State grant program now includes digital needs for businesses

A state grant program that helps companies increase export sales is funding new activities because of COVID-19 travel difficulties.

The Global Access Program (GAP) is now providing grants for e-commerce, digital marketing, marketing media design, and certain certifications.

SEDA-Council of Governments’ (SEDA-COG) Export Development program assists businesses with application development, submittal, reporting, and reimbursement, among other assistance.

Since the program began eight years ago, SEDA-COG has helped 63 companies to be awarded 103 grants totaling $371,525.

Noelle Long, director of SEDA-COG’s Export program, encouraged small- to mid-sized companies to apply for these funds.

“Businesses are having to adapt to the rapidly changing environment with the pandemic, and the GAP grant program has also adjusted to suit their needs since digital marketing is more important than ever. SEDA-COG is committed to continuing to empower businesses through this crisis and connect them with as many opportunities as possible,” Long said.

The reimbursable grants can be awarded up to $5,000. SEDA-COG’s GAP funds are available through next September.

Specifically, the grant now can be used for:

  • E-commerce and digital marketing
    • Design and development of website, with an international focus
    • Oversight and maintenance and monitoring fees for search engine optimization
    • Online market listing fees
    • E-commerce platform fees, including hosting and/or maintenance fees
    • Expenses to set up websites to accept international payments
  • Payments for Design of Marketing Media
    • Design of company digital international marketing, including social media and digital ads
    • Translation of marketing media, including audio and video
    • Google Analytics
  • Certifications: CE, CEE, GDPR, UL Canada, ATEX Testing/Certification, Japan Haz/Loc Certification, IECex Testing/Certification

The program continues to offer grants for the following activities:

  • Overseas trade mission participation (in person and virtual)
  • Overseas trade show exhibition (in person and virtual)
  • Domestic trade show exhibition (in person and virtual)
  • Foreign market sales trip
  • Subscription to U.S. Department of Commerce services
  • Compliance testing
  • Federal services that directly support exporting

GAP is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development (OIBD). The program is funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). For more information, visit https://dced.pa.gov/programs/global-access-program-gap/.

SEDA-COG’s Export Development team serves the businesses and communities of central Pennsylvania by encouraging and facilitating economic development through growth in world trade. It is funded by the state Department of Community & Economic Development’s Office of International Business Development and Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance.

For more information about SEDA-COG’s Export Development Program, contact Noelle Long at export@seda-cog.org or 570-524-4491.

DHS Urges Senators Casey, Toomey to Continue SNAP Waivers and Flexibilities During the COVID-19 Health Crisis

Secretary of Human Services Teresa Miller answers questions from the press.Governor Tom Wolf announced that people with intellectual disabilities and autism and the providers of support services for these vulnerable Pennsylvanians will receive $260 million in CARES Act funding to help continue to provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Wolf was joined by Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller, who outlined to details of funding allocations. JUNE 15, 2020 – HARRISBURG, PA

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today sent a letter to Senator Bob Casey and Senator Pat Toomey to urge them to grant DHS continued flexibility to manage changing needs during the COVID-19 health crisis, especially pertaining to Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) waivers.

“The economic impact of this crisis has not yet been fully mitigated and for that reason, we expect SNAP enrollment to continue to grow. We urge you to support the adoption and extension of these waiver flexibilities, which will be necessary to support the provision of critical benefits to Pennsylvania households in need,” wrote Secretary Miller. “Granting Pennsylvania the flexibility of these waivers will ensure that DHS can continue to effectively manage the COVID-19 public health emergency and its ensuing economic impact.”

DHS specifically requested that senators Casey and Toomey pass resolutions that would extend existing waivers DHS has found valuable in managing people’s changing needs during the health crisis, including:

  • The ability to extend SNAP benefit certification periods and adjust periodic reporting requirements;
  • The ability to allow household reporting through periodic reporting; and
  • The ability to adjust interview requirements for SNAP.

Without the continuation of these waivers, DHS may need to authorize overtime or hire additional staff to keep pace with existing work due to an expected increase in need for assistance programs over the fall and winter months. Charitable food networks may also be further stressed, as they play an important intermediary role in keeping people fed as households await SNAP eligibility determinations.

SNAP helps more than 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.

Pennsylvanians who need more immediate help feeding themselves or their family should find and contact their local food bank or pantry through Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania.

Read a copy of Secretary Miller’s letter here.

Governor Wolf Honors PennDOT Employees for Exemplary Service to the Commonwealth

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is proud to announce that several employees are recipients of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence, presented annually for exemplary service to the commonwealth.

“PennDOT employees go above and beyond for the public every day,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “I am so proud of all that these employees have done, and I thank Governor Wolf for recognizing their hard work and service to the people of Pennsylvania.”

Employees from Engineering District 12 (Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties) and the bureaus of Office Services and Fiscal Management received a group award. On Memorial Day in 2019, PennDOT’s Greene County maintenance office in was destroyed in a fire. There were no injuries, but the building was a total loss. Despite having no building to operate from, staff continued operations in Greene County with no interruption in services to the public. They also worked quickly to secure both a temporary office space and a garage space. Less than eight months after the fire, a new permanent building was designed, put out for bid and is currently under construction.

“The teamwork of this group demonstrates PennDOT’s agility to react to emergencies,” said District 12 Executive William Kovach. “They did whatever it took to provide reliable services to the public, and I’m extremely proud.”

The recognized individuals are:

  • William Baird, Highway Equipment Manager 2;
  • William C. Gipe, Materials and Services Manager;
  • Christopher S. Inman, Purchasing Agent Supervisor;
  • Tamie Kiger, Clerical Supervisor 2;
  • Timothy J. Mankey, Traffic Control Specialist;
  • Ryan Stephen Medvitz, Civil Engineer Manager;
  • Terrence G. Pearsall, Transportation Facilities Management Chief;
  • Jack C. Rice, Transportation Facility Manager 3;
  • Tammy H. Tedesco, Administrative Officer 4; and
  • Leslie D. Wynn, Fiscal Management Specialist 4.

PennDOT REAL ID Program Manager Sarah D. Baker has also been recognized for her efforts in making REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and photo ID cards available to Pennsylvanians. Because of prior legislation that prohibited Pennsylvania from complying with the federal REAL ID Act, PennDOT only had 19 months to make REAL IDs available to Pennsylvanians. Baker immersed herself in federal REAL ID guidelines to ensure that PennDOT’s program complies with applicable laws and regulations. Baker also coordinated closely with contractors on the construction of five new driver’s license centers, was instrumental in the design of IT infrastructure to support the REAL ID program, and conducted extensive research on customer management so that each location was designed for the optimal customer experience.

“Sarah’s efforts were – and still are – critical to the success of PennDOT’s REAL ID program,” said Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kurt Myers. “Thanks to her commitment, Pennsylvanians have access to an efficient process that complies with all applicable federal requirements.”

The PennDOT award recipients will be among 49 state employees representing nine commonwealth agencies recognized by Governor Wolf at a virtual ceremony.

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone – PART V

Images: Carol Fausnaught, Board Chair of Dwell Orphan Care (top left)

Jennifer Lake, Executive Director of Dwell Orphan Care (middle)

Fred Holland, WASD Solicitor (top right), Dwell Orphan Care Logo (bottom left)

WASD Logo (bottom right)

 

The following is an opinion editorial authored by Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com, news@talkwilliamsport.com.

Did Ibram X. Kendi, author of “How to Be an Antiracist,” who attacked President Donald Trump’s likely Supreme Court nominee, federal Judge Amy Coney Barrett, as a white supremacist on Saturday for adopting two children from Haiti actually have just proven that Jennifer Lake is herself systemically racist?

As a reader you must understand Jennifer Lake has told us all how woke she is and has written extensively about it before removing articles from her own website shortly after this series began.

Her “woke-ness” stems from her being the adoptive mother of a black son while he was still an infant.

This may come to a shock to many of you, soon to be confirmed Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has two adopted children from Haiti.

According to leaders in the same political party as Jennifer Lake, the fact that Judge Barrett adopted these children is disqualifying for her to serve on the highest court in the land.

Curious if Jennifer Lake would agree, or would she stand up for a fellow adoptive white mother of black children?

Or for Jennifer Lake, do “Only Certain Black Lives Matter”?

In reality Jennifer Lake by telling us how systemically racist we all are and having the Williamsport Area School District codify it; she just sank the battleship with her own words.

Any minority student, teacher, coach, administrator, parent or even taxpayer can bring civil litigation against the WASD for mistreatment and Exhibit A is the document the entire board unanimously approved.

 

This past Saturday, Tristan Justice of The Federalist authored “Anticapitalist Sponsored By Twitter CEO Accuses Amy Coney Barrett Of ‘Colonialism’ For Adopting From Haiti”.

The article reads in part, “Some White colonizers ‘adopted’ Black children,” Kendi wrote on Twitter. “They ‘civilized’ these ‘savage’ children in the ‘superior’ ways of White people, while using them as props in their lifelong pictures of denial, while cutting the biological parents of these children out of the picture of humanity.””

Justice goes onto write, “Kendi was responding to a tweet featuring parents with black children that didn’t even depict Coney Barrett. Kendi said it didn’t matter, because reasons.

“Whether this is Barrett or not is not the point. It is a belief too many White people have: if they have or adopt a child of color, then they can’t be racist,” Kendi wrote, because according to his own philosophy, absolutely nothing can abdicate white people of their inborn racism.”

So Jennifer Lake, how about that, according to Kendi, even as the mother of an adopted black child you may in fact be even more of a racist than you are telling everyone else they are.

Let that sink in.

Need a tissue?

Maybe the Board Chair of Dwell Orphan Care can issue a statement on your behalf.

Can Carol Fausnaught, actually do that for you or do you need to actually stand up for what you claim to stand for as a WASD school board member?

 

IS A DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION INVESTIGATION IN ORDER FOR THE WASD?

Based on the anti-racism proclamation issued by the WASD and the one Jennifer Lake had a huge hand in authoring, should the U.S. Department of Education launch an investigation into the district to explore her claims?

On September 21, 2020, Forbes – Senior Contributor Education writer Frederick Hess author penned an article “Princeton’s President Says His School Is Racist—So Betsy DeVos Launched An Investigation”.

“Last week, the U.S. Department of Education informed Princeton it was under investigation for violating the Civil Rights Act. It would seem the Department of Education had little choice. After all, the president of Princeton University, which annually collects $300 million in federal research funding and millions more in federal student financial aid, recently declared that his university is systematically racist. “

On September 2, Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber issued a letter announcing that racism and oppression “persist at Princeton” and that this is “sometimes by conscious intention.” Eisgruber asserted that “racist assumptions from the past” remain “embedded in structures of the University itself.” 

Hess asserts, “Sweeping assertions of discriminatory conduct aren’t just empty verbiage, they’re serious charges that deserve evidentiary support.”

Hess’s article concludes by saying, “In either case, Betsy DeVos’s Department of Education has reasonably decided to take Princeton’s president at his word and duly investigate in accordance with federal law. It’s hard to imagine proponents of equality or justice taking issue with that.”

Right Jennifer?

 

JENNIFER LAKE HIDES BEHIND CAROL FAUSNAUGHT

This author requested any number of documents from Jennifer Lake for this series as well as comment.

Her response was dated July 17, 2020, mailed on July 22, 2020 with a return address of 604 Market Street, commonly known as First United Methodist Church.

The documents which cost $14.15 to mail were not received until recently.

The cover letter ends with “Additionally, the board is aware Mrs. Lake received a phone call from you on Friday, July 3, 2020 requesting the above information.

Please be advised that we request that you cease all phone calls and email correspondence to Mrs.

Lake and direct any requests for Dwell information to the Board at our mailing address:

604 Market Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.”

 

The mailing address for Dwell Orphan Care is the same address listed on the First United Methodist Church website as follows:

FIRST EVANGELICAL CENTER (FEC) | 604 Market St, Williamsport, PA 17701

MAIN OFFICE | 604 Market St, Williamsport, PA 17701

 

Is Dwell Orphan Care under the auspices of First United Methodist Church, and if so what role does Jennifer Lake have in the operation of the church?

Referring back to the cover letter sent by Carol Fausnaught, this author requested “Mrs. Lake’s work history, title, job description, and dates employed by First United Methodist Church and Bethany Christian Services.”

According to the Dwell Orphan Care website, “Jenn serves alongside her husband in his role as Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church.”

According to the First United Methodist Church website staff page, there is no mention or photo of Jennifer Lake serving in such a role.

Fausnaught replied in the cover letter, “Dwell is unable to provide Mrs. Lake’s employment information for previous employers.”

Has Jennifer Lake left the employment of First United Methodist Church?

 

DWELL ORPHAN CARE FOUNDING DOCUMENTS

On November 26, 2018, Dwell Orphan Care filed with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations Articles of Incorporation – Nonprofit.

The incorporators were Jennifer Lake and Heidi Mnkandhla.

Articles of Incorporation – Nonprofit were signed by Lake and Mnkandhla on November 14, 2018.

The Articles of Incorporation were filed by attorney Fred Holland.

The same Fred Holland who is the solicitor for the Williamsport Area School District.

The same Fred Holland who characterized what has later been confirmed by Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner to be “criminal sexual misconduct”, or as Holland claimed “indecent and inappropriate behavior on the part of a WAHS baseball player.”

Jennifer Lake has Articles of Incorporation filed by the same attorney whom she serves with on the Williamsport Area School Board.

Could that be considered a conflict of interest?

Did Fred Holland raise any objections to the “anti-racism” declaration approved by the WASD School Board?

Is it plausible, Jennifer Lake already ensured his silence similarly to the way George Lepley did in the Myrtle Beach case with the letter of May 31, 2018 threatening the WASD with legal action?

 

WHY THREE ADDRESSES FOR DWELL ORPHAN CARE?

Carol Fausnaught, demanded this author use the same address listed on the First United Methodist Church website (604 Market St, Williamsport, PA 17701) for future correspondence with Jennifer Lake, so why at the bottom of the letterhead the demand is made on is there no mention of the address that is used to file the annual IRS tax return?

The third address listed as the office for Dwell Orphan Care is 1157 Market Street, Williamsport, PA 17701. This address is the North Campus of First United Methodist Church.

According to the Dwell Orphan Care Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations Articles of Incorporation – Nonprofit filed on the November 26, 2018;

2. a. The address of this corporation’s current registered office in this Commonwealth is:

117 Lincoln Avenue Williamsport, PA 17701 Lycoming County

That address is considered the parsonage owned by First United Methodist Church.

It is the same address Jennifer Lake used on all of her Petitions for election to the Williamsport Area School Board.

 

REALTY TRANSFER TAX STATEMENT OF VALUE

On August 30, 2013, a real estate transfer occurred in Lycoming County between First United Methodist Church and itself.

A QUIT-CLAIM deed was recorded in the Lycoming County Courthouse dated August 26, 2013 between “First United Methodist Church GRANTOR and the First United Methodist Church, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, a charitable corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, GRANTEE, 

In consideration of One Dollar ($1.00) and other good and valuable consideration in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the said Grantor does hereby release and QUIT-CLAIM to the said Grantee.”

According to the “REALTY TRANSFER TAX STATEMENT OF VALUE”, D. REAL ESTATE LOCATION:

117 Lincoln Avenue Williamsport, PA 17701

E. VALUATION DATA 

1. ACTUAL CASH CONSIDERATION $1.00

2. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS $0.00

3. TOTAL CONSIDERATION $1.00

4. COUNTY ASSESSED VALUE $166,430.00

5. COMMON LEVEL RATIO FACTOR X 1.26

6. FAIR MARKET VALUE $209,701.80

 

F. EXEMPTION DATA 

1a. AMOUNT OF EXEMPTION CLAIMED $209,701.80

1b. PERCENTAGE OF GRANTOR’S INTEREST IN REAL ESTATE 100%

1c. PERCENTAGE OF GRANTOR’S INTEREST CONVEYED 100%

 

Is Jennifer Lake paying property tax in the school district she serves on the school board in?

Carol, Jennifer, care to offer that answer?

 

WHY ARE DWELL ORPHAN CARE DONATIONS NOT BEING SENT TO THE SAME ADDRESS FAUSNAUGHT WANTS MAIL GOING TO?

From the Dwell Orphan Care website:

“CAN WE DONATE BY CHECK?

Yes! Every family has an ID# attached to their profile. Families can find it on their Fundraiser Page. The ID is what Dwell uses to map and apply donations to your fundraiser. When donors send in checks it is vital that your name and ID is listed on the check’s memo line. To guarantee that all donor information is captured and the donation is applied to the correct fundraiser it is imperative that this information is included on a donors check.”

Checks can be mailed to:

Dwell, 117 Lincoln Ave., Williamsport PA 17701.

ATTN: Adoption Assistance Grant

Why are checks being mailed to a different address and a 3% transaction fee being assessed?

 

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone – PART VI is forthcoming.

 

Previous installments of this series:

 

ENDGAME

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone – PART IV

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone – PART III

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone – PART II

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone

Additional State Forest Roads Opening Throughout the State for Hunting Seasons, Other Outdoor Activities

 Harrisburg, PA  Hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts heading into Pennsylvania’s state-owned woodlands this autumn will find additional roads open in 18 of the 20 state forest districts, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced today.

“Our Bureau of Forestry is opening more than 525 miles of state forest roads normally open only for administrative use. They again will be available to hunters, hikers, foliage viewers, and others visiting state forestlands this fall,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.  “This improved accessibility, coupled with DCNR’s promotion of deer hunting, benefits forest regeneration and the overall ecosystem.”

More than 3,000 miles of state forest roadways will be open during the traditional statewide archery deer season, which opens Saturday, October 3, and closes Saturday, November 14. They will continue to stay open through other hunting seasons continuing into January 2021.

“Regardless of whether they seek deer, bear, turkey or small game, hunters in our state forests will find more than 90 percent of that land now is within one-half mile of an open road,” said Dunn.

With the hunter in mind, DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission continue to update a map interactive map of state forestlands and game lands across Pennsylvania. The map offers information on the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) and Disease Management Areas, and details on newly opened roads, timber harvesting activity, forestry office contacts, and more.

Meanwhile, top-quality hunting is offered at many state parks — especially those in the 12.5-county Pennsylvania Wilds region — where state forestland often surrounds them. Inexpensive camping can be found at many of those parks.

Primitive camping on state forestlands is also an option, giving hunters a backcountry camping or hunting experience. Camping permits, issued by the managing forest district, are required when camping on state forestlands on designated sites.

Many of these campsites are close to state parks and forestlands enrolled in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Deer Management Assistance Program, permitting hunters to take one antlerless deer or more when properly licensed.

Hunters traveling to some north central areas of the state are reminded some hunting areas and travel routes may be impacted by Marcellus Shale-related activities. Some state forest roads may be temporarily closed during drilling operations or other peak periods of heavy use to reduce potential safety hazards.

Some state forest roads only will be opened for the second week of the traditional rifle season because they cannot withstand the expected heavy traffic of the first week of that season. Two- or three-month long openings will be in effect only where there is minimal threat of damage or deterioration to road surfaces or forest surroundings.  

September 26, 2020 – Department of Health Report

Thirteen (13) new cases added Saturday in Lycoming County now at 671 cases and one new death, 25 total deaths, with 13,034 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

1,029 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 155,232

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 26, that there were 1,029 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 155,232. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Allegheny is reporting an increase of 102 cases.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 19 and September 25 is 182,437 with 5,520 positive cases. There were 26,337 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 25. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 8,103 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 22 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 392 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 1,830,292 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 nearly 37 percent of cases so far in September;
  • SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 29 percent of cases so far in September;
  • SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 27 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 22,680 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,988 cases among employees, for a total of 27,668 at 973 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,430 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 10,595 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. 25:

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

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.

Download the New COVID Alert PA App

Download the New COVID Alert PA App

Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
Help Spread the Word
The app is an effective new tool, but we need your help getting it in the hands of Pennsylvanians. The days following the launch are the most important. We need help getting the word out – and downloads up.
As a business and employer, you are uniquely positioned to share information about the COVID Alert PA app. Please tell others that downloading the app protects your workers, customers, family, friends, and neighbors. Check out our Community Resources for downloadable posters, social media materials, postcards, and other free marketing materials.
Your Privacy is Secure
COVID Alert PA protects both privacy and personal information. The app does not use GPS, location services, or any movement or geographical information. It will never collect, transmit, or store personal information. It is completely anonymous and voluntary to download.
Learn more about how the ENS and the app works and visit the COVID Alert Data and Privacy webpage to learn how data is collected and used.
Questions?
For more information on COVID Alert PA, read our Frequently Asked Questions or if you have any issues with the app, please email us.

 

 

The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board: Republican lawmakers in Harrisburg should be obsessing over helping Pennsylvanians, not sticking it to Governor Wolf

“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…

Wolf Admin. Launches Public Health Awareness Campaign Urging Pennsylvanians to Unite Against COVID  

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.

Gov. Wolf Issues Statement on Trump Rallies in PA

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.”