Reflecting on One Year of COVID-19

One year ago, we started seeing the first COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania. It has been a challenging year – one that has tested all of us in many ways. We have lost too many family and friends to the virus. But the rollout of vaccine gives us hope and a path back to our lives.

We know there’s a lot of information out there, and it can be hard to keep track of all the changes. That’s why we’ve started this weekly update. You’ll get a round-up of news you can use and answers to your most pressing vaccine questions – delivered directly to your inbox. When you have good information, you can make good decisions.

Current Vaccine Phase in PA

Phase 1A – which includes healthcare, residents of long-term care facilities, people 65+ and those who are 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions.

Total vaccinations administered

3,535,956 (as of 3/13/2021)

You can find the latest vaccine data at the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard.

Check-in on Your Loved Ones

Right now, vaccine supplies are limited. The state is working with the federal government to increase and improve distribution.

In the meantime, if you have relatives or neighbors in the 1A category who still have not been vaccinated, reach out to them. Ask about their vaccination plans and if they need help. Remind them that with time and patience, every Pennsylvanian that wants a vaccine will get one.

PA Teachers Get Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

The federal government applauded Pennsylvania’s plan to use its first allocation of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to protect teachers and educators. Starting this week, Pre-K to 12th grade public and non-public school staff could get vaccinated with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Vaccines for teachers will be administered through local Intermediate Units with assistance from the National Guard. Teachers will be contacted about how to make an appointment.

Tech News: Your Turn Eligibility Tool & COVID Alert PA

If you’re looking for your vaccine phase (1A, 1B, 1C, or 2), check out our Your Turn Eligibility Tool. By answering a few questions, you’ll find out if you’re eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine now or in a future phase. You can also sign up for updates for when your turn arrives.

For those with smartphones, take a minute to download the COVID Alert PA app. You can opt in to get notified about potential exposure to COVID-19 cases. Other features include a daily symptom checker, and data dashboards for both COVID-19 cases and vaccines.

Both Your Turn Eligibility Tool and COVID Alert PA are available in English, Spanish, German, and Traditional Chinese.

Question of the Week

When can I get my vaccine?

A: Check out PA’s Your Turn Eligibility Tool to find out when you can get your vaccine. If you are eligible now, the tool will direct you to the Vaccine Provider Map. It will help you find a vaccine provider near you.

If it isn’t your turn yet, you can sign up to receive email and text updates when you become eligible. Text messaging and data rates may apply. The texts will come from the PA Department of Health’s hotline number (1-877-724-3258).

American Airlines employees were sent a “Special Jetwire – A Message from Doug Parker and Robert Isom” dated Wednesday, March 10, 2021 late this afternoon on the heels of the passage by Congress of the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill.

TalkWilliamsport.com has obtained the message and it reads as follows:

“Dear team,

Congress has passed the American Rescue Plan, which includes additional funding for the Payroll Support Program (PSP). The bill is now on its way to President Biden for his signature so that it can be signed into law. Once that happens, it will extend the commitment that all U.S. based American Airlines team members will continue to receive pay and benefits through Sept. 30, 2021.

For our 13,000 colleagues who received Worker Adjustment and Retirement Notification (WARN) notices last month, those are happily canceled – you can tear them up! We will also soon share details about the status of voluntary leave and early out applications, once all application windows close.”

The previous Cares Act funding was set to expire on April 1, 2021.

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) released the following statement after voting in opposition to President Biden and House Democrats’ $2 trillion spending package:

“It is disingenuous to the people we represent to call this legislation ‘COVID relief’ when less than 10 percent of its $2 trillion price tag goes to public health measures. Before Congress spends another cent of the people’s money to address the pandemic, we must first drive out the funds already appropriated, $1 trillion of which has yet to be spent. Washington Democrats’ endless spending on non-COVID related items is reckless and only serves to hurt those who they claim to help. Americans need relief that is temporary, targeted, and tied to COVID-19. Unfortunately, this bill fails on each of those benchmarks, and our kids and grandkids will be paying for it in higher taxes and lost opportunities for generations to come.”

BACKGROUND:

Last month, Congressman Keller penned an Op-Ed on the real cost of Biden’s bailout which ran in the Washington Times, as well as the Sunbury Daily Item, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Lewistown Sentinel, Lock Haven Express, Towanda Daily Review and Milton Standard-Journal.

In his Op-Ed, Keller explained that only 9 percent of this spending plan goes to public health spending, while the other 91 percent addresses political items unrelated to the pandemic, including:

• $12 billion in foreign aid
• $510 billion in local and state bailouts
• $86 billion to prop up multi-employer pension plans
• $34 billion to expand Obamacare
• $200 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services
• $135 million for the National Endowment for the Arts
• $135 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities

The vast majority—95 percent—of the $130 billion for K-12 schools will not actually help get kids back in the classroom because it will not be spent this year.

Because of the exorbitant price-tag of this proposal and how it has been fast-tracked through Congress, the $1.9 trillion cost must be offset, which could trigger cuts to existing federal programs that seniors, veterans, and farmers rely on. That could include an approximately $30 billion cut to the Medicare program every year for the next 10 years starting in 2022, as well as cuts to payments to military retirement and farm support programs.

Offers amendment to ensure continuity of business and free flow of commerce

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today voted against the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, shortsighted legislation that would infringe on workers’ rights, hamstring job creators, and make it harder for employers to make decisions that positively impact their workforce.

“The PRO Act needlessly inserts government, what I call the middleman, into the workplace, driving a wedge between the employee-employer relationship,” Congressman Keller said, speaking out against the bill on the House Floor. “The greatest thing that I learned working in a factory is that workers care about employers and employers care about and value the hard-working people who come to work and get the job done every day.” 

“Our team has met with employers and workers across central and northeastern Pennsylvania, and their message is crystal clear: say no to the PRO Act,” Congressman Keller said. “Let’s not pretend the government knows or cares about workers more than the businesses that employ them—and let’s not add more mandates where they don’t belong. It’s time for the government to step back and for businesses to continue [doing] what they do best: innovate, produce, and provide opportunities for the American people.”

BACKGROUND:

Before tonight’s vote, Congressman Keller introduced an amendment to the PRO Act which would have removed from the legislation language that allows unions to strike intermittently and bans the hiring of permanent replacement workers. Unfortunately, House Democrats defeated this amendment.

(Click to watch)

“This amendment simply maintains long-standing current law which protects the ability of employers to continue to do business and provide for their customers during a labor relations dispute,” Congressman Keller said. “Allowing intermittent strikes and banning permanent replacements would be devastating to our economy, our global competitiveness, and the incentive to invest in American workers.”

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

According to the actions of Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, COVID-19 ended last June.

This event in history happened less than 90 days after he named his hand picked (until he forgot a few names) “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board”.

TalkWilliamsport.com has confirmed a grand total of three meetings were held by the “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board”; one last April and a pair of meetings last May.

Was this the “efficiency” part of your platform?

Were you following “the science”?

Governor Wolf continues to keep businesses in differing degrees of COVID-19 related mitigation efforts. However, it seems in the absence of “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board” meetings; mayor Slaughter has declared the pandemic over.

Is Mayor Slaughter using the same mindset as his former employer and late addition to the “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board”; Dr. Timothy Bowers, Superintendent of the Williamsport Area School District?

From, “OP-ED: Long past time for Dr. Bowers to resign as WASD Superintendent”

Dr. Bowers has already provided the mechanism for his resignation, IN HIS OWN WORDS.

Bowers supplements his response to Jane Penman:

“In my opinion our actions are more impotent (important) than our words.”

That quote came from the text message records of Dr. Timothy Bowers on Thursday, June 11, 2020, either 6:03 PM or 8:03 PM between WASD school board members Jane Penman and Lori Baer as noted in “The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution” – PART I.

An open ended question of what the Mayor knew and when he knew it regarding the 2018 WAHS baseball team trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina still lingers.

Just like the neatly timed transfer from teaching at Williamsport Area High School to the Williamsport Area Middle School in the run up to the 2019 Mayoral election.

BACKGROUND

Mayor Slaughter sent the following to local media on April 21, 2020 at 3:49 p.m. – Mayor COVID Advisory Board Press Release

“Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board

Williamsport, PA — In response to the needs of the greater community, I created the Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board. This board of key stakeholders will identify the impact, needs, and a path forward for Williamsport. The board will determine how the City can best respond and assist as we navigate COVID both in the short-term and long-term. Their advice will help guide us, help the City make the necessary changes it may need to make, and help this administration find the extra resources to do the work.

We were going to develop an advisory board to work on strengthening our community and economy even before the pandemic hit us; this crisis has pushed that to the forefront. The public will be invited to participate in broad discussions about how to expand our mercantile, manufacturing and service industry base in the most effective ways while building resiliency.”

This Advisory Board was formed soon after the local newspaper asked the mayor for a statement regarding his first 100 days in office. The lack of questions of this administration from the local paper is a completely different OP-ED for another day.

“All,

The Sun-Gazette asked me for a statement regarding my first 100 days or so in office. That statement is attached. Additionally, there is a press release attached as well. Please contact me with any questions.

Stay well,

Derek”

From the statement provided by Mayor Slaughter to the local media:

“The public will be invited to participate in broad discussions about how to expand our mercantile, manufacturing and service industry base.

Again, there is no one way to do something.

What ultimately matters is being effective and building resilience.”

Does anyone recall being “invited to participate in broad discussions about how to expand our mercantile, manufacturing and service industry base?”

Keep in mind, when Shop-Vac closed, the Mayor saw it on the news.

Does anyone recall Mayor Slaughter actually “doing something” during his tenure?

There was that one time he showed up to a “peaceful protest” downtown with a mask on to tell everyone “I hear you.”

Do you?

Really?

Why the mask in mid-June last year Mayor?

Your “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board” had already concluded what appears to be their last meeting.

Back for more on the announcement of the “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board”:

Sent, April 22, 12:44 a.m. – Advisory Board Members Press Release 4.21.20

Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board Members
Derek Slaughter – Mayor
Steve Johnson – UPMC
Davie Jane Gilmour – Penn College
Kent Trachte – Lycoming College
Jason Fink – Chamber
Jennifer Wilson – FCFP
Shannon Rossman – Lycoming County Planning
Dan Manetta – Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC)
Beth Armanda – Small Business/Restaurants
Damon Hagan – City Police Chief & Public Safety Director
Stephanie Young – Director of Community & Economic Development (retired summer 2020)
Joe Pawlak – Budget & Fiscal Officer
Nicholas Grimes – City Treasurer
City Councilman – Adam Yoder

Mayor Slaughter sent an update on April 23, 2020 at 3:15 p.m. – Advisory Board Members Press Release 4.21.20 (1)

“All, 

Please find the updated list. Ron Frick, President of Lycoming County United Way, and Tim Bowers, superintendent of WASD, have been added.

Stay well,

Derek”

How could the mayor have left off his former employer which is keeping a job on hold for him for four years while he serves as Mayor?

Unless of course he leaves office sooner; citing the demands of his growing family.

Were you all aware the Mayor and his wife welcomed there third child recently?

No meetings since last May and a new arrival, do the math.

At least we know now the Mayor was staying busy.

Mayor Slaughter received an email from this author on April 23, 2020 at 3:46 p.m.

To date, the email has gone unanswered by Mayor Slaughter, just like so many previous Right to Know Law requests.

Mayor Slaughter accepted the resignation/retirement of Stephanie Young – Director of Community & Economic Development and “COVID-19 Advisory Board” member last summer.

That apparently left an unfilled seat on the “COVID-19 Advisory Board” this author is still willing to fill.

New Right to Know Law requests are being submitted this week to the City of Williamsport to get to the bottom of the lack of leadership coming from the current administration.

The RTKL requests, seek to clarify the lack of transparency of the recommendations from the “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board”; if any even exist.

Why did the Mayor stop having COVID-19 Advisory Board meetings when the City of Williamsport and Lycoming County experienced the greatest number of cases during the pandemic?

Was he self-quarantining due to the pending new arrival?

According to a Facebook post this past Thursday by Lycoming County Commissioner Scott Metzger:

With this kind of lack of accountable leadership, you know when candidate Slaughter said “we’re leaving City Hall”, except the administration is staying.

It could be argued candidate Slaughter knew this move was the only plausible solution years ago while serving on City Council.

At this rate, the City of Williamsport will be unable to find its way forward with this current administration.

Just like the leadership at the WASD where Mayor Slaughter use to work; both are more concerned about what is being posted on social media than actually doing the difficult work for the citizens of this city.

When none of them have the political will to face troubling issues facing this community head on; instead sticking their collective heads in the sand praying it will go away.

Knowing real issues will never be addressed by the local paper which is across the street from City Hall.

Mayor Slaughter you claimed to be qualified for this job and 2900 plus people believed it; curious how many would like to cure their ballots. We would ask former Secretary of State Boockvar about it, but she resigned already.

Maybe you should follow her lead out the door, and take WASD Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers, WASD School Board Member Jennifer Lake and your internet surfing (on the job) executive assistant Janis Holmes with you; since this town cannot take much more of Getting Slaughtered by your leadership!

Look on the bright side – the taxpayers got a nice tax increase; since you believe COVID-19 ended last June; you can skip the mask wearing and social distancing at the next in-person “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board” meeting.

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

Just 48 hours prior to the first coronavirus cases being announced in Pennsylvania, Congressman Keller voted on what became the first of many aid responsive measures passed in Congress.

March 5, 2020:

Bill will ensure that governments and health care providers are able to respond to Coronavirus

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) voted on Wednesday to support the $7.8 billion supplemental funding bill aimed at responding the Coronavirus.

The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Bill:

• Sets aside $4 billion to make diagnostic tests more broadly available, support treatments to ease symptoms, invest in vaccine development and procure vaccines when available. This amount also has set-asides for the Food and Drug Administration to protect the integrity of medical products manufactured overseas and identify and prevent potential shortages;
• Provides $2.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a robust response, including: $1 billion for state and local response efforts and $200 million for the CDC’s Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund;
• $20 million to administer disaster assistance loans for small businesses impacted by the virus;
• $1.25 billion for the State Department and USAID to protect Americans abroad and prevent the spread of the virus worldwide.

The supplemental appropriations bill comes after preventative and decisive action already taken by President Donald Trump, his administration, and Congress:

• President Trump and his administration took decisive and preventative action to restrict travel and place strict quarantines on those affected with Coronavirus. Those decisions have helped prevent the spread of the disease in the United States.
• President Trump named Vice President Mike Pence as head of the Coronavirus Task Force responsible for leading and coordinating the government response to Coronavirus.
• In June of 2019, Congress also passed—and President Trump signed—the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act, which reauthorized our public health preparedness and response programs.
• Over the past four years, funding has increased for the National Institute of Health, Center for Disease Control, and infectious disease response.

On the legislation, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) made the following statement:

“This supplemental spending bill is an important step to ensuring federal, state, and local authorities—as well as healthcare providers—have the resources they need to respond to the Coronavirus outbreak. Our office remains in contact with federal, state, and local governments and those responsible for keeping us safe and healthy. I am confident that everything is being done with the full weight of authority to respond to the Coronavirus.

“While I encourage people to remain cautious, panic is not warranted. Simple preventative measures like thorough handwashing, limiting unnecessary contact, and remaining home from work or school while sick are simple ways to prevent the spread of Coronavirus or any communicable illness.”

Currently, Congress is in the final approval stages of the latest $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package.

The East Coast Invitational Basketball Tournament is back! ECI Director, Wells Gulledge announced the news on Thursday afternoon.

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.