard for social distancing and masking requirements. His decision to bring thousands of people together in a tight space in the midst of a global pandemic caused by an airborne virus is flat out wrong. No matter what party you support, all Americans should be very concerned that the president has put headlines and publicity above the health and safety of our families and communities. Any Pennsylvanian who chooses to attend a rally, or any large gathering, should take protective steps like wearing a mask and maintaining proper social distancing for the duration of the event. Mitigation efforts like these will help protect Pennsylvanians from potentially contracting this deadly virus and bringing it home to their families.

“It is dangerous and disappointing that the president continues to ignore science and his own health advisors while putting the lives of those who support him at risk. The president has admitted to lying about the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the meantime, our country has lost more than 200,000 lives on his watch. While we continue to see only tepid and contradictory attempts at leadership from the White House, families have lost loved ones, the economy has taken a massive hit and communities are crying out for help.

“Instead of spending his time on rallies, the president should return to Washington and deal with things that matter to Pennsylvanians, like unemployment assistance, state and local aid, hazard pay and a cohesive strategy for pulling the country out of this pandemic as quickly as possible.

“To hold this event is not just misguided, it is dangerous, it is manipulative and it is wrong. I would ask Pennsylvanians to think of the health and safety of their families and their communities before attending this event or any rally put on by the Trump campaign. And I would ask the president, for once, to put the health of his constituents ahead of his own political fortunes.”

• 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.

Governor Tom Wolf speaks during a press conference addressing the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Pennsylvania, inside PEMA headquarters on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

Harrisburg, PA – Nearly a dozen clean energy, business, faith and environmental advocacy organizations have expressed their support of Governor Tom Wolf’s recent veto of House Bill 2025, which ignored the dangers of climate change and would have prevented the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from taking any action to abate, control or limit carbon dioxide emissions in the commonwealth without the prior approval of the General Assembly.

Carbon dioxide is a harmful greenhouse gas and a major contributor to climate change, and this bill would have put a halt to DEP efforts to mitigate the impact climate change has on lives and livelihoods in Pennsylvania, including rulemaking currently being developed to allow Pennsylvania to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is an economically sound program that has a proven record of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in member states.

Clean Air Council: 
“I congratulated Gov. Wolf last week on the successful Environmental Quality Board vote to advance his carbon limits program forward, and I applaud him today for vetoing a reckless, dangerous piece of legislation in House Bill 2025 that would have reversed that progress. House Bill 2025 would indefinitely obstruct any and all policy efforts to reduce carbon pollution in Pennsylvania. It’s that simple. Supporters deceitfully framed it instead as a mere process bill, one that would give the General Assembly a voice in setting climate policy. This is fundamentally misleading because, under state law, the legislature already has a robust role in the development of regulations and, quite frankly, we know the legislative majority’s position: block progress, deregulate the fossil fuel industry, and drill our way to ‘prosperity,’” saidJoseph Otis Minott, Esq., executive director and chief counsel of Clean Air Council. “Climate change is an urgent, existential threat that demands serious, commensurate policy solutions. Thank you, Gov. Wolf, for standing with the vast majority of Pennsylvanians who agree and who support your plan to cut carbon while creating tens of thousands of new jobs.”

Clean Power PA Coalition: 
“We applaud Governor Wolf for rejecting House Bill 2025 and protecting efforts to cut carbon pollution and create jobs through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).  With this veto he is standing with the overwhelmingly majority of Pennsylvanians who support RGGI.

A poll conducted earlier this month found that 72 percent of Pennsylvania voters are in favor of the state becoming part of RGGI. The initiative also has wide support from the business community because of the significant economic benefits it has brought to participating states and will deliver to Pennsylvania as well. Economic analysis of the program shows that it would create 27,000 jobs and boost the state economy by nearly $2 billion. It also will reduce asthma attacks and other health problems for thousands of Pennsylvania children and adults. The Governor’s veto of House Bill 2025 keeps the state moving in the right direction in tackling climate change and investing in the clean energy jobs of the future. RGGI also can provide resources to help communities affected by the continuing transition in our energy markets and ensure that workers are not left behind.”

Evangelical Environmental Network: 
“The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) is thankful for Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of the ill designed House Bill 2025. House Bill 2025, if signed, would have stopped Pennsylvania from joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and continued fossil fuel pollution’s threat to our children’s health. House Bill 2025 would have kept Pennsylvania in the dark with continued dependence on dirty fossil fuels instead of rebuilding Pennsylvania with family-sustaining jobs to ensure a cleaner, brighter, and healthy future,” said the Rev. Mitchell C. Hescox, president and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network.“It’s well past time to transition to a clean energy economy. Today we can have both the energy to power our economy and a clean environment. We no longer must choose between a strong economy and the life and health of our children, including the unborn. One in eight women give birth prematurely in the United States each year due to PM2.5, with the number increasing to one in five for Black women (30 percent of premature infants die).

“Over 2,700 Pennsylvanians died prematurely in 2018 due to Pennsylvania’s air pollution, due in good measure to the electric industry. Pennsylvania’s pollution is also believed to have contributed to more than 2,300 premature deaths in other states,” Hescox said. “All told, Pennsylvania holds the auspicious claim of having the third highest rate of air pollution-related deaths in the U.S., after California and New York. RGGI will help Pennsylvania defend our kids’ health, but our energy workers are caught in the middle. Men, women, and families suffer much to provide our energy, and we cannot leave them behind as has been done in the past. The reality is that coal plants will close in Pennsylvania, and RGGI will not likely hasten coal’s demise. That’s already occurring, and gas will be next. Fossil fuels are simply no longer economically viable. In reality, they never really were if you consider that our children paid the cost in their hearts and lungs. The true, average cost of coal is 14.87 US cent/kWh over what we paid on our meter due to pollution’s impact on public health.”

Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance: 
“We applaud Gov. Wolf’s leadership,” said Matt Elliott, executive director for the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA). “For years, Pennsylvania has sat on the sidelines as other states in the region enjoy the benefits of RGGI. The results from participating RGGI states are clear: their economies have grown, their air is cleaner, and their clean energy markets are expanding.”

Natural Resources Defense Council: 
“The governor’s veto of this anti-climate legislation comes as the #ClimateCrisisjeopardizes people’s health, safety, and livelihoods,” said Mark Szybist, senior attorney of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Climate and Clean Energy Program, in a tweet.

Nuclear Powers PA Coalition: 
“(Gov. Wolf) just took a huge stand for Pennsylvania’s #cleanenergy industry and the ~100K jobs it supports in our commonwealth,” said the Nuclear Powers PA Coalition in a tweet.

Moms Clean Air Force: 
“Moms across the Commonwealth are thankful to Gov. Wolf for his veto of House Bill2025, which further shows his commitment to reducing climate pollution and protecting the health and future of Pennsylvania’s children. Linking to RGGI will protect our children from the power sector’s dirty air pollution that impacts health and contributes to climate change,” said Patrice Tomcik, Butler County resident and Project Manager for State Campaigns for Moms Clean Air Force. “Pennsylvania’s children and other vulnerable communities deserve to breathe clean air. Reductions in carbon and the associated harmful air pollution from the power sector can improve children’s health. A recent children’s study showed that by lowering harmful pollution from power plants, RGGI has helped to avoid asthma attacks, preterm births, low birth weight, and more. The health benefits were quantified between $191 million and $350 million. In addition, Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI is critical to achieving the Governor’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.”

PennEnvironment: 
“We applaud Gov. Wolf for his veto of the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s misguided attack on climate solutions. RGGI enjoys the support of a bipartisan group of governors in the region, and this valuable program offers key mechanisms for reducing pollution and fighting climate change. Joining our neighboring states to the north, east and south in this alliance can create a healthier, more vibrant region with clean air that transcends borders,” said PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center’s Executive Director David Masur. “As the Western U.S. suffers through devastating wildfires, the Gulf Coast recovers from another hurricane, and after the Keystone state experienced a sweltering, record-hot summer, many Pennsylvanians are wondering how to fight the climate crisis here at home. Gov. Wolf is providing a bold answer. Given a choice between living in the past with dirty fuels or being on the right side of history, Gov. Wolf is showing he’s ready to protect our communities and future generations across the state.

“Still, the passage of House Bill 2025 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly serves as a stark reminder that many politicians are lagging behind the science of climate change and the will of their constituents to solve this existential crisis. It’s high time that politicians in Harrisburg come up with solutions to address climate change instead of continually putting up roadblocks to commonsense action,” Masur said. “PennEnvironment applauds the Environmental Quality Board for giving RGGI the green light and Gov. Wolf for vetoing this rollback of climate protections. We’re confident that the public comment period will show how broad and deep support runs for RGGI and for implementing solutions to address climate change.”

PennFuture: 
“We applaud Gov. Wolf for doing the right thing in vetoing House Bill 2025,” said Rob Altenburg, director of the PennFuture Energy Center. “It’s clear that the governor possesses the legal authority to implement a cap-and-invest carbon reduction program in Pennsylvania, and there’s no good reason for the legislature to attempt to take away that authority. The science is crystal clear: we need immediate and meaningful action to cut our carbon pollution, and implementing a program similar to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is our best chance to accomplish that goal.”

Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Environmental Defense Fund: 
“The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Environmental Defense Fund commend the Governor for vetoing House Bill 2025 and thank him and his administration for their steadfast leadership to advance pollution limits for power plants. House Bill 2025 would have allowed the General Assembly, through mere inaction, to block any proposal by the Administration to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This includes, but would not have been limited to, draft rulemaking now under consideration for Pennsylvania to link with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)– a market-based platform that has, for over a decade, proven to both reduce emissions and further economic investment and growth.

“Despite acknowledgment that climate change presents a very real and immediate threat to Pennsylvania, there has been no action taken by the General Assembly to address it. Over a decade ago, the legislature passed a law requiring recurrent climate change impact assessments and policy recommendations be developed, and time and time again the calls generated through those reports – matched by scientists, businesses, the military, investors and more worldwide – have gone unheeded.

“While we encourage legislative engagement on this critical issue, the legislature must commit to action. This includes affirmative steps to reduce emissions, protect communities and public health, help workers, and strategically position Pennsylvania for the inevitable, net-zero energy future. The options and opportunities are there; the days of idleness should be behind us.”

Sierra Club: 
“The RGGI program is truly going to be the most important action Pennsylvania has taken on climate to date, and we applaud Gov. Wolf’s continued leadership in pushing this program forward. According to DEP’s analysis, RGGI will provide thousands of jobs and increase overall economic activity in PA by $1.9 billion by 2030. This is the program we need in a post-COVID economy recovery plan. Thank you Governor Wolf for acting on climate and working to protect future generations,” said Tom Schuster, Pennsylvania Clean Energy Program director for the Sierra Club. “If we do not start acting immediately to reign in climate disrupting pollution, it will be too late. We cannot sacrifice our children’s future in an attempt to support the coal industry, which is dying with or without RGGI. If the legislature wants to play a more productive role, they can start by supporting community transition packages or designating some of the RGGI allowance proceeds to help communities adapt to inevitable change.”

Further, a recent letter from a coalition of nearly two dozen businesses expressed their support for Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, noting, in part, “RGGI presents one of our most cost-efficient opportunities to accelerate emissions reductions while preserving Pennsylvania’s proud status as an economic powerhouse for the many years to come. We encourage Pennsylvania’s lawmakers and stakeholders to constructively work together to support and swiftly implement the Commonwealth’s participation in this important initiative.”

Seven (7) new cases added Friday in Lycoming County now at 658 cases and one new death, 25 total deaths, with 12,920 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

806 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 154,203

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID-19 Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 25, that there were 806 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 154,203. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 18 and September 24 is 184,083 with 5,474 positive cases. There were 28,701 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 24. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 8,081 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 2 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 384 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 645 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 1,816,397 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;
• Approximately 13% are ages 19-24;
• Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
• Nearly 22% 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 date in September:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 68 percent of cases so far in September;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 36 percent of cases so far in September;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 30 percent of cases so far in September;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 28 percent of cases so far in September;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 19 percent of cases so far in September; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 17 percent of cases so far in September.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 22,591 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,961 cases among employees, for a total of 27,552 at 969 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,419 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 10,551 of our total cases are among 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 green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Sept. 24:

• Released latest CMU metrics report.
• Discussed COVID-19 mitigation and government reform.
• 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 that Globus Medical, a Pennsylvania-based medical device company focused on the design, development and commercialization of musculoskeletal implants, will expand its manufacturing operations to Montgomery County, creating 243 new jobs and retaining more than 1,000 Pennsylvania jobs statewide.

“Globus Medical has an established presence in our state and has worked with the commonwealth for years in their growth and expansion—starting with only four employees in 2003,” said Gov. Wolf. “With this manufacturing operation expansion, their workforce will grow substantially, and will build upon their continued commitment to bringing new jobs and opportunities to southeast Pennsylvania.”

To access the workforce required to meet the company’s needs as it undertakes a major expansion, Globus Medical will purchase and renovate a facility in Limerick Township, near its worldwide headquarters in Audubon, which has been vacant for nearly two years. The company will invest $36 million into the expansion.

“We are pleased to have a strong presence and strategic growth potential in Pennsylvania. The expansion into the Limerick facility will establish a best in class production facility supporting a growing global business and generate opportunities in our local communities,” said Dave Demski, Globus Medical President and Chief Executive Officer.

Globus Medical received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $750,000 Pennsylvania First grant and $729,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation of the new jobs. 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.

Globus Medical is a leading medical device manufacturer with the goal of improving the quality of life for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Globus began by developing solutions for spinal pathologies, including spinal implants and instruments. Since that time, Globus has significantly expanded its musculoskeletal solutions to include treatment options for traumatic fractures, joint reconstruction, and robotic navigation. Since its inception in 2003, the company has launched more than 200 products.

For more information about the Governor’s Action Team or DCED, visit dced.pa.gov, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak today announced the availability of $200,000 in grant funding through the Veterans Employment Program (VEP) to assist veterans with getting good jobs. Eligible workforce development, community-based and educational organizations in Delaware County are encouraged to apply for the funding.

“Our veterans deserve our support, especially when it comes to succeeding after their service, and Pennsylvania employers need skilled workers to help them succeed and thrive,” said Secretary Oleksiak. “The Veterans Employment Program will not only provide employment opportunities for our honorable Delaware County veterans but will work to provide more comprehensive services to address barriers to employment and improve their employment outcomes.”

L&I will provide a $200,000 grant from PA Industry Partnership (IP) Heroes Path funds to support a workforce development program that will link veterans with employment and employment support in Delaware County that innovatively and creatively addresses barriers to employment facing our veterans. The VEP will operate from Dec. 1, 2020 to Nov. 30, 2021.

Additional details and the grant application can be found on L&I’s website. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2020. Eligible applicants include the Delaware County local workforce development board, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, education and post-secondary organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities.

Additional information is available on the L&I website at www.dli.pa.gov or by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

• You must be fully or partially unemployed due to COVID-19, and
• You must have a weekly benefit rate + dependent allowance totaling $100 or more, and
• You must receive a payment each week from an unemployment program.

• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid vacation time
• Short-term disability insurance
• Any additional resources

• Up to 10 days of paid leave if you or a family member have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it
• Up to 12 weeks of paid leave if you are unable to work because your child’s school or childcare is closed due to COVID-19

• Notifying your employer to file a typical “disease-as-injury” WC claim, which requires you to provide medical evidence that you were exposed to COVID-19 in the work­place
• Notifying your employer to file an “occupational disease” WC claim, which requires you to show that COVID-19 is occurring more in your occupation/industry than in the general population

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Cash Assistance
• Health Care Coverage (Medical Assistance)
• Home Heating Assistance (LIHEAP) through April 10, 2020
• Family Planning Services
• Help with Child Care
• School Meals
• Long-Term Living Services

• Ask your utility whether they offer a customer assistance program (CAP), especially if there have been recent changes in your household size or income. CAPs can provide reduced monthly bills and/or debt forgiveness. Even if you did not qualify for CAP in the past, you may now be eligible.

• If you are a utility customer on a CAP and you experienced further reductions in household income, check with your utilities to determine whether you qualify for additional assistance or more favorable payment options.

• Discuss your financial situation with your utilities before bills become delinquent to explore other possible options – this could include extended payment plans, budget billing, utility hardship fund grants and/or assistance through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the federal Lifeline program (telecommunications and broadband access funding support to eligible low income individuals or households).

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
• Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741
• Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990