New COVID-19 cases continue to climb in PA, as tests also increase

July 24, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Daily COVID-19 cases and tests, over time. Source: PA Department of Health

New COVID-19 cases in PA edged up again this past week, with the state reporting an average of more than 800 new daily diagnoses over the last seven days.

The average of 870 new cases over the past week is up from an average of 800 new cases per day last week and 733 the week before. The department reports that testing has also increased.

Just today, the department confirmed 1,213 newly positive cases throughout Pennsylvania.

With today’s update, 105,571 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus since March, an increase of 6,093 over the past week, according to the state Department of Health.

Locally, diagnosed cases have generally risen more modestly than in the eastern and western parts of the state over the past week.

Adams County: 441 cases (prior Friday, 410)
Cumberland County: 1,090 cases (prior Friday, 995)
Dauphin County: 2,499 cases (prior Friday, 2,366)
Franklin County: 1,176 cases (prior Friday, 1,043)
Lancaster County: 5,228 cases (prior Friday, 4,988)
Lebanon County: 1,533 cases (prior Friday, 1,484)
Perry County: 105 cases (prior Friday, 96)
York County: 2,119 cases (prior Friday, 1,963)

Overall, 9.5 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

Much of the recent increase has originated from Allegheny and Philadelphia counties. For instance, over just the past 24 hours, Allegheny reported 198 new cases, while Philadelphia County reported 227.

The department also reported an additional 109 deaths since last Friday, meaning that 7,101 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

Around central PA, the COVID-19 fatality data now stands as follows:

Adams County: 17 deaths (prior Friday, 15)
Cumberland County: 70 deaths (prior Friday, 68)
Dauphin County: 152 deaths (prior Friday, 150)
Franklin County: 46 deaths (prior Friday, 46)
Lancaster County: 400 deaths (prior Friday, 390)
Lebanon County: 54 deaths (prior Friday, 51)
Perry County: 5 deaths (prior Friday, 5)
York County: 79 deaths (prior Friday, 70)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 24,630 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 9,385 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,665 and 844, respectively.

“As the state has put in place new mitigation efforts to offset recent case increases, we must renew our commitment to protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings and telework,” health Secretary Rachel Levine said.

Nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 4,844, or 68.2 percent, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 18,991 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,727 cases among employees, for a total of 22,728 at 813 distinct facilities in 60 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 7,827 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 1,104,948 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 999,377 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Last Friday, the state reported that 999,390 people had been tested for the virus.

Of the patients who have tested positive to date, the age breakdown is as follows, according to the health department:

1 percent are aged 0-4
1 percent are aged 5-12
3 percent are aged 13-18
8 percent are aged 19-24
37 percent are aged 25-49
23 percent are aged 50-64
25 percent are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are 65 or older, as are most of the reported deaths, according to the state.

Levine continued to emphasize that Pennsylvanians should do the following:

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.
Wear a mask whenever out of your house.

“Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach,” Levine said. “However, we know the virus has not gone away as we see cases rise, so we must work together to stop another surge.”

For more information, visit the PA Department of Health’s COVID-19 website.

Currently, we are providing a COVID-19 update weekly, each Friday, or as breaking news warrants.

At town hall, community questions city officials on policing reform, advisory board

July 24, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

A woman speaks to the panel of city officials at Thursday’s town hall.

Thursday night turned out to be a cool, breezy evening, but things in Reservoir Park were rather heated.

Yesterday, a town hall was hosted by The Movement, an activist group in Harrisburg. City officials sat in front of a decent-sized crowd to take questions on policing and policy from the community.

“Today is a day we are demanding policy reform,” Brent Lipscomb, leader of The Movement, said. “We are here because policies must be adopted that center black and brown lives.”

Community members were given the chance to question panelists including Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse, City Council members Ausha Green, Ben Allatt, and Westburn Majors, school board member Jayne Buchwach and Police Chief Thomas Carter. Questions centered around the proposed citizen’s police advisory board, policing in schools, the “defund the police” movement and racial inequalities in the city.

Granting more power to the proposed advisory board has been the plea of many citizens lately. Green addressed this by saying that council is considering it.

“As representatives of the citizens of Harrisburg, it’s our job to put the legislation forward and then work around what needs work,” Green said.

She explained that she has town hall-style meetings planned in order to receive more feedback from the community.

One person asked, “if citizens can’t have subpoena power, how will the stark power imbalance between citizens and cops be addressed?”

“There’s a lot that an advisory board can do that shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand,” Papenfuse said. “With or without subpoena power, there’s a lot that the board can do to shine a spotlight on police misconduct to inform the public about information that is available and to educate the public.”

The mayor added that he would sign whatever legislation passed by City Council.

“He said something just now that I’ve never heard him say before,” Majors said. “The mayor said he will sign anything that we pass. So, let’s get together and work on progressive things to make some changes to this committee to make it work for everybody.”

Another topic brought up by the community was policing in schools. Buchwach and Papenfuse butted heads on this issue, the former calling for police to be taken out of schools, the later in favor of them.

“In Harrisburg, we do not need police in schools,” Buchwach said. “In fact, I would much rather have the police work on themselves than to be in schools.”

She called for more counselors and mental health professionals to replace the police. However, Papenfuse said that policing in schools should be about mentorship with students, not discipline.

“There is room for police in our schools in Harrisburg,” he said. “What I’d like to see is the creation of a career pathway that’s going to lead more of our youth to consider a career in policing.”

Moderator Kimeka Campbell, co-founder of Young Professionals of Color—Greater Harrisburg, brought up the “defund the police” movement, which calls for the re-allocation of funds from the police department to mental health programs, amongst others.

Green said that, while she didn’t agree with removing all funds from the police bureau, she was in favor of recrafting the department.

“I believe that not only in this city, but in this nation, we need to have a more comprehensive approach,” she said.

Overall, Campbell said she was pleased with the event and plans to be a part of holding more meetings like this.

“We usually definitely don’t get anything like this,” one Harrisburg resident said of the town hall. “So I definitely appreciate this chance.”

For more information on The Movement, visit their Facebook group.

Peyton’s Law passes, raises awareness of the top cause of death for student-athletes

July 23, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

The Peyton Walker Foundation focuses on educating student-athletes and families on preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

In the midst of daily COVID-19 updates, it’s nice to get some uplifting health news.

Today “Peyton’s Law” was signed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. The law aims to better educate student-athletes and parents on Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and the importance of Electrocardiogram (EKG) testing.

The law was proposed by The Peyton Walker Foundation, which formed after 19-year-old Mechanicsburg resident Peyton Walker suddenly died from SCA in 2013. Her mother Julie Walker is the executive director and made it her mission to decrease the number of young lives taken by SCA.

“Over the past few years, I’ve met too many moms and dads who lost their children without warning to Sudden Cardiac Arrest,” Walker said in a statement. “Most of their children died from detectable heart conditions that were never diagnosed. Had these parents known to request an EKG as part of their child’s physicals, it’s possible their children would still be alive today.”

According to the foundation, SCA is “the sudden onset of an abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythm that causes the heart to beat ineffectively or not at all.” It is the number-one killer of student-athletes in the United States and, overall, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, the foundation states.

Peyton’s Law requires that the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) forms that student-athletes receive must include information on the importance of EKG testing for detecting issues leading to SCA. They will also require an option for a family to request an EKG from their medical provider at their expense. Students and parents must sign these forms before returning them to the school.

In addition, the PA Department of Education must include information on their website about SCA—warning signs and symptoms.

“Our hope is that Peyton’s Law saves even one young life, because if a mom or dad now knows to ask for an electrocardiogram for their child, we will have a beautiful legacy for Peyton and all of the other young lives we lost too soon to sudden cardiac arrest,” Walker said in a statement.

A Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Warning Signs form is already included in the Preparticipation Physical Examination (PPE) forms for PIAA as required by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act passed in 2012. But Peyton’s law adds information about EKG testing as an optional part of sports physicals.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Mike Regan (R-31) who said that Walker’s advocacy and persistence on this issue brought it to state and national attention.

Peyton’s law is based off of Cody’s Law, similar legislation passed in Texas in 2019.

The Peyton Walker Foundation has screened over 3,500 students for health issues leading to SCA. They have also provided Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and CPR training for students as well as donated over 115 AED’s to schools and organizations.

The Peyton Walker Foundation is located at 2929 Gettysburg Rd., Suite 8, Camp Hill. For more information, visit their website.

The Firehouse plans August reopening, with new owners, new menu

July 22, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

The Firehouse Restaurant is getting spruced up as new owners plan to reopen next month.

Amid pandemic restrictions, the restaurant industry has been struggling. Nonetheless, a local favorite has opted to reopen.

The Firehouse Restaurant on N. 2^nd Street closed about a year ago, but was just bought last month by new owners from Atlanta. They hope to open it next month.

“We want to keep the name. We want to keep the feel, and we want to bring it back to life,” co-owner Eric Swilling said. “We know there’s a huge following here. We are going to do everything we can to exceed everyone’s expectations.”

The Firehouse is located in downtown Harrisburg’s historic Hope Fire Station, which was built in 1871. It has been a restaurant for over 20 years, though has been closed since July 2019.

The business will remain The Firehouse, and much of the aesthetic will stay the same. Swilling said there will only be small renovations to brighten up and modernize the space.

The menu will be upgraded, Swilling said, featuring numerous seafood options, as well as entrees like steak and prime rib. The team hopes to bring some dishes from their hometown of Atlanta to Harrisburg.

Most importantly, Swilling explained his desire to create a fun atmosphere that fits with the lively arts scene in the city. They plan to have cocktail hours and live music. Swilling said the third floor of the restaurant will be used as event space.

“We are truly about the community,” Swilling said. “I’ve never had a business where I wasn’t hands-on. One of us will always be here. We need to be on a first-name basis with people.”

He explained that the three owners have about 20 years of combined experience in the food service industry.

With Gov. Tom Wolf’s new restrictions on bars and restaurants due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners recognize it’s a difficult time to be opening. Swilling said they plan to follow the state’s orders by setting up tables outside the restaurant and keeping capacity inside limited for the time being.

Swilling sees opening during the crisis as a way to serve the community.

“Our goal is to open as soon as possible,” he said. “With the whole COVID thing, we want to give people another dining option to choose from.”

The Firehouse Restaurant is located at 606 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg.

Maestro Malina inks 3-year contract extension with Harrisburg Symphony

July 22, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

There hasn’t been a lot of good news for Harrisburg’s arts community lately, but here’s some—maestro Stuart Malina has renewed his contract with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO).

According to board Chair Dr. Stephen C. MacDonald, Malina (pictured) has agreed to a three-year extension through the 2022-23 season.

“This contract renewal was not a difficult decision,” Malina said, in a statement. “Harrisburg is my home, and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra is my family.”

This year, Malina celebrates 20 years with the orchestra. In addition to conducting the orchestra, he often performs as a soloist and, since 2013, has served as principal guest conductor of the Florida Orchestra.

“Since beginning my position, Stuart and I have worked closely with each other and the board to explore new and innovative ways to deliver an inspired season of music in a time of great change,” Executive Director Matthew Herren said. “Stuart is the heartbeat of the orchestra, both on and off the stage, and one of the reasons why coming back to the region was so very enticing for me.”

Herren officially became executive director on July 1, replacing Jeff Woodruff, who retired at the end of June.

The HSO hasn’t yet made a firm decision on its upcoming 2020-21 season. Last week, it released a statement saying that it was continuing to weigh the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on its plans.

“In the coming weeks, we should be in a better position to announce our plans for October and November 2020 programming,” the HSO statement said. “Due to the uncertain nature of events, and where the nation’s response to the pandemic will be this fall, announcements are likely to be made only a few months into the future at a time.”

For more information about the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and its plans for the performance season, visit its website.

Harrisburg Mile gets the green light, with change of date, location

July 20, 2020 | by Karen Hendricks

Runners take off from the starting gate during last year’s Harrisburg Mile.

One of Harrisburg’s longest-running summertime traditions, the Harrisburg Mile, will go on in 2020 despite the pandemic.

The 39th Annual Harrisburg Mile will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 19, about a month later than originally planned, the Harrisburg Area YMCA confirmed today.

Besides the new date, the other big change is the venue. Instead of running a mile course down Front Street, runners will compete on a mile-long loop around City Island.

“We’re trying to provide a summertime event that feels like the joy that the Harrisburg Mile usually brings to the city,” said Rosie Turner, the YMCA’s director of marketing and communications.

As of now, the Harrisburg Half Marathon and Marathon are also a go, slated for Sept. 13 and Nov. 8, respectively.

The new Harrisburg Mile course offers synergy with the race’s top sponsor, Turner said.

“First National Bank has been an incredible partner, so to have people run past the ballpark and see their branding at FNB Field—we saw that as a nice tie-in,” she said.

Moving the event to City Island increases the amount of square footage on either side of the race course, Turner said, which allows race officials to put safety and health guidelines first, for all involved—runners, volunteers and staff, as well as spectators.

Given the pandemic’s guidelines for social distancing, runners have the option of lining up on the start line during what are called “rolling start times,” within windows of time, for each age group. For example, runners in the 20-to-29 age bracket can start any time from 6 to 6:15 p.m., while runners between the ages of 30 to 39 may start during the 6:55 to 7:15 p.m. timeframe.

Additionally, there will be an “open time” between 2 to 5:45 p.m. when anyone can run the course and register their mile time, especially if they want to avoid larger groups of competitors.

Every heat will be limited to 150 participants, except for the elite mile heat, which will be run in true competitive spirit with a set start time for a field limited to 30 of the area’s top runners.

Another modification, given the pandemic’s guidelines—all runners must wear masks until they start running. The masks also must be pulled back in place once runners complete their mile, before they leave the finish chute.

All in all, during a time when most running events are being canceled or going virtual, today’s news is welcome news to area runners.

“We’ve seen a lot of races we love canceled,” said Jeff Paladina, 48, of New Cumberland. “I’m disappointed we can’t be on Front Street… but I’m appreciative of the city seeing value in these races so that can all continue in the sport we love.”

Paladina is registered to compete in the Harrisburg Mile, just like last year.

“Even last year, we hadn’t heard of the term ‘social distance,’ and I wasn’t within 6 feet of anyone, so I have no hesitation saying I’ll be safe racing,” Paladina said. “The best place to be during this pandemic is outside.”

In 2019, the Harrisburg Mile attracted 1,638 runners, about 250 volunteers and an estimated 3,200 spectators.

“The event requires an incredible amount of volunteers, and we are trying to assess their comfort level. Many are excited and on board,” Turner said.

This year, registration for the mile was frozen amid the pandemic, but it reopened today.

Registration for the Harrisburg Half Marathon and Harrisburg Marathon continues to be open, with several hundred runners already registered for each race. Turner said she is “hopeful” that plans and registration will soon be announced for the Oct. 3 HopDash 5K at Tröegs Brewery, Hershey, also part of the Harrisburg YMCA’s Race Series.

Between the mile, half marathon and full marathon, net proceeds benefitting the nonprofit YMCA total about $40,000 annually.

“Our races connect people to the Y, to a place of wellness that supports the community and themselves,” Turner said. “This is a way for people to connect outside the building in a way that impacts what goes on inside the building.”

Turner said that the half and full marathons will feature staggered start times to spread runners out along the 13.1 and 26.2 mile courses. She said the events would only be canceled as a “last resort” if health guidelines mandate it—in which case runners would have the option of running virtually or deferring to next year.

Hap Miller of Carlisle has been on the Harrisburg Marathon’s start line every year for 45 years—2020’s event would be his 46th. The 77-year-old Carlisle resident even wrote a book about the Harrisburg Marathon, one of the oldest marathons in the country. The first race was held in 1973. Miller began running in 1975.

“I’m signed up for this year’s race, but I’m not sure if I’ll finish,” Miller said. “I plan on running about a third of it—as I did last year—which ended my streak [of 44 finishes].”

Miller said he’s glad to hear that Harrisburg’s marathon tradition will continue in 2020.

“It’s a small, friendly marathon because of the people along the course and in the race, the camaraderie… you don’t get lost in the big crowds like Boston, Chicago or New York,” said Miller.

Turner realizes the significance of providing race experiences for area runners during a time when so many other plans have fallen by the wayside.

“People use these events to benchmark their lives—there are so many goals around them, and already this year with the pandemic we’ve had so many lost milestones,” Turner said. “To give people back a goal, to finish out 2020 with something that feels like a stamp—what a wonderful gift to be able to give to the community.”

For more information, including registration for the Harrisburg Mile, see ymcarun.com/info-mile2020. For information for the Sept. 13 Harrisburg Half Marathon, see ymcarun.com/info-half. Details for the Nov. 8 Harrisburg Marathon can be found here: ymcarun.com/info-marathon. Hap Miller’s book about the Harrisburg Marathon is available on Amazon.

Bob’s Art Blog: Methods & Meanings

July 18, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

Artist Kelly McGee in her Millworks studio

I first became aware of Kelly McGee’s art on “the Gram,” the only social media we use. Her art intrigued me from the first…and the stories behind the paintings, even more.

Her website said to call to schedule an appointment to meet and see her work up close at the Millworks. Studio #216 houses the one and only Kelly McGee (Curran), chronologically 33 years of age but an “old soul” at heart in the best way. Within her, she holds generations of tradition and customs shared through her “dream state” paintings. For more, read “The Methods and Meaning of McGee” that follows. Part 2 is titled “Art for a Worthy Cause,” showing that small but mighty makes a difference to Gail Walden Coleman.

Part I The Methods and Meaning of McGee

The card reads, “Kelly McGee Curran, Expressionist Painter,” but that merely scratches the surface. Truth be told, Kelly McGee is an interpretive painter of her own dreams and visions. Proudly claiming Native heritage, something we share, she is able to walk between worlds, the temporal one we live in and the transitory state we dream in. In doing so, she interprets those “remembrances” from past generations and portrays them in her paintings, vivid and with profound meaning. Everything connected to indigenous culture incorporates wisdom, warmth and a vitality that transcends all else.

Her dreams part the veil as she enters a portal between two worlds. Her visitations come in the form of elders inhabiting her subconscious state, leading her to the path that follows nature. It often reveals ritual and customs from the past. In her painting, “I Learned to Listen to the Stars,” the guide is her father portrayed as a medicine man of eternity showing her the way. He takes her out to convene with the night sky, the stars and the moon. Even a beloved donkey exists in the dream and is present. She executes the painting as if she is there on the hill marveling at the wonders of the universe—in rapt attention to her father’s words of wisdom. The colors capture the elements of the nocturnal narration in their simplicity. The stars reveal the underlying nature of the canvas as they are the natural knots found in the pinewood that McGee uses to illustrate many of her paintings. Those knots, portals with smoke emanating from them, represent ancestral spirits. The dualistic nature of her divinations comes full cycle as she is both the seer of dreams and the conduit to the canvas. Another work depicts a scene of trees, which is also 2 feet-by-2 feet of an oil on wood and highlights “Trees in a Storm,” which she was inspired to create by an abrupt summer storm, reflected in the swaying trees natural beauty.

As a child, McGee fell in love with painting as her means of self-expression. Early on and out of necessity, she happened upon pine board to paint when serendipitously she ran out of canvas. Today, her works, more often than not, can be found incorporating those knots of imperfection as an integral element of the paintings. They become crucial to the tale the paintings reveal. The knots enhance and inform the narrative nature of the story or dream. When all those elements come together as one, it is kismet—destiny divined in the stars and heavens. And yet Kelly McGee is as down to earth as any artist or person can get. Genuinely generous, she is able to impart her worlds, the here and now, as well as the shadow sanctuaries, to all people who express interest and are looking to learn the story behind the paintings. Kelly weaves all the elements in her unique take on painting with richly textured oils on wood or on traditional canvas. The worlds she inhabits embrace the elements of earth, wind and fire. Her wisdom is of the ages and for the ages. And the knots that swirl throughout the pine boards serve as a visual guide. In the end, Kelly McGee’s art helps to make the “whorl” go round.

Part II Art for a Worthy Cause

The paintings measure just 2.5 inches-by-6.5 inches, but what an impact and difference they have made. Taking the current state of affairs to heart, Artist Gail Walden Coleman felt compelled to create art that would raise funds to help feed those in need. She has taken a “page,” marking it with her own personal stamp of painting from the timeless motto—charity begins at home.

Coleman has spent a great deal of time over the past three months painting artful works on paper that she then cuts and laminates to become exceptionally beautiful bookmarks all in an effort to raise money for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. To date she has enabled the organization to purchase and provide 6,200 meals, with no end in sight. She is now starting phase two of this project and has been aided by a local art gallery and frame shop in nearby Arcona, the Pure Gallery. Owner Rose Anderson sells Coleman’s labor-of-love bookmarks in her shop for the asking “donation fee” of $15, with all proceeds going to the food bank. Coleman’s intuitive paintings have been featured at Pure Gallery as well as the Art Association of Harrisburg, Carlisle Arts Learning Center and various local businesses. For more information, please contact [email protected].

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 17, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

Boneshire Brew Works in opening a tasting room in a downtown Harrisburg storefront that formerly housed Sip@SoMa.

The dog days are here, with people slowing down in the midsummer heat. The news, though, never takes a break, especially in our pandemic times. If you missed any of our coverage this past week, we have our stories listed and linked below.

Boneshire Brew Works is opening a tasting room in the SoMa neighborhood in the location that had housed Sip@SoMa. Our online story details Boneshire’s plan for the space.

Brew Barons Beer Trail was launched by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg last week. Read our exclusive online story to find out more about the mobile app that allows trail-hoppers to check-in to some 20 craft breweries.

COVID-19 diagnoses in PA are up again, totaling about 800 new cases per day this past week. Our weekly reporting offers data on how the pandemic is affecting the state and midstate counties.

Danielle Bowers, city councilwoman, shares her suggestions for how to make immediate strides toward racial justice in Harrisburg. Her story is one of five community voices featured in our July issue of the magazine.

Gov. Wolf cracked down on bars and restaurants, imposing new restrictions last week. Our story explains his rationale for why the modifications were made and what the order entails.

Housing sales in the Harrisburg area fell last month, but prices rose. Our reporting includes details on the area’s real estate market trends in June.

Libraries in Dauphin County are almost all open, as two Harrisburg facilities are set to open next week. Kline and McCormick Riverfront libraries will reopen on Tuesday, joining five other open libraries in the system. Read our online story for more information.

Maternal health is the focus of a new report from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Our magazine story tells how the pregnancy rate is down, but the rate of pregnancy and childbirth complications is on the rise.

Reservoir Park greenhouse received a $25,000 grant from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Read our online story about how a team is working to restore the greenhouse for community education and collaboration.

Road changes to a portion of N. 6^th Street prompted the city to plan a public meeting for Saturday. Read more about the decision to reduce car lanes and add bicycle lanes and parking spaces to the road.

Sara Bozich has plenty for you to do this weekend. Despite the new restrictions from Gov. Wolf on bars and restaurants, plenty of places are open for food, shopping and fun. Check it out!

Summertime activities in Harrisburg look different this year. Some old favorites remain open, but others have adjusted or closed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about what to do this season in the city in our magazine story.

Tristan Bond is our July “Artist of the Month.” Our magazine feature offers some background on this fascinating artist, as well as examples of his work.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, subscribe here!

Would you like to support our journalism and get some great benefits to boot? If so, become a Friend of TheBurg!

Two more Harrisburg libraries will reopen next week, DCLS says

July 17, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

The McCormick Riverfront Library in Harrisburg

Nearly all Dauphin County libraries soon will be open, with the reopening of two Harrisburg facilities next week.

The Dauphin County Library System (DCLS) today announced that the Kline and McCormick Riverfront libraries will reopen at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. They join the five other libraries in the system that previously reopened.

“We realize the important role the library plays in the life of our community, and we are moving to open our facilities as quickly as possible while ensuring we keep our staff and the public safe,” said Executive Director Karen Cullings, in a statement. “With these latest openings, we are happy to welcome members to all our Harrisburg locations.”

With these re-openings, the Johnson Memorial Library in Millersburg will remain the only library in the system still closed. That opening depends upon the pandemic status and staff availability, Cullings said.

DCLS has implemented health precautions along with its openings, including quarantining returned items for three days before returning them to circulation and having staff clean all publicly accessible areas every two hours. It asks all visitors to wear masks, which are available for those who need them.

For more information, visit the DCLS website.

New COVID-19 diagnoses up again in PA; midstate shows more modest rise

July 17, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

COVID-19 cases and tests over time. Source: PA Department of Health

New COVID-19 cases in PA were up again this past week, with the state reporting an average of 800 new daily diagnoses over the last seven days.

With today’s update, 99,478 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus, an increase of 5,602 over the past week, according to the state Department of Health.

The average of 800 new cases over the past week is up from an average of 733 new cases per day last week and 624 the week before. The department reports that testing also has increased.

Locally, diagnosed cases have generally risen more modestly than in the eastern and western parts of the state over the past week.

Adams County: 410 cases (prior Friday, 377)
Cumberland County: 995 cases (prior Friday, 930)
Dauphin County: 2,366 cases (prior Friday, 2,268)
Franklin County: 1,043 cases (prior Friday, 993)
Lancaster County: 4,988 cases (prior Friday, 4,783)
Lebanon County: 1,484 cases (prior Friday, 1,419)
Perry County: 96 cases (prior Friday, 88)
York County: 1,963 cases (prior Friday, 1,791)

Overall, 9.9 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

Much of the recent increase has originated from Allegheny and Philadelphia counties. For instance, over just the past 24 hours, Allegheny reported 240 new cases, while Philadelphia County reported 163.

For the past 24 hours, the department confirmed 1,032 new positive cases throughout Pennsylvania.

The department also reported an additional 112 deaths since last Friday, meaning that 6,992 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

Around central PA, the COVID-19 fatality data now stands as follows:

Adams County: 15 deaths (prior Friday, 14)
Cumberland County: 68 deaths (prior Friday, 66)
Dauphin County: 150 deaths (prior Friday, 149)
Franklin County: 46 deaths (prior Friday, 46)
Lancaster County: 390 deaths (prior Friday, 382)
Lebanon County: 51 deaths (prior Friday, 48)
Perry County: 5 deaths (prior Friday, 5)
York County: 70 deaths (prior Friday, 61)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 23,558 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 9,060 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,653 and 836, respectively.

Nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 4,784, or 68.4 percent, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 18,520 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,562 cases among employees, for a total of 22,082 at 777 distinct facilities in 58 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 7,398 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 999,390 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 899,912 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Last Friday, the state reported that 898,640 people had been tested for the virus.

Of the patients who have tested positive to date, the age breakdown is as follows, according to the health department:

Nearly 1 percent are aged 0-4
1 percent are aged 5-12
Nearly 3 percent are aged 13-18
8 percent are aged 19-24
37 percent are aged 25-49
23 percent are aged 50-64
Nearly 26 percent are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are 65 or older, as are most of the reported deaths, according to the state.

Levine continued to emphasize that Pennsylvanians should do the following:

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.
Wear a mask whenever out of your house.

For more information, visit the PA Department of Health’s COVID-19 website.

Currently, we are providing a COVID-19 update weekly, each Friday, or as breaking news warrants.

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