PA COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring Dashboard Update for Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Percent Positivity at 6.9% and 38 Counties with Substantial Transmission

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today released a weekly status update detailing the state’s mitigation efforts based on the COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard, highlighting  a seven-day case increase of 15,989 cases, statewide percent positivity of 6.9%, and 38 counties with substantial transmission status.

The update includes the following:

  • Level of community transmission as a basis for the recommendations for Pre-K to 12 schools to determine instructional models.
  • Data on cases among 5-18-year-olds.
  • Cases that reported visiting a business among potential locations where exposures may have occurred.
  • Updated travel recommendations.

The dashboard is designed to provide early warning signs of factors that affect the state’s mitigation efforts. The data available on the early warning monitoring dashboard includes week-over-week case differences, incidence rates, test percent-positivity, and rates of hospitalizations, ventilations and emergency room visits tied to COVID-19. This week’s update compares the period of October 30 – November 5 to the previous seven days, October 23 – October 29.

“It is quite clear that COVID-19 cases are occurring throughout our communities,” Gov. Wolf said. “We need all Pennsylvanians to take a stand and answer the call to protect one another. We need Pennsylvanians to be united in wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing our hands and avoiding gatherings. It is only by working together that Pennsylvanians can prevent the spread of the virus.”

As of Thursday, November 5, the state has seen a seven-day case increase of 15,989 cases; the previous seven-day increase was 13,486 cases, indicating 2,503 more new cases across the state over the past week compared to the previous week.

The statewide percent-positivity went up to 6.9% from 6.1% last week. Counties with concerning percent-positivity include Bedford (17.5%), Indiana (14.0%), Armstrong (13.1%), Franklin (12.3%), Lawrence (12.2%), Bradford (12.1%), Wyoming (12.0%), Venango (11.8%), Juniata (9.7%), Huntingdon (9.5%), Mifflin (9.5%), Schuylkill (9.2%), Philadelphia (9.1%), Fulton (8.8%), Elk (8.4%), Lebanon (8.4%), Monroe (8.2%), Butler (8.1%), Blair (8.0%), Luzerne (7.9%), Tioga (7.8%), Berks (7.7%), Lehigh (7.7%), Dauphin (7.6%), Delaware (7.6%), Carbon (7.5%), Erie (7.4%), Washington (7.2%), Columbia (7.1%), Mercer (7.0%), Clarion (6.9%), Jefferson (6.9%), Cameron (6.7%), Westmoreland (6.7%), Lancaster (6.5%), Northampton (6.5%), Perry (6.5%), Bucks (6.2%), Crawford (6.1%), Pike (6.1%), Somerset (6.1%), Adams (5.9%), Northumberland (5.9%), York (5.9%), Clearfield (5.6%), Cambria (5.5%), Centre (5.2%), Cumberland (5.2%), Montgomery (5.2%), Susquehanna (5.2%), Chester (5.1%), and Snyder (5.0%). Each of these counties and the state as a whole bears watching as the state continues to monitor all available data.

Community Transmission
As of Friday’s data, Adams, Armstrong, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Clarion, Crawford, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Mercer, Mifflin, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Tioga, Union, Venango and Wyoming counties were in the substantial level of community transmission. The departments of Education and Health will speak with school district representatives in these counties to discuss the implications of this level of transmission.

For the week ending November 5, three counties were in the low level of transmission, 26 counties in the moderate level, with 38 with substantial transmission:

  • Low – Cameron, Forest, Sullivan
  • Moderate – Allegheny, Beaver, Chester, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Lackawanna, Lycoming, McKean, Monroe, Montour, Perry, Pike, Potter, Snyder, Somerset, Susquehanna, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, York
  • Substantial – Adams, Armstrong, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Clarion, Crawford, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Mercer, Mifflin, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Tioga, Union, Venango, Wyoming

Cases Among 5-18-Year-Olds
The Department of Health is providing weekly data on the number of statewide cases of COVID-19 among 5 to 18-year-olds.

Throughout the pandemic, there have been 16,607 total cases of COVID-19 among 5 to 18-year-olds. Of that total, 2,077 occurred between October 30 – November 5. For the week of October 23 – October 29, there were 1,185 cases of COVID-19 among 5 to 18-year-olds.

Cases by demographic group is available on the DOH website.

Business Visits
The Department of Health is providing weekly data on the number of individuals who responded to case investigators that they spent time at business establishments (restaurants, bars, gym/fitness centers, salon/barbershops) and at mass gatherings 14 days prior to the onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

Of the 15,412 confirmed cases reported between October 25 and October 31, 21 percent (3,244) provided an answer to the question as to whether they spent time at a business establishment.

Of those who did provide an answer, 18.7 percent, or 606, answered yes, they visited a business establishment 14 days prior to onset of symptoms:

  • 55 percent (332) of those who said yes reported going to a restaurant;
  • 26 percent (156) of those who said yes reported going to some other business establishment;
  • 13 percent (80) of those who said yes reported going to a bar;
  • 12 percent (75) of those who said yes reported going to a gym/fitness center; and
  • 8 percent (46) of those who said yes reported going to a salon/barbershop.

Of the 15,412 confirmed cases, 21 percent (3,277) answered the question as to whether they attended a mass gathering or other large event. Of the 21 percent, 18.9 percent (618) answered yes to whether they attended a mass gathering or other large event 14 days prior to onset of symptoms.

Compared to data reported on November 2, this week’s data saw an increase in people going to a salon/barbershop (8 percent vs. 6 percent last week) and going to a bar (13 percent vs. 12 percent last week). Numbers went down for this week’s data for people who reported going to a restaurant (55 percent vs. 57 percent last week), going to some other business (26 percent vs. 28 percent last week), and going to a gym/fitness center (12 percent vs. 14 percent last week), The number of those who attended a mass gathering or other large event increased to 19 percent from 18 percent last week.

The numbers above highlight business settings and mass gatherings as possible sites for transmission. With less than half of those asked about what types of businesses they visited or if they attended a mass gathering responding to the question, the department is reminding Pennsylvanians that it is essential that people answer the phone when case investigators call and to provide full and complete information to these clinical professionals.

Travel Recommendations
Also today, the Department of Health updated its travel recommendations, originally announced on July 2, adding Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia and Massachusetts to the list and removing Louisiana from the list of states recommended for domestic travelers returning from to quarantine for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania. In addition, the state added several neighboring states (New Jersey, Ohio and West Virginia) to a list of bordering states in which non-essential travel is highly discouraged.

It is important that people understand that this recommendation is in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. A concerning number of recent cases have been linked to travel, and if people are going to travel, we need them to take steps to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community, and that involves quarantining.

Gov. Wolf continues to prioritize the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians through the COVID-19 pandemic. Pennsylvanians should continue to take actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, regardless of in what county they live. This includes wearing a mask or face covering anytime they are in public. COVID-19 has been shown to spread easily in the air and contagious carriers can be asymptomatic.

November 9, 2020 – Department of Health Report

Fifty Three (53) new cases added Sunday and Monday in Lycoming County remains at 1,117 cases, no new deaths, 32 total deaths, with 16,877 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

6,311 Two-Day Positives Brings Statewide Total to 234,296

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 9, that there were 3,402 new cases, in addition to 2,909 new cases reported Sunday, November 8 for a two-day total of 6,311 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 234,296.

The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between November 2 and November 8 is 329,072 with 20,958 positive cases. There were 40,108 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 7 and 38,284 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 8.

As of 11:59 p.m., Saturday November 8, there were five new deaths and as of 11:59 p.m., Sunday November 9, there were four new deaths reported for a total of 9,024 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

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 5,629 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 645 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,455,856 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

  • Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
  • Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
  • Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
  • Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
  • Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
  • Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
  • Approximately 20% are ages 65 or older.

There are 1,652 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 353 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. 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 has seen 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. Increases among 19 to 24-year-olds from April to present in November are available below:

  • NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 23 percent of cases so far in November;
  • NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 14 percent of cases so far in November;
  • SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to 11 percent of cases so far in November;
  • SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 11 percent of cases so far in November;
  • NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 11 percent of cases so far in November; and
  • SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 9 percent of cases so far in November.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 27,729 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,879 cases among employees, for a total of 33,608 at 1,115 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,907 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,975 of our total cases are among health care workers.
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.

PA Republican Congressmen call on state officials to restore trust in PA’s electoral system

Washington, D.C. – Today, nine Pennsylvania Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed a letter urging Attorney General Shapiro to recuse himself from all legal challenges to the official results of the 2020 presidential election in Pennsylvania.

Congressmen Fred Keller (PA-12), Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), John Joyce (PA-13),
Scott Perry (PA-10), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) signed the letter, which highlights the conflict of interest created by Attorney General Shapiro’s dual role as political candidate and a neutral arbiter.

On the letter, Congressman Keller made the following statement:

“The citizens of the United States, not media outlets, determine the outcome of elections. With recounts and legal challenges expected, we must let the process play out. Count every legal vote.”

 

The letter attached 11.07.20 PA Delegation Wolf Shapiro Boockvar Letter, reads as follows:

Dear Governor Wolf, Attorney General Shapiro, and Secretary Boockvar:

As Members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, we greatly understand that when a legislative body creates law, the duty of an administration is to faithfully execute the law. However, we are deeply concerned with how the Commonwealth has handled the general election.

From last minute guidance provided to the counties on the eve of the election, to the Attorney General playing dual roles as a political candidate and legal arbiter with a vested personal interest, to volunteer legal observers being prevented from having access to vote counting locations, we believe these conflicts and irregularities have greatly eroded public trust in the Commonwealth’s electoral system.

The citizens of the Commonwealth do not just expect free and fair elections, they deserve free and fair elections.

We believe that every legal vote should be counted, and it is compulsory for the Secretary of the Commonwealth to discount any votes that do not meet the letter of the law. On Friday, November 6, United States Supreme Court Justice Alito issued a temporary order requiring election officials to segregate ballots received after 8 p.m. on election day. While Secretary Boockvar has indicated this has already been occurring in Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, there has been little evidence to support these statements.

This uncertainty follows guidance issued to the counties on the eve of the election instructing them to disclose to party operatives individual information associated with rejected mail-in ballots, in an attempt to have corrections made, which is in direct conflict with Pennsylvania election law. We believe that in order to faithfully execute the duties of the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth it is incumbent upon Secretary Boockvar to follow the law.

Statements made by Pennsylvania’s Attorney General, including social media posts calling the outcome of the election, prior to the tabulation of a single vote, are troubling and highlight the Attorney General’s inability to maintain impartiality and to separate his sworn duties from his political desires. We believe that due to this conflict, the Attorney General must recuse himself from all future election proceedings and appoint an impartial designee moving forward.

As many of these issues will now be addressed by the United States Supreme Court, we remain concerned about the integrity of the election and continued attempts by the administration and its officials to put their thumbs on the scale in pursuit of what they believe should be a preordained outcome. These actions continue to chip away at the foundation of our representational democracy and challenges the citizens of Pennsylvania’s faith in their government. We implore you to put politics aside and provide these requests all due consideration.

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com

November 7, 2020 – Department of Health Report

As of 11:55 a.m. no new cases added Saturday in Lycoming County remains at 1,064 cases, no new deaths, 32 total deaths, with 16,617 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

Highest Daily Increase of 4,035 Additional Positives Brings Statewide Total to 227,985

Record High Testing of Over 50,000 PCR Tests

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 7, that there were 4,035 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 227,985. This is the highest daily increase of cases.

The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between October 31 and November 6 is 310,410 with 18,433 positive cases. There were 50,471 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 6. This is a record high number of PCR test results reported to the department.

There are 9,015 deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 40 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

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 5,180 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,426,121 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

  • Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
  • Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
  • Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
  • Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
  • Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
  • Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
  • Nearly 21% are ages 65 or older.

There are 1,597 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 345 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. 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 has seen 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. Increases among 19 to 24-year-olds from April to present in November are available below:

  • NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 23 percent of cases so far in November;
  • NE – 6 percent of cases in April to 14 percent of cases so far in November;
  • SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to 11 percent of cases so far in November;
  • SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 10 percent of cases so far in November;
  • NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 11 percent of cases so far in November; and
  • SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to 9 percent of cases so far in November.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 27,333 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,849 cases among employees, for a total of 33,182 at 1,115 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,906 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,883 of our total cases are among health care workers.
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.

Cutler Calls for Full Audit of 2020 Election Process

The office of Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler provided the following regarding the letter issued to Governor Wolf earlier today. Included is a video conference with State Senator Jake Corman and House Speaker Cutler outlining the full audit of the General Election.

HARRISBURG – As counties across Pennsylvania continue the work to count and certify election results, concerns over the process continue to grow. Today, Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) sent a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf requesting a full audit be completed before the certification of any results.

In the letter Cutler cites actions taken by the state Supreme Court and the Department of State that have created confusion for county election officials, and actions believed to be in violation of the federal Constitution.

“The uncertainty surrounding these interventions has cast an unnecessary cloud on the election process,” Cutler wrote in the letter. “That invites our people to question the results, regardless of which candidate or party may prevail.”

Cutler explains an audit is needed because of a litany of inconsistencies as a result of court actions and Department of State guidance, including the dismissal of signature requirements for mail-in ballots, certain counties allowing for curative measures, counties not following the United States Supreme Court ruling requiring ballots received after election day to be segregated, and more.

Cutler added, “We must take every possible step to ensure that all Pennsylvanians and all Americans know that our Commonwealth has conducted the General Election with integrity.”

Speaker Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Speaker Bryan Cutler Video with Senator Jake Corman

This is a developing story on Talk Williamsport.com

BREAKING NEWS: Speaker Cutler in letter to Gov. Wolf “manifested issues which cannot go overlooked”

Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler issued a scathing letter regarding “manifested issues which cannot go overlooked” on Friday afternoon to Governor Tom Wolf.

TalkWilliamsport.com obtained a copy of the letter which requests a “full audit of the 2020 General Election prior to the certification of any results.”

 

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

BREAKING NEWS: Bryan Cutler, PA House Speaker issues letter to Gov. Wolf for a “full audit of the 2020 General Election”

BREAKING NEWS: Bryan Cutler, Speaker of the House in Pennsylvania just issued a letter to Governor Wolf for a “full audit of the 2020 General Election prior to the certification of any results.”

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

November 6, 2020 – Department of Health Report

Twenty One (21) new cases added Friday in Lycoming County now at 1,064 cases, no new deaths, 32 total deaths, with 16,617 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

Highest Daily Increase of 3,384 Additional Positives Bring Statewide Total to 223,950

Record High Testing of Over 49,500 PCR Tests

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 6, that there were 3,384 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 223,950. This is the highest daily increase of cases.

The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between October 30 and November 5 is 301,056 with 17,690 positive cases. There were 49,528 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 5. This is a record high number of PCR test results reported to the department.

There are 8,975 deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 38 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

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 4,743 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,408,366 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

  • Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
  • Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
  • Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
  • Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
  • Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
  • Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
  • Nearly 21% are ages 65 or older.

There are 1,599 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 351 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. 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 has seen 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. Increases among 19 to 24-year-olds from April to present in November are available below:

  • NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 20 percent of cases so far in November;
  • NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 13 percent of cases so far in November;
  • SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 11 percent of cases so far in November;
  • SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 10 percent of cases so far in November;
  • NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 10 percent of cases so far in November; and
  • SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 9 percent of cases so far in November.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 27,104 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,810 cases among employees, for a total of 32,914 at 1,106 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,903 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,811 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Nov. 5:

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.

EXCLUSIVE: Whistleblower sheds light on possible DOH voter suppression effort in Pennsylvania – PART II

By: Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com

News@TalkWilliamsport.com

On Monday, the worst fears of Robert J. Muise, Attorney with the American Freedom Law Center who filed a Complaint on September 3, 2020, against the Wolf administration in federal court in the Middle District of Pennsylvania were realized.

From paragraph #99 of the Complaint:

“The challenged contact tracing program is dangerous. It would permit a desperate and unscrupulous political operative to dampen voter participation in a given district. It would permit a desperate and unscrupulous business owner to stifle competition. Either could falsely and anonymously report incidences of coronavirus without fear of repercussion. Trolls could create chaos. Protesters could trigger panic as a form of civil disobedience. Hostile foreign intelligence operatives could shut down an entire city by falsely reporting COVID-19 infections in every neighborhood. The abuses permitted by granting the government such power are practically without limits.”

Muise, upon reading the Talkwilliamsport.com report he weighed in, “Unfortunately and as we feared, it appears that the contact tracing program is being weaponized by politicians for political purposes.  That is always the risk when the government seeks broad power, but we the people have the Constitution on our side to stop it.”

In a direct response to an exclusive story on TalkWilliamsport.com and questions to Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine in a Monday morning press conference, Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and Dr. Levine issued the following press release moments ago.

PA Voters In Quarantine Due to a COVID-19 Exposure Should Contact Their County Elections Office to Make Arrangements to Vote  

Harrisburg, Pa.  – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today reminded Pennsylvanians who are currently in quarantine due to COVID-19 to contact their County Elections Office for an emergency absentee ballot if they were planning to vote in person but now cannot.

“Every Pennsylvanian who is registered to vote will have the opportunity to do so,” Secretary Boockvar said.  “There’s an emergency ballot provision under the law. If you can’t deliver your own balloting materials you can assign a designee to do that for you.  And if you can’t find a designee, the law actually requires the county election office to have a Sheriff’s Deputy or some county official to deliver the balloting materials for the voter.”

“Pennsylvanians can vote safely, even if you are in isolation or quarantine because you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it.” Dr. Levine said. “If you are not quarantined and plan to vote in person, make sure you add your COVID kit to your voting plan. This includes a mask, a black or blue pen, hand sanitizer and the COVID Alert app on your phone.”

Polls are open tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can find their polling place on the Department of State’s voting website, votesPA.com.

Any voter who has received but not yet returned their mail ballot should do so immediately by hand-delivering it to their county election officesatellite election office or other designated drop-off location. Voted mail ballots will not be accepted at polling places.

Voters must make sure that they enclose their mail ballot first in the white inner secrecy envelope and seal it, then insert the inner envelope into the outer pre-printed return envelope, and sign and complete the voter’s declaration on the outer envelope. Voters must complete all these steps for their ballot to be counted.

Under Pennsylvania law, voters may only return their own ballots. The only exceptions to this are for voters with a disability who have designated someone in writing to deliver their ballot, or for voters who need an emergency absentee ballot.

Voters who applied for and receive a mail ballot and then decide they want to vote at the polls on Election Day can change their mind, but they should bring their mail or absentee ballot and the outer ballot envelopes to be voided by the poll worker. They may then vote on their county’s voting system.

If a voter applies for a mail ballot but does not return it and does not bring the mail ballot and envelopes with them, they may still vote by provisional ballot at the polls on election day. Their county board of elections will then verify that they did not vote by mail before counting their provisional ballot.

For more information on voting and elections in Pennsylvania, call the Department of State’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or visit votesPA.com.

 

Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday morning to discuss the general election.

On Monday, April Hutcheson, Director of Communications for the Department of Health provided the following information relating to those in COVID-19 quarantine who would like to vote.

Erie News did a story on how people who are in quarantine or diagnosed with COVID-19 can vote on election day.  It includes statements from DOS Secretary Boockvar that clearly outlines how someone in quarantine can indeed vote.”  

“Additionally, Stephen Caruso of Penn Capital Star reported in August about the quarantine letter and posted a copy on his twitter.”  Here is a link. “As you can see, the quarantine letter has not changed.”

Talkwilliamsport.com also inquired on the RFP process on how the new software being used in the contact tracing program was arrived upon.

Hutcheson added, “Here is the eMarketplace announcement from July 23 about the contact tracing management system that was built on the Salesforce platform.”

Here is a link:

 

LOCAL REACTION STORIES STREAM IN

During the Normal America and Pennsylvania Patriots Radio 24-hour pre-election special a number of leaders in the state weighed in with narratives of their efforts to ensure those in quarantine due to a COVID-19 exposure making arrangements to vote.

Dr. Davis Haire, Wyoming County GOP Chairman, shared a story from Monday when an attorney representing the county he works in; went to local county court to obtain four emergency absentee ballots in and around the same time the joint press release was issued by Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine.

Upon obtaining the four emergency absentee ballots for those Wyoming County residents who recently tested positive for COVID-19; Dr. Haire, went onto describe a story of having a ballot delivered to a resident 20 plus miles one way in his county. The process undertaken allowed the person to complete the ballot and the subsequent process to return it to voter services so it could be counted.

Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling in the overnight hours from Monday into Tuesday shared an updated way that residents in quarantine due to a COVID-19 exposure can vote.

“For anyone that may be quarantined due to testing positive for COVID 19 you are still able to vote. First be sure to call Lycoming County Voter Services at 570-327-2267.
You can then designate a person of your choosing in writing to come get your emergency ballot application & ballot… it is multi-trip a process for the designee.
Perhaps the easier method, you can leave your house, park outside, stay in your car and call voter services once you arrive. Someone can bring the paperwork to you; you then fill everything out in one trip.
Obviously, we want you to stay outside if you have been quarantined but still be able to vote!
Stay safe and be sure to get out and vote!”

TalkWilliamsport will continue to update this story as Election Day 2020 unfolds.

Ballots lacking postmark or other proof of mailing is illegible are valid, must be counted

Photo: Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar

By: Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com

News@TalkWilliamsport.com

According to an internal document provided to Wendy Bell by an anonymous whistleblower, the following is a new directive of the PA Department of State:

“Ballots that lack a postmark or other proof of mailing, or for which the postmark or other proof of mailing is illegible, are presumed to have been mailed by Tues., Nov. 3, 2020, and are valid and must be counted, unless a preponderance of the evidence demonstrates that the ballot was mailed after Nov. 3.”

This information appears under the paragraph, “Other than ballots falling into one of the categories set forth above, mail-in and civilian absentee ballots that comply with the Election Code and the Department’s prior guidance shall be canvassed as follows:” 

This revelation came from a Canvassing-Segregated-Ballot-Guidance titled:

“CANVASSING SEGREGATED MAIL-IN AND CIVILIAN
ABSENTEE BALLOTS RECEIVED BY MAIL AFTER 8:00 P.M. ON
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 AND BEFORE 5:00 P.M. ON
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020
Date: November 1, 2020
Version: 1.0”

Does Version: 1.0 mean there is a chance to change the guidance on or after Election Day?

According to the anonymous whistleblower, “Not one county in PA is doing things the same way with regard to ballots. The Department of State issues new guidance almost daily and has made it virtually impossible for everyone to stay up to date on the most current guidance.”

On Monday Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine were sent scrambling when TalkWilliamsport.com posed the question regarding Pennsylvania voters in quarantine due to a COVID-19 exposure.

Both Wolf Administration cabinet holders issued a joint press release.

PA Voters In Quarantine Due to a COVID-19 Exposure Should Contact Their County Elections Office to Make Arrangements to Vote  

Harrisburg, Pa.  – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today reminded Pennsylvanians who are currently in quarantine due to COVID-19 to contact their County Elections Office for an emergency absentee ballot if they were planning to vote in person but now cannot.

“Every Pennsylvanian who is registered to vote will have the opportunity to do so,” Secretary Boockvar said.  “There’s an emergency ballot provision under the law. If you can’t deliver your own balloting materials you can assign a designee to do that for you.  And if you can’t find a designee, the law actually requires the county election office to have a Sheriff’s Deputy or some county official to deliver the balloting materials for the voter.”

The full press release is available here.

Former U.S. Attorney and U.S. Congressman for (PA-12) Tom Marino, offered this assessment of this situation in real time last evening on PA Patriots radio; “It’s outrageous! To me, it wreaks of a scheme to rig the election and that’s why we have to have so many people watching at the polls no matter where it’s at in this country. But, what the democrats are scared to death about this election.”

Marino added, “It’s the U.S. Attorney’s responsibility. We are assigned that, to assist as the position that we hold in each part of the state to make sure that if there is something that appears illegal then we as U.S. Attorneys we’re suppose to right there and moving forward with it, if we come to the conclusion that it is clearly illegal and fraudulent.”

Under the heading Canvass Procedures”, the guidance goes onto state, “County boards of elections are instructed to maintain separate counts for each of the following categories of ballots: (i) ballots with a postmark on or before November 3, 2020 which are counted; (ii) ballots without a postmark (or with an illegible postmark) which are presumed to have been mailed prior to Election Day and which are counted; and (iii) ballots without a postmark (or with an illegible postmark) which are determined by a preponderance of the evidence to have been mailed after Election Day and which are not counted.”

Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday morning to discuss the general election.