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 office, satellite 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.

“Because you <or minor> came in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you <or minor> will need to quarantine for 14 days since your <his/her/their> last encounter with that person. Your <his/her/their> quarantine will be from now until <last date of the monitoring period>.”

ACCEPT

“This official quarantine order on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Health means you <or minor> need to remain in your home away from others, except if you <he/she/they> need to seek medical care. There may be
exceptions to this order if you are designated as a health care worker or a critical infrastructure worker.
You <or minor> may go in your yard only if you <he/she/they> can stay at least 6 feet from your neighbors.

If you live in an apartment, you <minor> may not leave, because you cannot be in the common areas of the building
where others might be, such as the elevator or hallway.

People who have been in contact with you <or minor> do not have to quarantine.

However, if you live in a household with other people try to maintain a distance greater than 6 feet and wear a mask whenever possible.”

REFUSE

“The Department of Health is required to send you an official letter. We will send the letter to you by email. Can you verify this is your email?”

If email cannot be obtained: “We can send the letter by mail. Can you verify your address?”

If contact says they have tested negative for COVID-19 and therefore don’t think they need to quarantine:

“Even if you <or minor> tested negative, it is still possible for you <him/her/them> to present positive results within a 14-day period. Given that you have <or minor has> been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, it is very important that you <or minor> quarantine and keep track of how you’re <they’re> feeling in case you <or minor> develop(s) any symptoms.”

End call and make notes.

Inform district resource account/checkbox to send letter.”

CT Script V11 10-22-20

TalkWilliamsport.com has also obtained a letter from a resident in one of the previously noted counties from July outlining what could occur in a quarantine non-compliance situation.

Insight Global will work with the department to recruit, interview, hire, train and support contact tracers, contact tracer supervisors and care resource manager positions. All positions will be remote.

Hourly rates for these jobs will range from $18 to $22 for contact tracers and from $22 to $24 for both contact tracing supervisors and care resource managers. Positions will be both full-time and part-time.

The statement of work that was negotiated is for up to 1,000 staff for a five-month contract, although the purchase order is stretched over a 12-month period. This will allow Pennsylvania to add, maintain and subtract the amount of staff needed to support contact-tracing efforts.

Recruitment will be focused on workers who lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Pennsylvania already had 654 contract tracers across the state prior to the hiring of the 1,000 under the Insight Global deal.

From the DOH website:

The Department of Health, in partnership with Insight Global, is recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, and supporting contact tracers, contact tracer supervisors, and care resource manager positions. Both full- and part-time positions will be offered as needed and will provide ongoing skill development and training for those interested in public health careers. Please find any open contact tracing staff positions below.

Insight Global based in Atlanta, Georgia has three Pennsylvania locations, King of Prussia, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

From the Insight Global website:

HEALTHCARE

Insight Global provides Talent Management Services across all segments of the Healthcare Industry, developing strong client and consultant relationships since our inception.

Government Services

Insight Global actively supports over 400 programs within the public sector, including past performance across all IT, finance, and engineering disciplines with a specific focus on:

• Cyber security network engineering
• Administration applications
• Software development and engineering
• Helpdesk/desktop
• AV/VTC systems engineering

• PMO support
• Finance and accounting
• Mechanical/electrical/maritime engineering
• Intelligence operations
• EMR/EHR implementation, optimization, and support Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Electronic Health Record (EHR)

PROBLEMS WITH THE COVID-19 CONTACT TRACING PROGRAM FROM THE START

The COVID-19 pandemic really came into the forefront in Pennsylvania in March 2020 with massive lockdowns of businesses and schools implemented and codified by Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine.

According to the whistleblower, the impetus for the program was to “reopen the state safely and provide the data to do so, calls were to be made to those in contact with COVID-19 positive cases.”

As of today, that is simply not the case.

“One or two calls are being made on a daily basis and no real work is being done even though the money has already been spent”, the whistleblower added.

“Multiple tracers are in contact with the same case.”

SOFTWARE CHANGES CONSTANTLY

With all of the infrastructure (noted above) Insight Global brings to the table with a $23 million dollar contract in hand; have any of the existing models using “EMR/EHR implementation, optimization, and support Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Electronic Health Record (EHR)” been deployed in Pennsylvania?

According to the whistleblower, absolutely not.

Instead the PA Department of Health and Insight Global began using a new platform and recently transitioned to Salesforce.

Salesforce is software that is used as a customer relationship management service.

The whistleblower stated, “the software seems to change weekly due to the issues integrating information from the SARALERT database where people are texting or e-mailing to report symptoms.”

“As software changes, information gets deleted or lost in the transition each time”, according to the whistleblower.

QUESTIONS FROM CONTRACT TRACERS CAUSE CONCERNS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health state in its website, “A Contact Tracer Will Never Ask You For: Your personal information”, does sexual orientation qualify as a personal question?

Does the sexual orientation of a five year old child qualify as a personal question or even relevant to COVID-19?

From the TalkWilliamsport.com obtained copies of the scripts Contact Tracers are currently using and this question appears in the script. Note that the script is version #11 and is in current use.

CT Script V11 10-22-20

“In order to be able to follow-up with you and connect you to resources if needed, we have a few questions for you. Some questions might be personal, but it is important information so that we can address health disparities and connect all individuals to the resources they may need.”

According to the whistleblower, “the focus of questions has recently changed to those about sexuality and orientation. The reason being, the DOH wants to see if the LGBTQ community is being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.”

From the DOH script obtained by TalkWilliamsport.com:

“SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER IDENTITY
“I am going to ask you some questions related to your gender identity and sexual orientation.
This information is important to collect as it helps divert resources to vulnerable communities.”
“What is your <or minor’s> gender?
“What is your <or minor’s> sexual orientation?”
“Do you <or minor> identify as transgender?”
Allow the contact to answer questions without reading each option.”

“If contact asks for clarification on why the department is collecting this information or if LGBT people are wary of discrimination or harassment explain that: Collecting this data confirms that there are LGBT people who need healthcare support in Pennsylvania. LGBT activists have advocated for this data collection, because it helps ensure the health and wellbeing of LGBT people.”

If LBGTQ questions are being posed by Contact Tracers, should those of ethnicity or religious affiliation be asked as well?

Why did the Pennsylvania Department of Health and its contractor Insight Global wait until October 2020 to being asking sexual orientation questions when Governor Wolf announced on May 13, 2020 it would be included in COVID-19 data collection?

Whatever happened to the Commonwealth Civilian Coronavirus Corps announced on May 6, 2020 to Support Fall COVID-19 Recovery Efforts?

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

Photo: Attorney Marc Scaringi (left) & Wendy Bell, Talk Show Host (right)

The guest list for the 24-hour digital Trump Rally hosted by TalkWilliamsport.com, Pennsylvania Patriots Radio and Normal America with Rob Noerr which kicked-off at 8 a.m. on Monday. is as follows:

Attorney Marc Scaringi 9:00 AM

Lycoming County Republican Committeeman Paul Cady 9:30 AM

President of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity and the co-editor of its Hotline Phil Kerpen 10:30 AM

Bradford County Commissioner Doug McLinko 11:00 AM

Department of Health Press Conference 11:30 AM

Wendy Bell, Talk Show Host Noon

Additional guests will be announced as the day progresses.

Sixteen (16) new cases added Saturday in Lycoming County now at 995 cases, no new deaths, 32 total deaths, with 16,083 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19:

2,510 Additional Positives Bring Statewide Total to 208,027

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 31, that there were a total of 2,510 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 208,027. Daily increases are now the highest they have ever been since the start of the pandemic.

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 24 and October 30 is 257,367 with 14,938 positive cases. There were 45,416 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 30.

There are 8,812 deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 28 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 3,403 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 647 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,314,634 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;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 21% 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 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 October are available below:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 29 percent of cases so far in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 16 percent of cases so far in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 14 percent of cases so far in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 12 percent of cases so far in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 14 percent of cases so far in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 10 percent of cases so far in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 26,149 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,653 cases among employees, for a total of 31,802 at 1,070 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,807 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,448 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Oct. 30:

• Noted that the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program called the state’s COVID-19 hazard pay program a promising model for other states.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Harrisburg, PA –Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today encouraged Pennsylvania voters to educate themselves about their rights before they vote in person on election day, November 3.

“The Pennsylvania Department of State is committed to protecting every eligible voter’s constitutional right to cast their ballot safely and free from intimidation,” said Secretary Boockvar. “Voters should educate themselves on their rights before they go to the polls on election day.”

Here are some important tips regarding voter rights in Pennsylvania:

• Only first-time voters, or those voting for the first time in a new precinct, must show ID. Acceptable ID includes both photo and non-photo ID. Registered first-time voters who do not bring ID to the polls can return with identification or must be offered a provisional ballot.
• Voters who applied for and received a mail ballot and then decide they want to vote at their polling place must bring at least the larger declaration envelope and their ballot to be voided. The Department of State recommends that voters bring their entire mail ballot packet with them, including both envelopes. They may then vote on their county’s voting system.
• If a voter applied for a mail ballot but does not return it and no longer has the mail ballot and envelopes, they may vote by provisional ballot at their polling place on election day. Their county board of elections will then verify that they did not vote by mail before counting their provisional ballot.
• If a voter’s name is not in the poll book, poll workers can call the County Board of Elections to see if the voter is registered in another precinct in the county. Registered voters who are in the wrong precinct polling place should go to the correct polling place to vote. A voter who believes he or she is registered in the precinct and should be listed in the poll book may cast a provisional ballot.
• Voters who moved within Pennsylvania but did not update their address in time before the election may vote one more time in their previous precinct, as long as they update their address at the polling place.
• If 50 percent or more of the voting machines at a polling place are not working, voters have the right to use an emergency paper ballot. Poll workers should immediately offer the ballots but, if they do not, voters should request one rather than leave without voting.
• If a voter is challenged on the basis of identity or residency, the voter may vote normally by signing a challenge affidavit and producing a witness who is also a registered voter in the precinct to vouch for them. If the voter cannot or does not want to produce a witness, the voter may cast a provisional ballot. Identity, residency and qualifications as an eligible voter are the only bases for challenging a voter at a polling place.
• Voters have the right to assistance at the polling place, including foreign language or literacy assistance. A voter may select any person to assist as long as the person is not their employer, union representative or the Judge of Elections. Voters do not need to be designated as “assistance permitted” in the poll book to receive help. A person who wants assistance will be asked to sign an Assistance Declaration at the precinct, unless the poll book already indicates “assistance permitted.”
• Voters have the right to refuse assistance.
• Voters have the right to vote without being subjected to intimidation, harassment or discriminatory conduct. A voter who experiences intimidation should report it to the county board of elections and the district attorney’s office. Voters can also call the Department of State at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or the U.S. Department of Justice’s Voting Section at 1-800-253-3931.

In addition, the Department of State website at votesPA.com can help voters with election-related questions and information, including:

• Confirming voter registration
• Locating a polling place
• Information about voting in person
• Determining congressional, state senate and state house districts

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and members of the commonwealth’s Interagency Election Security and Preparedness Workgroup today reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the integrity of the Nov. 3 general election and protecting Pennsylvanians’ unobstructed right to vote.

“Ensuring that our citizens have a secure election is a priority of ours on every front, from cybersecurity to voting system security to on the ground security,” Secretary Boockvar said. “Interference in voting is illegal. Our emergency management, elections, and law-enforcement partners are engaged in our communities and monitoring all available communications channels to mitigate misinformation and intimidation.”

The Interagency Election Security and Preparedness Workgroup was formed in 2018 by Gov. Wolf and has engaged in unprecedented collaboration since then to secure Pennsylvania elections and prepare for situations that might arise on election day. Workgroup members include the Department of State, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Pennsylvania Office of Administration, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania National Guard, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Governor’s Office and the Office of State Inspector General.

“The PSP is engaged with its local law enforcement partners and has the personnel and resources in place to keep the community safe throughout the election cycle,” said Colonel Robert Evanchick. “PSP continues to collaborate with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and other state agencies to ensure election infrastructure cyber security. On Election Day, law enforcement will work to ensure all Pennsylvanians can safely exercise their right to vote.”

Workgroup members are in frequent communication and will collaborate through every available means, including through activation of the PEMA resources that occurs on every Election Day.

“Over the years, PEMA has worked with federal, state and county partners to improve our ability to share timely and useful information among officials at all levels of government,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Having a clear understanding of conditions or incidents that could affect the ability of our fellow citizens to freely participate in an election is vital to quickly responding and mitigating the problem.”

The Department of State has been working with the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other state and federal partners to share intelligence and identify information and sources that will be monitored on Election Day. The presence of multiple partners at PEMA on Nov. 3 will help the Department of State track situations and will enhance communication with each county’s emergency operations and elections offices, law enforcement and our federal and state partners.

The Office of Attorney General will be fully mobilized on election day with civil and criminal attorneys in every region of Pennsylvania serving as the People’s attorneys. The office will also have analysts, agents, and attorneys embedded with the FBI and all other state and local partners.

“We must ensure all eligible votes are counted. This historic collaboration between local and state agencies gives us the ability to ensure a free, fair and secure election process,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “Interference, intimidation, and fraud undermines that ability and we will not stand for it.”

With a record number of Pennsylvanians registered to vote, the officials reminded voters that in addition to state and federal laws dictating how elections are carried out, county election boards have broad authority under the law and will be in close contact with local law enforcement and the Office of Attorney General as needed.

“Pennsylvania is a recognized leader among states in cybersecurity,” said Secretary of Administration Michael Newsome, whose office oversees cybersecurity for state agencies, including the Department of State. “We are constantly evaluating our cybersecurity practices and capabilities, and utilize multiple layers of security and industry standards, to safeguard against potential threats. We also work closely with partners in federal, state and local government, higher education, law enforcement and the private sector to share information and resources related to cybersecurity. Pennsylvanians can be assured that we are doing everything we can to protect their data and this election.”

In addition to working with the county boards of elections, the Center for Internet Security and other key partners, the Pennsylvania National Guard is engaged in maintaining and enhancing the security of Pennsylvania’s election process.

“The Pennsylvania National Guard is proud to once again provide cyber security support to our counties and state agencies as it has for the past four elections in the commonwealth,” said Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Voters have the right to vote without being subjected to intimidation, harassment or discriminatory conduct. A voter who experiences intimidation should report it to their county board of elections and the district attorney’s office. Voters can also call the Department of State at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or the U.S. Department of Justice’s Voting Section at 1-800-253-3931.

Nine (9) new cases added Friday in Lycoming County now at 979 cases, no new deaths, 32 total deaths, with 16,009 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

Total of 2,641 Additional Positives Bring Statewide Total to 205,517

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 30, that there were a total of 2,641 additional positive cases of COVID-19, which includes 2,416 new one-day positive cases and another 225 cases from previous days and reported today, bringing the statewide total to 205,517. Daily increases are now comparable with what we saw in April 2020.

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 23 and October 29 is 249,105 with 14,516 positive cases. There were 39,851 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 29.

There are 8,784 deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 22 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

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 3,174 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 647 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,297,983 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;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 21% 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 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 October are available below:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 29 percent of cases so far in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 17 percent of cases so far in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 14 percent of cases so far in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 12 percent of cases so far in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 14 percent of cases so far in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 10 percent of cases so far in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 26,013 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,627 cases among employees, for a total of 31,640 at 1,064 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,800 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,373 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Oct. 29:

• Provided latest CMU metrics report.
• Urged Pennsylvanians to hand deliver ballots amid COVID.
• Provided Pennsylvania State Police enforcement data.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Harrisburg, Pa.  – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today called on all Pennsylvania counties to begin pre-canvassing mail-in and absentee ballots on November 3, as close to 7 a.m. as possible, the earliest time they can do so.

“The outcome of Tuesday’s election could well depend on Pennsylvania. It is vitally important that the more than 3 million ballots cast by mail here be counted as soon as possible,” Secretary Boockvar said. “The country will be looking to Pennsylvania for accurate and timely results.”

Pennsylvania law allows counties to start pre-canvassing mail ballots at 7 a.m. on Election Day, when the polls open. Pre-canvassing includes opening ballot envelopes, removing inner envelopes and ballots, and scanning the ballots. At 8 p.m. when the polls close, counties may begin to record and publish the counts.

“We are directly reaching out to the counties to explain why it matters to get started with pre-canvassing on Election Day, even if they can only do part of it,” Secretary Boockvar said. “The overwhelming majority of counties are already planning to start pre-canvassing mail ballots the moment they can. I urge those few counties thinking about waiting until after the election to reconsider.”

Secretary Boockvar noted that public and private funding is still, and has been for months, available to reimburse counties for the cost of additional resources needed to implement mail-in voting, including staffing, equipment, third-party support, and other tools needed for pre-canvassing and canvassing of ballots.

So far, about 73 percent of the more than 3 million ballots mailed to Pennsylvania voters have been voted and returned to counties. Secretary Boockvar urged voters who have not yet returned their mail ballot to hand-deliver their ballot now to ensure their ballot will be counted.

Mail ballots must be returned to county election offices, satellite election offices or other designated drop-off locations. A voted mail ballot cannot be returned to the voter’s polling place on election day.

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.

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today assured Pennsylvanians that rigorous precautions will be taken at polling places on Nov. 3 to keep voters, poll workers and election officials safe.

“We want voters to feel safe going to the polls on election day to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” Secretary Boockvar said. “In addition to all the precautions that counties are taking, voters should follow common-sense measures, such as wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing at the polls.”

While no voter will be denied their right to vote for not wearing a mask, Secretary Boockvar urged all voters to wear a mask for their own safety and to protect other voters and the poll workers who will be spending all day at the polls so their neighbors can cast their ballots.

The Department of State, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), is providing counties with masks, hand sanitizer, sneeze guards, marking tape for social distancing and other supplies for polling places.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. Voters can find their polling place and more information on voting at the polls on the department’s voting website votesPA.com.

For more information on voting in Pennsylvania, visit votesPA.com.