Confirmed COVID-19 cases up substantially since yesterday across PA

March 26, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

The state Department of Health’s shaded map of COVID-19 cases across the state

Another day, another surge in COVID-19 cases around Pennsylvania, with the commonwealth today reporting 560 new positive cases.

The latest data bring the total to 1,687 positive cases statewide since the pandemic began, representing almost a 50 percent increase since yesterday. Moreover, the state Department of Health today reported five additional deaths from the virus, bringing that total to 16 fatalities.

“Our notable increase in cases over the last few days indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.

The virus has now spread to 48 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

Locally, Dauphin County has 13 confirmed cases, Cumberland County has 15 cases, Lancaster County has 21 cases, York County has 21 cases, Lebanon County has four cases and Adams County has seven cases. To date, there have been no fatalities in the region.

Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 402 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 282 cases.

Statewide, 18,128 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 16,441 testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 12,320 had been tested for the virus.

The state now has issued “stay at home” orders for 10 counties: Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Allegheny, Chester, Monroe, Delaware, Erie, Northampton and Lehigh counties. This order continues until April 6.

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police yesterday issued 13 warnings for failure to comply with Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that “non life-sustaining” businesses shut their physical locations. The police have now issued 57 warnings since Monday, but have not yet issued any citations.

“Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe,” Levine said. “We have seen case counts continue to increase and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home.”

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.

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

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich: Isolation Edition

March 26, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

Obviously, don’t go anywhere (still, please).

“Events” happening this weekend:

Sitting at Home Staring Out the Window – from now til eternity
Virtual Zoo Visit: Snowy Owls (Thursday) ZooAmerica is doing these great daily updates with different animals
Ted’s Midtown Virtual Bingo (Thursday)
Need booze? FABER Pop-Up Truck Shop, Lewisberry, PA (Friday) at Silver Lake Inn
Open that Bottle of Local Wine Night (Saturday) Post a picture of your local wine online – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter using hashtag #openlocalwine.
Intro to Essential Oils with Carla (online class – Sunday)
Virtual Movies at Midtown Cinema
- Fantastic Fungi (On-demand)
- Bacuru (On-demand)
- Pan’s Labirynth MC Squared (Midtown Cinema Movie Club – Friday)
- Slay The Dragon (On-demand, starting March 27)
Open Stage Digital Content
- Storytime Theatre – 12 p.m. Thursday/Friday/Saturday
- Thank You, Ten – 7 p.m. Thursday/Friday
- Virtual 10-Miler – A run for the arts! – Saturday

Top picks to-go/delivery

Boneshire Brew Works 4-packs and growler sales 4-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 12-4 p.m Saturday Order online Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works Food, to-go beer, spirits, canned cocktails – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Order online Appalachian Brewing Co. – Harrisburg & Mechanicsburg Take-out only 12-8 p.m Mechanicsburg now offering Appalachian Craft Spirits Call 717-221-1080 to order View menu

Thursday – Half-price wings
Friday – FREE Kid’s Meal (with purchase of sandwich or entree)
Saturday – Half-price Hog Wild
Sunday – Half-price Harrisburger

Ploughman Cider Take-out cider a the Taproom 12-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday Online cider sales now available. HOLLA Spirits Spirits available to order online 20% of all sales go to U.S. Bartenders’ Guild COVID-19 Relief Program and other virus relief funds – Read more MoMo BBQ Co. Open for take-out and limited delivery, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Family meals available Call 717-550-7995 R.G. Hummer Meats & Cheese Open during Broad Street Market Hours (See more below) Fresa Bistro Open for take-out and limited call-in delivery Call 717-216-8754 or use GrubHub Broad Street Market Open mostly normal hours; limited customer entry; some vendors closed – BUT – many offering online delivery

Raising the Bar Bakery – delivery available; order online
Sweet717 – delivery available; order online (local delivery is free!)
JB Kelly Seafood – open normal hours; delivery available
Radish & Rye – curbside options available DAILY
Full list of open vendors – Check individual stores/retailers for online/curbside/delivery options

Cornerstone Coffeehouse 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for carryout Limited food menu available There are MANY restaurants doing pick-up/delivery — check-in with your favorites.

Culture + Chill

Check out our new Culture Vulture series – ways to experience life outside while, ahem, inside.

Where/what to eat + drink
- Need wine?
Virtual entertainment/digital programming
Other local shopping options

Midtown Scholar Bookstore 10% BONUS on gift cards through the end of March – You can use it immediately here, plus SAVE 10% on used books with code SCHOLARSALE Shop new books through affiliate BookShop Midtown Cinema Purchase a gift card (with BONUS 10% when you buy now) or renew your membership now to keep them going, then reap the benefits of your purchase once they reopen! Secure a future movie night for two – with two tickets, two small popcorns, two small sodas, and two bags of candy! Stash Vintage Shop online via Etsy All local orders free pickup or free delivery (over $35) Save 25% off your purchase of 2 or more items online, plus look for flash sales

Stay home (as much as possible) + stay healthy!

Harrisburg orders halt to residential evictions due to health, economic crisis

March 25, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A row of apartments in Harrisburg

Harrisburg has halted evictions in the city for the duration of the current disaster declaration.

The city today announced that it would suspend residential evictions in light of the COVID-19 health emergency and resulting economic crisis.

“The City of Harrisburg understands that individuals may have trouble paying their rent promptly in the midst of this health crisis,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “We will not make matters worse by allowing landlords to evict during this disaster emergency.”

On March 16, Papenfuse declared an emergency in Harrisburg. Likewise, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered a statewide judicial emergency, which has allowed courts to temporarily shut their doors through April 14.

Papenfuse said that the city codes department is in touch in landlords to notify them of the eviction suspension.

The city also has suspended metered and residential parking enforcement until March 29. The city and parking operator SP+ have also suspended enforcement of street sweeping parking enforcement.

In a letter today, Councilman Dave Madsen said that he’s asked the city administration to extend these enforcement suspensions until Gov. Tom Wolf rescinds his order closing all “non life-sustaining” businesses.

In other city action, Papenfuse said today that the city has placed portable sinks in both Riverfront Park and Reservoir Park to encourage hand-washing by park users.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents, especially the elderly and most vulnerable,” Papenfuse said, adding that funding for the sinks was provided by Belco Community Credit Union.

Gov. Wolf announces no-interest loan program for small businesses in PA

March 25, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A “closed” sign at the Little Amps on State Street

The state is initiating a short-term loan program for small businesses, which would be able borrow up to $100,000 without needing to pay interest.

During an online press conference, Gov. Tom Wolf today introduced the new “COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA),” a $60 million fund administered by the PA Industrial Development Authority.

“CWCA is a step in the right direction, and it will help provide a little piece of mind to hundreds of small business owners and their employees,” Wolf said.

Under the program, for-profit retail or services businesses with fewer than 100 employees would be able to borrow up to $100,000 for three years. The loans carry no interest, except for agricultural producers, which would be charged a 2-percent interest rate.

Borrowers would not have to make payments for the first year, but loans would need to be paid back in full by the end of the third year.

Loans are meant to provide “working capital” for businesses, designed to support their ongoing operations during these difficult economic times.

To qualify for the program, businesses need to apply through their county’s Certified Economic Development Organization. In Dauphin and Perry counties, this is the Capital Region Economic Development Corp. (CREDC) and, in Cumberland County, it’s the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp. (CAEDC).

Wolf expects funds to be available this week. He said that he hopes this program will help businesses survive through the current economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When we get through this crisis, we’re going to want to get out of our houses and go to restaurants and bars and stores, and we’re going to need places for people to earn a living so they afford to go to restaurants and bars and stores and support other workers,” Wolf said. “So, we need to work together to preserve our businesses. I vow to save Pennsylvanians lives and save their livelihoods.”

Click here for more details on the COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program.

COVID-19 cases in PA exceed 1,000; state reports four more deaths

March 25, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

An image from the state’s Department of Health’s lab in Exton, Pa.

COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania now exceed 1,000, as the commonwealth today reported 276 new positive cases.

The state Department of Health today reported a total of 1,127 confirmed cases, compared to 851 yesterday. Eleven people have died from the disease, up from seven yesterday, the department stated.

“Our notable increase in cases over the last few days indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.

The state Department of Health’s map of COVID-19 cases

Positive cases have now been reported in 44 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

Locally, Dauphin County now has 10 confirmed cases, Cumberland County has 13 cases, Lancaster County has 12 cases, York County has 20 cases, Lebanon County has three cases and Adams County has six cases.

Throughout the commonwealth, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 257, followed by Montgomery County with 172.

Statewide, 12,320 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 11,193 testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 9,494 had been tested for the virus.

The state now has issued “stay at home” orders for 10 counties, adding Lehigh and Northampton counties today. The others are Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Allegheny, Chester, Monroe, Delaware and Erie counties. This order continues until April 6.

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police yesterday issued 17 warnings for failure to comply with Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that “non life-sustaining” businesses shut their physical locations. The police have now issued 44 warnings since Monday, but have not yet issued any citations.

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.

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

More than 200 new COVID-19 cases, 7 total deaths, reported in Pennsylvania

March 24, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

This shaded map from the PA Department of Health shows COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania.

The number of new COVID-19 cases has experienced its greatest one-day jump yet, with 207 new cases reported throughout Pennsylvania.

The state Department of Health today said that positive cases jumped to 851 from 644 on Monday.

The state also has reported seven deaths from the virus—two in Northampton County, two in Allegheny County and one each in Montgomery, Monroe and Lackawanna counties.

“Our notable increase in cases over the last few days indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.

The virus has now spread to 40 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, up from 34 counties yesterday.

Just as the state has seen a surge in confirmed cases, so too have local jurisdictions. Locally, Dauphin County now has four confirmed cases, Cumberland County has 13 cases, Lancaster County has 10 cases, York County has 18 cases, Lebanon County has three cases and Adams County has six cases.

Statewide, Philadelphia County has reported the most cases, with 177, followed by Montgomery County with 144.

Statewide, 9,494 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 8,643 testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 7,239 people had been tested for the virus.

On the first day of enforcement on Monday, the Pennsylvania State Police said they had issued 27 warnings to “non life-sustaining” businesses that had not followed Gov. Tom Wolf’s order to close their physical locations.

“As expected, we found the overwhelming majority of people and businesses across the commonwealth are voluntarily complying with the order and doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Col. Robert Evanchick, state police commissioner. “This process is two phased beginning with warnings to gain voluntary compliance, followed by enforcement as necessary.”

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.

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

Harrisburg mayor issues video message to reassure on city services, food availability

March 23, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A screen shot from Mayor Eric Papenfuse’s video message

Harrisburg’s mayor issued a message to residents today with reassurance that vital city services are continuing, while debunking several “rumors.”

In a video message, Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that city employees are still working and that essential services are being delivered.

“All essential city services are continuing uninterrupted,” said Papenfuse, who added that the Fire Bureau fought a fire on Locust Street just this morning. “At this time, all of our employees in the city are healthy, and they are eager to serve you.”

The city’s MLK Jr. Government Center is closed to the public, but municipal employees are still at work, either on site in city hall or at their homes, the city has said previously.

Papenfuse spent much of his short, two-minute-plus address debunking “two rumors that we’re hearing in the community.”

The first, he said, was if residents were allowed to go outside. The answer, he said, was “most assuredly yes.”

“Go outside, go for a run, walk your dog, go to the pharmacy, go to the grocery store, take out your trash—engage in these types of outdoors activities,” he said. “Just, when you do so, stay away from gathering in large groups, practice sensible social distancing, maybe stay six feet apart from others, and wash your hands and practice good hygiene both before and after you go outside.”

Residents also are calling city hall to ask if grocery stores will close or will be depleted, Papenfuse said.

“I want to assure you that grocery stories will remain open, and they will not run out of food,” he said.

Grocery stores, he said, are not subject to Gov. Tom Wolf’s order to shut down most business locations and will remain open. And this includes not just major supermarkets but other stores that carry food such as Wal-Mart, Dollar General and Target.

“There is absolutely no need to hoard any types of groceries or stockpile them,” he said. “Grocery stores will remain open.”

Lastly, he appealed for calm and a continuing sense of community.

“Remember, Harrisburg, we are all in this together,” he said. “Stay calm, stay positive, be patient, be kind to one another, and this, too, shall pass.”

Click here to watch the full video.

PA schools ordered to remain shut for another two weeks

March 23, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg’s Lincoln School building

Public schools in Pennsylvania will be closed for at least another two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera announced on Tuesday afternoon an extension of the closure order until “at least” April 6. The prior order extended only through the end of this week.

“Protecting the health and safety of students, families, teachers and all employees who work in our schools is paramount during this national health crisis, and we must continue our efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus,” he said.

Rivera said that this directive aligns with Gov. Tom Wolf’s “stay at home” order issued on Monday for seven counties: Philadelphia, Montgomery, Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Monroe.

Rivera on Monday also cancelled standardized testing for students in career and technical education (CTE) programs for the 2019-20 school year. Last week, the department cancelled all PSSA testing and Keystone exams for the 2019-20 school year, as well as the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA).

“The number of positive cases increases daily and we’re seeing it spread to more counties. We must adhere to the social distancing guidelines,” Rivera said. “Extending the closure will help every community in its efforts to mitigate the spread.”

HU, Central PA Food Bank team up to ensure students stay well fed

March 23, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

The COVID-19 outbreak has had many consequences you may not have thought about.

For instance, some college students, including about 150 students attending Harrisburg University, did not or could not return home when their schools closed and so are still staying on campus in their residence halls.

On Monday, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank brought food to HU for those resident students.

Once the food arrived in early afternoon, the HU student services team, members of the eSports team and staff helped load the food into the student union building in Whitaker Center. The team then put together food boxes for the students who remained on campus. They, like other HU students, continue to take classes online.

Our photo gallery shows the food being delivered and organized before being boxed for the students. For more information on HU, visit their website.

Photos: Courtesy Harrisburg University

State reports 644 positive COVID-19 cases in PA, one additional death

March 23, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Pennsylvania today reported one additional coronavirus-related death, as confirmed cases continued to surge across the commonwealth.

The state Department of Health today said that a man in Montgomery County has died. Last week, the department reported the deaths of man in Northampton County and another in Allegheny County.

“Our notable increase in cases over the last few days indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.

In all, 644 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the commonwealth, an increase of 165 people since yesterday, according to the department.

Locally, one positive case has been reported in Dauphin County, 12 in Cumberland County, five in Lancaster County, three in Lebanon County, 10 in York County and six in Adams County.

Statewide, 34 counties have now reported COVID-19 cases, one more than yesterday.

Testing statewide continued to surge. The health department said today that a total of 7,239 people had been tested for the coronavirus, with the far majority, 6,595, testing negative. Yesterday, the state reported 5,443 tests.

This morning, the state police also began enforcing restrictions mandating the closure of physical locations of businesses considered “non life-sustaining.”

In other related news, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources today extended the closing of all state parks until April 30.

This closure applies to campgrounds, cabins and accommodations. Parks will continue to be available to the public for “passive and dispersed recreation, such as hiking,” according to DCNR.

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.

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

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