Coronavirus – COVID-19

Governor: Surge in coronavirus cases could still be coming
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/governor-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-could-still-be-coming-1.2615417

Amid hopes of a coronavirus curve flattening, officials warn not to get complacent
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-new-jersey-cases-flattening-manufacturer-supplies-shortage-20200407.html

Pennsylvania nearing peak of COVID-19 outbreak, projections show
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pennsylvania-nearing-peak-of-covid-19-outbreak-projections-show.html

Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: Case count across state increases by 1,470 on Monday to 12,980; Lehigh Valley now has 1,722 cases
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-statewide-virus-count-20200406-rcaib663fbbb5ck4yh23k27wuu-story.html

Pennsylvania reports 12 more deaths, 1,470 new coronavirus cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-12-more-deaths-1470-new-coronavirus-cases/

Pennsylvania is getting worse at social distancing, data shows
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-is-getting-worse-at-social-distancing-data-shows/

Coronavirus blood test to look for immunity gets a tryout in Chester County
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-blood-test-serology-chester-county-20200406.html

Beaver County nursing home now presumes everyone in building may have COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/04/06/Brighton-Rehab-and-Wellness-Beaver-PA-nursing-home-coronavirus-positive-cases/stories/202004060124

Brighton Rehab officials: Presume all staff, patients positive for COVID-19
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200406/brighton-rehab-officials-presume-all-staff-patients-positive-for-covid-19

Carbondale nursing home reports four cases of COVID-19
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/carbondale-nursing-home-reports-four-cases-of-covid-19-1.2615669

Nearly 50 have tested positive for coronavirus at Lower Macungie nursing home and two have died
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-nursing-homes-20200406-crvog5joafby7ckyb4gwrrfcpe-story.html

Allegheny County reports 37 new coronavirus cases, total reaches 642
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-37-new-coronavirus-cases-total-reaches-642/

10 new coronavirus cases reported in Westmoreland County as total tops 150
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/10-new-coronavirus-cases-reported-in-westmoreland-county-as-total-tops-150/

Montco reports 5 more coronavirus deaths; toll so far stands at 27
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montco-reports-5-more-coronavirus-deaths-toll-so-far-stands-at-27/article_88af21f4-0174-55da-b696-3fc49ec65dbf.html

Luzerne County’s coronavirus cases climb to 849
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-s-coronavirus-cases-climb-to-849-1.2615603

COVID-19 cases in Pa. approach 13,000, 18 new cases in York County
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/04/06/covid-19-cases-pa-approach-13-000-18-new-cases-york-county/2954415001/

When should Pennsylvanians expect their coronavirus relief payments to arrive?
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-when-to-expect-stimulus-payments-20200407-6huyymr6zvcbzfzx77hfj5pke4-story.html

Casey, Toomey ask agency to keep tabs on nursing homes during pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/06/Bob-Casey-Pat-Toomey-pa-nursing-homes-brighton-rehabilitation-beaver-county-COVID-19/stories/202004060086

White House, leaders in Congress aim for new stimulus amid worry recent $2 trillion law wasn’t enough
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/administration-congressional-leaders-worry-that-recent-2-trillion-law-wasnt-enough-20200407.html

As Others See It: Can we still fight the coronavirus while holding the surveillance state at bay?
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2020/04/07/As-Others-See-It-Can-we-still-fight-the-coronavirus-while-holding-the-surveillance-state-at-bay/stories/202004070009

Domestic violence victims need crucial support during the coronavirus | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-domestic-abuse-resources-support-philadelphia-20200406.html

Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent tests positive for ‘mild’ case of coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/former-u-s-rep-charlie-dent-tests-positive-for-mild-case-of-coronavirus/article_715410c8-7870-11ea-bfc3-ffab7acd7795.html

UN leaders urging $8 billion in emergency global health funding for COVID-19 cure, vaccine
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2020/04/07/UN-leaders-urging-8-billion-in-emergency-global-health-funding-for-COVID-19-cure-vaccine/stories/202004070077

South Korea considering electronic wristband to monitor COVID-19 spread
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/04/07/South-Korea-considering-electronic-wristband-to-monitor-COVID-19-spread/stories/202004070078

Legislature

Pa. lawmakers split on whether businesses should reopen
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-lawmakers-split-on-whether-businesses-should-reopen.html

Pa. lawmakers press for new definition of what is and isn’t a life-sustaining business
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-lawmakers-press-for-new-definition-of-what-is-and-isnt-a-life-sustaining-business.html

Coronavirus pandemic brings remote voting to Harrisburg’s Capitol
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus-pandemic-brings-remote-voting-to-harrisburg-s-capitol-1.2615470

Region’s legislators pressure state health department to share more COVID-19 data
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/04/06/Pennsylvania-legislators-COVID-19-data-disparity-health-department-first-responders/stories/202004060117

Flatten curve to restore state economy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/flatten-curve-to-restore-state-economy-1.2615467

Here’s how Wolf, lawmakers can help our nursing home heroes | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/heres-how-wolf-lawmakers-can-help-our-nursing-home-heroes-opinion/

COVID-19 in Pa.: State lawmakers must expand broadband access for all | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/covid-19-in-pa-state-lawmakers-must-expand-broadband-access-for-all-opinion/

Winners of Pa. House special elections sworn into office
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/winners-of-state-house-special-elections-sworn-into-office/

Yudichak wants councils of government to help keep industry compliant
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/yudichak-wants-councils-of-government-to-help-keep-industry-compliant-1.2615557

Administration

Wolf’s and Levine’s message on COVID-19: Stay on track
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/06/COVID-19-Allegheny-County-pennsylvania-new-cases-coronavirus-pittsburgh-area/stories/202004060075

Wolf asks manufacturers to heed ‘Call to Action’
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200406/wolf-asks-manufacturers-to-heed-call-to-action

Pa. ramps up effort to get businesses to help make medical equipment
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/online-portal-identifies-pa-businesses-that-can-help-make-medical-equipment/

What is essential?: State needs clear criteria for business waivers
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/04/07/Pennsylvania-essential-business-waivers-clear-criteria/stories/202003310030

Less risk, less reward in Gov. Tom Wolf’s choice to wait for legislature to act on prisoner releases
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-state-prisons-tom-wolf-reprieves-20200406.html

Limited tech forces thousands of state workers to still report for work, despite their offices being closed
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/04/07/Limited-tech-forces-thousands-of-state-workers-to-still-report-for-work-despite-their-offices-being-closed/stories/202004070050

Philly and suburban counties urge Wolf to redistribute COVID-19 burden
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/06/philly-and-suburban-counties-urge-wolf-to-redistribute-covid-19-burden/

Barletta blasts Wolf for inaction, asks Maddon for help
https://www.timesleader.com/news/779185/barletta-blasts-wolf-for-inaction-asks-maddon-for-help

Homebuilders and owners frustrated with Wolf order
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/homebuilders-and-owners-frustrated-with-wolf-order-1.2615599

Business

One in six Pennsylvania workers has now filed for unemployment since coronavirus shutdowns started
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/pennsylvania-unemployment-claims-coronavirus-shutdown-impact-20200406.html

Giant Eagle, other major retailers limiting customers in their stores
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/04/06/Giant-Eagle-Target-Walmart-COVID-19-capacity-retailers-limit-customers/stories/202004060113

What you can do if you’re laid off or furloughed during the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/layoff-furlough-coronavirus-covid19-job-loss-coping-what-to-do-unemployment-20200407.html

Here’s what we know about new unemployment aid program for self-employed, gig workers
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/04/07/Pandemic-Unemployment-Assistance-Program-compensation-self-employed-independent-contractors-gig-workers-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202004060119

Brentwood brothers have sanitized sports equipment. Now they want to sanitize masks.
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2020/04/06/Brentwood-brothers-N95-masks-cleaning-coronavirus-pandemic-BroZone/stories/202004020062

These banks are offering Pennsylvanians a break on mortgages, auto loans, and more during the coronavirus crisis
https://www.inquirer.com/consumer/mortgage-waiver-bank-loan-relief-coronavirus-pennsylvania-care-package-20200406.html

Small businesses are scrambling to grab $350 billion in coronavirus cash before it runs out
https://www.inquirer.com/business/sba-payroll-protection-program-coronavirus-rollout-20200406.html

Hazle Twp. checking plants for virus prevention
https://www.timesleader.com/news/779194/hazle-twp-checking-plants-for-virus-prevention

Union sounds alarm over coronavirus cases at Mission Foods
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/union-sounds-alarm-over-coronavirus-cases-at-mission-foods-1.2615602

Three local businesses get cease-and-desist letters for price gouging
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/three-local-businesses-get-cease-and-desist-letters-for-price-gouging-1.2615574

Coronavirus has disinfection services on the rise in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-has-disinfection-services-on-the-rise-in-berks-county/article_7d45c4ce-75c0-11ea-83ac-0b79a49149fe.html

Lowe’s employee blasts swarming Pa. shoppers: ‘You don’t need to plant your tulips’ amid coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/lowes-employee-blasts-pa-shoppers-you-dont-need-to-plant-your-tulips-amid-coronavirus.html

‘I am just panicking’: Philly small businesses scramble to apply for shutdown loans
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/06/i-am-just-panicking-philly-small-businesses-scramble-to-apply-for-shutdown-loans/

Crime/Punishment

County jail’s inmate population drops amid effort to reduce spread of virus
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-jail-s-inmate-population-drops-amid-effort-to-reduce-spread-of-virus-1.2615571

Berks County Prison officials put new precautions in place after employee tests positive for coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-prison-officials-put-new-precautions-in-place-after-employee-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/article_08eadf5a-7841-11ea-a109-bbebab34a3f1.html

Staffer at federal prison in Wayne County tested positive for coronavirus
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/staffer-at-federal-prison-in-wayne-county-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-1.2615407

Chester police continue investigation after boy, 7, killed in drive-by shooting
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/chester-police-continue-investigation-after-boy-7-killed-in-drive-by-shooting/article_9198c0b0-77ba-11ea-a654-1f969361940d.html

Education

Hanover Area announces preliminary plans for drive-in graduation
https://www.timesleader.com/news/779201/hanover-area-announces-preliminary-plans-for-drive-in-graduation

Plan to end Scranton preschool met with opposition
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/plan-to-end-scranton-preschool-met-with-opposition-1.2615410

Drexel president John Fry on managing his school through the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/education/coronavirus-drexel-john-fry-president-commencement-exams-20200407.html

Pa. state universities’ switch to remote learning to extend through summer sessions
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/state-universities-switch-to-remote-learning-to-extend-through-summer-sessions.html

Financial hits pile up for colleges as some fight to survive
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/07/financial-hits-pile-up-for-colleges-as-some-fight-to-survive/

Elections/Politics

Every Pennsylvanian needs an absentee ballot now | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-covid-pennsylvania-vote-from-home-election-20200406.html

Third parties call for ballot access relief
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/04/06/third-party-ballot-access-relief-COVID-19-election-PA-green-libertarian-parties/stories/202004060100

DelCo House hopeful: People have ‘asked me how dare I be a Black woman and be a Republican?’ | 2020 Women Speak Up
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/delco-house-hopeful-people-have-asked-me-how-dare-i-be-a-black-woman-and-be-a-republican-2020-women-speak-up/

Supreme Court blocks Wisconsin governor’s order to suspend Tuesday’s elections
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-wisconsin-absentee-ballots-primary-20200407.html

Health Care

Hospitals tweak pay, benefits for employees during COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/04/07/Excela-Health-Sphon-UPMC-Romoff-Allegheny-Health-Network-Hundorfean-COVID-19/stories/202004060094

UPMC researchers developing test to measure antibodies in fight against coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-researchers-developing-test-to-measure-coronavirus-response/

Local News

Scranton mayor tells stores, churches still open to impose restrictions
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/scranton-mayor-tells-stores-churches-still-open-to-impose-restrictions-1.2615482

Reading hopes to save close to $2 million by refinancing a 2014 bond
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-hopes-to-save-close-to-2-million-by-refinancing-a-2014-bond/article_e1d6d5b8-7863-11ea-bfb3-bf0968f3148c.html

‘Pandemic’ overtime pay cost Westmoreland County nearly $700K in 1st 2 weeks
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pandemic-overtime-pay-cost-westmoreland-county-nearly-700k-in-first-two-weeks/

Municipal offices alter operations due to coronavirus
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/municipal-offices-alter-operations-due-to-coronavirus/article_428f7e40-67b2-11ea-926e-fbd6fd611b1d.html

Wilkes-Barre Mayor Brown urges residents to stay at home during critical period of pandemic
https://www.timesleader.com/news/779207/wilkes-barre-mayor-brown-urges-residents-to-stay-at-home-during-critical-period-of-pandemic

Chambers pair with Discover NEPA on virus resource page
https://www.timesleader.com/news/779166/chambers-pair-with-discover-nepa-on-virus-resource-page

DAMA hopes to follow WVSA in offering help during pandemic
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dama-hopes-to-follow-wvsa-in-offering-help-during-pandemic-1.2615576

Penn State football holds a local economy on its shoulders. What happens if the season never comes?
https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2020/04/penn-state-football-holds-a-local-economy-on-its-shoulders-what-happens-if-the-season-never-comes.html

City of Erie plans quick release of $2.8 million CARES funding
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200407/city-of-erie-plans-quick-release-of-28-million-cares-funding

National News

DEA relaxes rules for the only federally approved drug derived from marijuana
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/epidiolex-cbd-cannabidiol-gw-pharma-roark-dea-fda-20200406.html

Philly

Wissahickon Valley Park sees surge of visitors during Pa. coronavirus stay-at-home-orders
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-wissahickon-valley-park-philadelphia-20200407.html

Wissahickon Trails director: Staying safe means sometimes skipping your hike | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-wissahickon-trails-philadelphia-outdoors-hike-20200406.html

Philadelphia police lieutenant dies from the coronavirus, first fatality among city employees
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-lt-james-walker-coronavirus-death-20200406.html

Will I get detained by ICE if I go to a hospital? What you need to know during the coronavirus pandemic if you’re undocumented.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/undocumented-immigrants-coronavirus-covid-19-food-rent-help-20200406.html

How people are keeping the Philly spirit alive during quarantine — from savesies to Citywide Specials
https://www.inquirer.com/life/philadelphia-keeps-philly-spirit-alive-amid-coronavirus-quarantine-20200407.html

Experimental coronavirus vaccine given to Philadelphia volunteers
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-vaccine-dose-volunteers-philadelphia-20200406.html

Mom’s Organic staffers protest in Philly, joining grocery workers’ call for coronavirus hazard pay
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/coronavirus-philadelphia-grocery-workers-moms-organic-market-protest-20200406.html

14-year-old boy charged in attack of Philadelphia postal worker, as police seek more individuals
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-mail-carrier-assault-septa-subway-platform-arrest-20200406.html

Pitt

Pittsburgh police officer tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/06/pittsburgh-police-officer-covid-19-positive-coronavirus-academy-recruits/stories/202004060106

Pittsburgh police instructor tests positive for coronavirus, suspends recruit class
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-police-instructor-tests-positive-for-covid-19/

Hundreds wait in long lines at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for food giveaway
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/long-lines-continue-at-pittsburgh-food-bank/

Group calls for Pittsburghers to light up buildings, homes to thank essential workers
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/04/06/illumination-ovation-pittsburgh-lights-up-buildings-homes-thank-coronavirus-healthcare-workers/stories/202004060085

Parks Conservancy reminds visitors to practice social distancing
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/parks-conservancy-reminds-visitors-to-practice-social-distancing/

Pittsburgh zoo announces furloughs for more than 40 employees
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-zoo-announces-furloughs-for-more-than-40-employees/

Two wounded in shooting in Arlington Heights
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/07/shooting-in-Arlington-Heights-pittsburgh-2-wounded/stories/202004070074

Juvenile female wounded in Sheraden shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/04/06/shooting-wounded-female-seraden-pittsburgh-police/stories/202004060136

State News

Fine Wine & Good Spirits online sales are happening
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/drinks/2020/04/06/Fine-Wine-Good-Spirits-online-sales-Pennsylvania-Liquor-Control-Board-wine/stories/202004060097

Which liquors did Pa. residents buy the most since April 1? Online ordering craze shows their favorites
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/which-liquors-did-pa-residents-by-the-most-of-since-april-1-online-ordering-craze-shows-their-favorites.html

What are Pennsylvanians’ favorite wines and spirits? Fireball, for one
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/drinks/2020/04/07/Pennsylvania-favorite-wines-spirits-ranked-state-Liquor-Control-Board-stores/stories/202004020194

Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Board names new president
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/06/Southwestern-Pennsylvania-Commission-Board-new-president-ceo-vincent-valdes/stories/202004060126

Owner of Pennsylvania’s ‘graffiti highway’ in Centralia shuts it down for good
https://www.inquirer.com/news/centralia-mine-fire-graffiti-highway-pennsylvania-20200406.html

State high court to weigh in on Mount Washington billboard fight
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/04/06/State-Supreme-Court-Mount-Washington-Lamar-Advertising-Bill-Peduto-National-Flag-Foundation/stories/202004060130

Transportation

PennDOT reopens more rest stops along Pennsylvania interstates
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/penndot-reopens-more-rest-stops-along-pennsylvania-interstates/

Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg passenger rail service out until May
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pittsburgh-to-harrisburg-passenger-rail-service-out-till-may/