12 new cases added Saturday in Lycoming County now at 556 cases and 23 total deaths, with 11,275 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

963 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 138,625

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 5, that there are 963 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 138,625. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Philadelphia is reporting an increase of 124 cases.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between August 29 and September 4 is 159,937 with 5,671 positive cases. There were 23,387 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 4. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 7,760 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 18 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

“The mitigation efforts in place now are essential as we protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, including our children as they start school and our loved ones in long-term care facilities,” 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. We know that the cases in schools and in facilities such as nursing homes are often a reflection of the spread of the virus in the local community. Together, as Pennsylvanians, we each have a part to play in working 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.

Beginning August 29, the department began publishing COVID-19 case counts using the updated standardized case definition for COVID-19 from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. This revised case definition updates criteria for case identification and case classification based on the continued evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. It updates probable case classifications and adds suspect case classifications. The definition for confirmed cases using a positive PCR test has not changed. Viral antigen tests, which identify people who are likely currently infected, will now be considered a probable case, even if the individual has no symptoms or exposure history. Persons with a positive antibody (serology) test, moving forward, will no longer be considered a probable case. However, cases previously counted as probable cases, using the prior national case definition, will remain counted as probable cases.

There are 75 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 1,589,081 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;
• Approximately 4% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 11% are ages 19-24;
• Approximately 37% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 22% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 23% 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 August 31:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 26 percent of cases in August;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 17 percent of cases in August;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 20 percent of cases in August;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 13 percent of cases in August;
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 14 percent of cases in August; and
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 11 percent of cases in August.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 21,346 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,587 cases among employees, for a total of 25,933 at 945 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,238 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 9,861 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.

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.

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
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

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.

Six new cases added Friday in Lycoming County now at 544 cases and 23 total deaths, with 11,197 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

891 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 137,662

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 4, that there are 891 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 137,662. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Philadelphia is reporting an increase of 126 cases.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between August 28 and September 3 is 159,676 with 5,615 positive cases. There were 22,808 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 3. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 7,742 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 10 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

“The mitigation efforts in place now are essential as we protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, including our children as they start school and our loved ones in long-term care facilities,” 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. We know that the cases in schools and in facilities such as nursing homes are often a reflection of the spread of the virus in the local community. Together, as Pennsylvanians, we each have a part to play in working 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.

Beginning August 29, the department began publishing COVID-19 case counts using the updated standardized case definition for COVID-19 from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. This revised case definition updates criteria for case identification and case classification based on the continued evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. It updates probable case classifications and adds suspect case classifications. The definition for confirmed cases using a positive PCR test has not changed. Viral antigen tests, which identify people who are likely currently infected, will now be considered a probable case, even if the individual has no symptoms or exposure history. Persons with a positive antibody (serology) test, moving forward, will no longer be considered a probable case. However, cases previously counted as probable cases, using the prior national case definition, will remain counted as probable cases.

There are 46 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 1,576,879 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;
• Approximately 4% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 11% are ages 19-24;
• Approximately 37% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 22% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 23% 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 August 31:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 26 percent of cases in August;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 18 percent of cases in August;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 41 percent of cases in August;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 13 percent of cases in August;
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 19 percent of cases in August; and
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 11 percent of cases in August.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 21,307 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,564 cases among employees, for a total of 25,871 at 942 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,235 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 9,813 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. 3:

• Provided latest CMU metrics report.
• Gov. and Lt. Gov. call on legislature to legalize adult-use cannabis to help with COVID recovery.
• 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.

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
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

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.

Seven new cases added Thursday in Lycoming County now at 538 cases and 23 total deaths, with 11,126 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

1,160 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 136,771

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 3, that there are 1,160 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 136,711 All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Allegheny is reporting an increase of 105 cases, Philadelphia is reporting an increase of 257 cases and York is reporting an increase of 128 cases.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between August 27 and September 2 is 166,499 with 5,075 positive cases. There were 25,063 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 2. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 7,732 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 20 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

“The mitigation efforts in place now are essential as we protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, including our children as they start school and our loved ones in long-term care facilities,” 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. We know that the cases in schools and in facilities such as nursing homes are often a reflection of the spread of the virus in the local community. Together, as Pennsylvanians, we each have a part to play in working 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.

Beginning August 29, the department began publishing COVID-19 case counts using the updated standardized case definition for COVID-19 from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. This revised case definition updates criteria for case identification and case classification based on the continued evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. It updates probable case classifications and adds suspect case classifications. The definition for confirmed cases using a positive PCR test has not changed. Viral antigen tests, which identify people who are likely currently infected, will now be considered a probable case, even if the individual has no symptoms or exposure history. Persons with a positive antibody (serology) test, moving forward, will no longer be considered a probable case. However, cases previously counted as probable cases, using the prior national case definition, will remain counted as probable cases.

There are 30 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 1,565,443 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;
• Approximately 4% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 11% are ages 19-24;
• Approximately 37% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 22% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 23% 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 August 31:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to 26 percent of cases in August;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 18 percent of cases in August;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to 20 percent of cases in August;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 13 percent of cases in August;
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 13 percent of cases in August; and
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 11 percent of cases in August.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 21,198 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,553 cases among employees, for a total of 25,751 at 938 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,218 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 9,763 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. 2:

• Gov. and Lt. Gov. call on legislature to legalize adult-use cannabis to help with COVID recovery.
• 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.

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
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

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 – Governor Tom Wolf and Lt. Governor John Fetterman today called on the legislature to take up the legalization of adult-use cannabis to help with the state’s economic recovery amid COVID-19. Legalization will also create more outlets for important restorative justice programs in the commonwealth.

“Now more than ever, we see a desperate need for the economic boost cannabis legalization can provide. So today I am proposing we legalize adult-use cannabis here in Pennsylvania with a portion of the revenue going toward existing small business grants,” Gov. Wolf said. “Half of these grants would be earmarked for historically disadvantaged businesses, many of which have had difficulties attaining other assistance because of systemic issues.

“The other portion of the revenue will go toward restorative justice programs that give priority to repairing the harm done to crime victims and communities as a result of cannabis criminalization.”

Lt. Governor Fetterman elaborated on the need for legislative action to provide for much-needed restorative justice.

“It has been nearly a year since Governor Wolf and I urged the legislature to act on immediate decriminalization and start the discussion about legalization,” Lt. Governor Fetterman said. “Now more than ever, we must stop prosecuting people for doing something that most Pennsylvanians don’t even think should be illegal.”

The governor also mentioned the economic benefits states with legal adult-use cannabis have realized. There are now 11 states plus the District of Columbia with legalized cannabis.

“Some states that have legalized adult-use cannabis have received millions in additional revenue,” Gov. Wolf said. “In Washington state, adult-use cannabis brought in $319 million in tax revenue in 2018. In Colorado, that figure topped $266 million, and provided the city of Aurora with $900,000 to open a space for people experiencing homelessness. And these figures don’t count the secondary economic benefits of new businesses opening.”

“Communities across our commonwealth are suffering,” said Sen. Sharif Street, who joined the governor and the lt. governor at the event. “Government has a responsibility to provide for and protect Pennsylvanians without cutting vital support systems or levying new taxes during a pandemic. After years of disparate enforcement of marijuana laws, which drives mass incarceration, social justice reform must be central to any policy on adult use. I’m proud to support Governor Wolf in this effort.”

The governor, with the realization that standing up a legalized adult-use cannabis program will take time, called on the legislature to take immediate action to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, changing the charge from a misdemeanor of the third degree, which can result in jail time, to a summary offense, which does not.

“I stand with the Governor and Lt. Governor in support of legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis because this issue is about far more than money,” said Rep. Jake Wheatley. “This is about criminal and social justice reform and righting past wrongs. It is about creating a flourishing new industry to help keep people safe and educate them on responsible use. Especially during a pandemic, we need to provide every avenue for relief and this one is well overdue.”

The governor and lt. governor first called on the legislature to consider adult-use cannabis legalization in September 2019 after the lt. governor completed a statewide listening tour and a report back to the governor summarizing public opinion both on the tour and from tens of thousands of online submissions from Pennsylvanians. The majority of Pennsylvanians favor legalization and from the lt. governor’s report, three actions were outlined: a referendum on legalization, decriminalization and expungement of small possession convictions.

Since that report was released, nothing has moved forward in the legislature.

With the onset and continued effects of COVID on our commonwealth, on Aug. 25, Gov. Wolf called for adult-use cannabis as part of his broad fall legislative agenda.

Along with the call to the General Assembly to pass legislation legalizing the sale and use of adult-use cannabis, Gov. Wolf proposed that a portion of the revenue be used to further restorative justice programs that give priority to repairing the harm done to crime victims and communities as a result of marijuana criminalization.

In October 2019, Gov. Wolf, Lt. Gov. Fetterman and Board of Pardons Secretary Brandon Flood outlined how the then-recent expedited pardons process could benefit those who have low-level marijuana convictions by asking the Board to expedite those pardons. However, the governor and lt. governor know there is more to be done.

“The time has come to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Wolf said. “It will help our economic recovery, it will help Pennsylvania families and it will help make our criminal justice system fairer.”

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today released updated skilled nursing facility guidance that includes recommendations on COVID-19 routine (or, “screening”) testing strategies for facilities not experiencing an outbreak, Compassionate Caregivers, access to facilities for resident advocates and a revised reopening timeline after a mitigated outbreak.

“We continue to practice a careful, measured approach in nursing homes so all staff and residents can safely welcome Compassionate Caregivers, in addition to visitors, and return to a more normal routine,” Secretary of Health Dr. Levine said. “Our updates on testing and compassionate caregiving follow the recommendations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We developed this guidance through collective input from stakeholders, interagency partners, industry leaders and facility representatives to allow safe caregiving, in addition to visitations with strong public health measures to balance the mental and physical well-being of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable residents.”

The number of COVID-19 cases in the community surrounding a skilled nursing facility has a direct impact on the risk of COVID-19 introduction into a facility. Immediate testing of residents and staff experiencing COVID-19 symptoms is strongly recommended. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the department recommend facilities that are not experiencing an outbreak continue testing asymptomatic staff and some residents. These new testing recommendations are:

• In a county with low COVID-19 activity, defined as less than 5 percent positivity rate within seven days according to federal data:
  • Routine testing of asymptomatic residents is not recommended.
  • Routine testing of asymptomatic staff is recommended every four weeks.
• In a county with moderate COVID-19 activity, defined as a seven day percent positivity between 5 and 10 percent according to federal data:
  • Routine testing of asymptomatic residents is encouraged of all residents with outside contact in the last 14 days, if they have not otherwise been tested during that period.
  • Routine testing of asymptomatic staff is recommended once a week.
• In a county with substantial COVID-19 activity, defined as a percent positivity greater than 10 percent according to federal data:
  • Weekly testing is recommended of all asymptomatic residents with outside contact in the last 14-days, if they have not been otherwise tested during the period.
  • Routine testing of all asymptomatic staff twice a week.

Facilities experiencing an outbreak should immediately begin universal testing, ideally of all staff and residents.

Skilled nursing facilities that are not operating under restrictions due to an outbreak should follow specific guidance regarding visitors. This includes restricting all visitors, except for those identified by the department. Those identified as permitted to access include clinicians; home health and dialysis services; Adult Protective Services investigators; the Long-Term Care Ombudsman; visitors during end of life situations; licensed providers within the facility, Department of Health and local public health officials; and law enforcement.

Compassionate Caregiving is allowed in limited situations per CMS’ FAQs on Nursing Home Visitation. The department recognizes the connection between mental and emotional health and physical health, and that the effects of prolonged isolation may have significant impacts on one’s physical health. In such instances, facilities are expected to work with the resident, family and staff to identify Compassionate Caregivers and provide the resident with access to care needed to improve their health status. Compassionate Caregivers are a family member, friend, volunteer, or other individual identified by a resident, the resident’s family or facility staff to provide the resident with compassionate care.

Compassionate Caregivers must follow a number of requirements, as outlined in the guidance, including proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the prior seven days, screening and universal masking.

The guidance also provides an update for facilities regarding when they may allow for safe visitation following an outbreak. These provide updated information on and clarify the previous reopening guidance for facilities.

In order to cautiously lift restrictions in skilled nursing facilities, the department will continue to require all LTCFs to meet several prerequisites before proceeding into the official three-step process of reopening. First, the facility must develop an implementation plan and post that plan to the facility’s website, if the facility has a website, that should include at a minimum, the following components:

         A comprehensive testing plan that includes information on when universal testing was completed, and the capacity and procedures to perform additional testing.

         A plan for cohorting or isolating residents diagnosed with COVID-19 in accordance with PA-HAN 509;

         Written screening protocols for all staff during each shift, each resident daily, and all persons entering the facility;

         A plan to ensure adequate staffing and supply of personal protective equipment for all staff;

         A plan to allow for communal dining and activities to resume; and

         A plan to allow for visitation.

Once a facility meets the required prerequisites, the facility will enter a three-step process of reopening as outlined below:

Step One: From the date the facility enters step one, a facility must maintain no new COVID-19 outbreaks among staff or residents for 14 consecutive days in order to enter step two.

Step Two: While in step two, facilities are required to maintain no new outbreaks of COVID-19 among staff or residents for 14 consecutive days to progress into the final step.

Step three: The final step allows nursing homes to operate as outlined for the remainder of the Governor’s COVID-19 Disaster Declaration as long as there are no new COVID-19 outbreaks among staff and residents for 14 consecutive days.

If a new COVID-19 case is known, facilities will cease implementing their reopening plan and wait until they have no new COVID-19 cases for 14 consecutive days before re-entering step two.

Each step of the plan includes specific criteria for conducting dining, activities, non-essential personnel, volunteers, visitors and outings.

Visitations are allowed in steps two and three as long as the facility determines a resident is able to safely see visitors and will prioritize those with diseases causing progressive cognitive decline and residents expressing feelings of loneliness, if they do not qualify for Compassionate Caregiving. A facility must designate visitation hours, locations (preferably outside or a pass-through not typically occupied or frequented by residents), and screenings to permit a visitor into the building. During the entirety of the visit, social distancing and infection control protocols must be followed along with enforcing the proper hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand sanitizer and universal masking. Facility staff will monitor visits to ensure all safety guidelines are met and enforced. After each visit concludes, staff will need to sign out the visitor and properly disinfect the designated visitation location.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wolf Administration has taken a three-pillar approach to protecting the residents living in LTCFs by:

• Ensuring resident safety through testing, education and resources;
• Preventing and mitigating outbreaks; and
• Working in partnership with state agencies, local health departments and LTCF operators.

The department, along with additional state agencies, has provided long-term care facilities with the resources and expertise in order to prevent or control existing outbreaks. These include:

       Through the Department of Human Services (DHS), established the Regional Response Health Collaboration Program (RRHCP) to directly support COVID-19 continued readiness and response planning in long-term residential care facilities, improve quality of care related to infection prevention, expand COVID-19 testing to include asymptomatic staff and residents in facilities, and facilitate continuity of care and services provided by long-term care facilities in an attempt to mitigate the risk of spread of COVID-19 to staff or residents. This effort is a collaboration between DHS, the department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

       PEMA coordinates closely with the Department of Health as they evaluate various types of support that may be needed at facilities across the commonwealth.  Once specific needs are identified, PEMA works with agencies, such as the Pennsylvania National Guard, to provide the support needed as quickly as possible.

       Staff from the quality assurance team, who conduct onsite visits to facilities and investigate complaints and concerns related to the safety of residents;

       The healthcare associated infection (HAI) team has provided direct consultation with facilities experiencing outbreaks. This team has worked with 100 percent of the healthcare facilities experiencing outbreaks across the state;

       Create rapid response strike teams using the state’s staffing contract with nurses to staff the facilities in need;

       ECRI, the infection control contractor working with the state, has provided additional technical assistance and support to more than 130 facilities;

       The Patient Safety Authority, an independent state agency, has used their knowledge to assist at least 90 facilities as well;

       Quality Insights, the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for Pennsylvania, is working with close to 100 facilities on infection control;

       The state’s healthcare coalitions, which exist in each region of the state, and regional coalition emergency managers, have worked to directly assess facilities and deliver PPE;

       Medical reserve corps and the Department of Human Services have also provided virtual mental health services to facilities;

       General Health Resources, a contractor working with the state to assist close to 60 long-term care facilities;

       CDC teams provided on-site assistance for at least 13 long-term care facilities using their infection prevention and control expertise and training of HHS teams; and

       HHS teams provided on-site assistance for at least 22 long-term care facilities using their infection prevention and control expertise and training of GHR teams.

       Operational assistance and guidance from the quality assurance team, healthcare acquired infection (HAI) team, ECRI, the Patient Safety Authority and the Pennsylvania National Guard;

       Sharing information through bulletin boards, nursing home associations, and our normal channels of communication such as Health Alert Network messages;

       Prioritizing nursing homes and long-term care facilities to receive PPE, and for testing among symptomatic individuals.

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 for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

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
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

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 – The Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today held a voting meeting to consider and report five bills to the full Senate.

Lawmakers advanced legislation Thursday that creates the Pennsylvania Carbon Dioxide Cap and Trade Authorization Act.  Senate Bill 950 and House Bill 2025 clarifies that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) does not have authority to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a compact between several Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states that imposes a carbon tax on electricity production and requires fossil fuel generators to purchase allowances – unless authorized by the General Assembly.  The legislation also prohibits similar state or regional greenhouse gas cap-and-trade programs unless authorized by the Legislature.  The Committee overwhelmingly approved both measures.

Highlighting Governor Wolf’s unilateral decision and “go-it-alone” approach, members of the Committee noted that the $300 million annual tax on carbon will be paid directly by Pennsylvania electricity consumers and employers alike, while forcing in-state plant closures and boosting energy production in surrounding states, like Ohio and West Virginia.  The members have called on the governor to rescind his Executive Order instructing DEP to participate in the RGGI.

The Committee also advanced three other bills:

• Senate Bill 1173, P.N. 1725 (Yaw) – Amends the Air Pollution Control Act to standardize the make-up of the Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee (AQTAC).  The bill repeals the current statutory authorization and replaces it with a model that mirrors the appointment process found for the Citizens Advisory Council, the Climate Change Advisory Committee, and several other advisory committees.  VOTE:  8-3

• House Bill 1737, P.N. 2439 (A. Davis) – Amends the Economic Development Agency, Fiduciary and Lender Environmental Liability Protection Act (Act 3 of 1995) regarding the definition of Economic Development Agencies.   The bill adds “land banks” to the list of economic development agencies and removes them from any environmental liability on properties they purchase for redevelopment.  VOTE: 11-0

• House Bill 1808, P.N. 3919 (Mackenzie) – Amends the Solid Waste Management Act (Act 97 of 1980) by adding definitions related to the recycling of plastics and defining “advanced recycling” as a manufacturing process for the conversion of post-use polymers and including methodologies and processes like pyrolysis, gasification and depolymerization.  The bill also defines “advanced recycling facility” as a manufacturing facility that receives post-use polymers for the use in advanced recycling.  VOTE: 7-4

Archived video, a full list of bills reported by the committee, and a rundown of the business meeting are available on the committee’s website.

Senator Yaw is Chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a grant to the Pennsylvania State University.

A grant in the amount of $240,750 will fund university research projects on immunology, allergies, and transplantation.

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

“The important research that Penn State’s students are doing today will undoubtedly lead to the medical breakthroughs of tomorrow. I am grateful to HHS for its support of our state’s medical researchers and I look forward to seeing how these funds will be used to benefit the health of all Pennsylvanians.”

Jamie Shrawder returned to SEDA-COG’s Community Development program as project coordinator on Aug. 17. She previously worked for SEDA-COG’s Joint Rail Authority in 2004 and transferred to SEDA-COG’s Community Development program in 2008 where she worked until 2016 as senior program analyst.

Shrawder has 15 years of experience, working in administration, financial management, contracting, marketing, and communications. Her experience includes administrator of governmental affairs for Danville Borough, township manager for East Buffalo Township, and secretary for Turbotville Borough, among other positions. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Wildlife & Fisheries Science from Pennsylvania State University.

Michael Morrison joined SEDA-COG’s Business Finance department on Aug. 31 as a loan officer. He brings a strong sales and management background with a passion for establishing and developing business and personal relationships.

Morrison was a business development officer at First National Bank of Pennsylvania; the dual branch manager at Santander Bank; and account manager/director of media buying at Gregory Welteroth Advertising. He attended Pennsylvania College of Technology for Business Administration and Accounting.

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the appointment of Andrew Leidich as manager of the Shikellamy State Park Complex in Union, Northumberland and Lycoming counties. He previously had served as a park manager trainee with Bureau of State Parks Region 4, headquartered in Bucks County.

“Andrew has gained the right combination of managerial and administrative skills to take over the reins of Shikellamy, where boating, fishing and other water-based activities on the Susquehanna River help draw more than 285,000 visitors a year,” said Dunn. “His qualifications are a perfect match for the 130-acre park and the increasingly popular impoundment created by its inflatable dam.”

Leidich will be based at a state park where the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam forms the 3,060-acre Lake Augusta on the Susquehanna. The Fabridam, the largest inflatable dam in the world, gives boaters access to safe, deep water where unlimited horsepower motors are permitted and more than 350 mooring slips are provided.

Excellent warm-water fishing draws anglers from across the state.

The park complex also includes the 82-acre Milton State Park, Northumberland County, and the 20-acre Susquehanna State Park in Lycoming County. Both parks also are along the Susquehanna River, offering a variety of general day-use and water-based activities.

“I always have had a calling to have a career working in the outdoors industry,” said Leidich, “and I can’t feel more excited than to begin my next experience as park manager of Shikellamy State Park Complex.”

Leidich succeeds Nicholas Sherlock, who was named assistant manager at Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County.

While assigned to Region 4, the new complex manager served as interim manager at the Tuscarora/Locust Lake State Park Complex, headquartered in Schuylkill County, and interim assistant manager at both Hickory Run and Promised Land State Park, Sullivan County. Previously, he worked as land manager for the non-profit Ridge and Valley Conservancy, Blairstown, N.J., and as a seasonal park ranger at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Blue Marsh Lake near Reading, Berks County.

A native of Sinking Spring, Berks County, Leidich, 25, holds a bachelor’s degree from Mansfield State University of Pennsylvania where he majored in environmental science and minored in geology.

For more information on the Shikellamy State Park Complex, call 1-888-PA-PARKS from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.