Nine more PA counties, including two in midstate, added to “stay at home” order

A screen shot today of Dr. Rachel Levine (right) during a virtual press conference.

Nine more counties were added today to the state’s “stay at home” order, including the first two counties in central Pennsylvania.

Gov. Tom Wolf today added Lancaster and York counties to the directive, as well as Berks, Butler, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Wayne and Westmoreland counties. The order takes effect at 8 p.m. today and will remain in place until at least April 6.

“As those [positive COVID-19) numbers increase to a significant level, and we have evidence of community spread . . . the governor issues the order,” said state Secretary of Health Rachel Levine, during a press conference this afternoon. “In those new counties, we were seeing those trends.”

The orders will remain in place until the number of COVID-19 cases plateaus and then begins to decrease, Levine said.

“When it goes down in a significant way, then we’ll discuss that with the governor, and we’ll slowly relax some of the mitigation orders,” she said.

As of today, the state has reported 33 positive COVID-19 cases in Lancaster County and 29 in York County. Neither county has reported a fatality from the disease.

The other counties under this order are Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties

Under the “stay at home” order, people may leave their residence only to perform any of the following allowable activities and travel:

  • Tasks essential to maintain health and safety, or the health and safety of their family or household members (including pets), such as obtaining medicine or medical supplies, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home
  • Getting necessary services or supplies for themselves, for their family or household members, or as part of volunteer efforts, or to deliver those services or supplies to others to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences
  • Engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running if they maintain social distancing
  • To perform work providing essential products and services at a life-sustaining business
  • To care for a family member or pet in another household
  • Any travel related to the provision of or access to the above-mentioned individual activities or life-sustaining business activities
  • Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons
  • Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services
  • Travel to return to a place of residence from an outside jurisdiction
  • Travel required by law enforcement or court order
  • Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the commonwealth
  • Anyone performing life-sustaining travel does not need paperwork to prove the reason for travel.

The following operations are exempt:

  • Life-sustaining business activities
  • Health care or medical services providers
  • Access to life-sustaining services for low-income residents, including food banks
  • Access to child care services for employees of life-sustaining businesses that remain open as follows: child care facilities operating under the Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning waiver process; group and family child care operating in a residence; and part-day school age programs operating under an exemption from the March 19, 2020 business closure Orders
  • News media
  • Law enforcement
  • The federal government
  • Religious institutions

People experiencing homelessness are not subject to the order but are strongly urged to find shelter and government agencies are urged to take steps needed to provide shelter for those individuals, according to the governor’s office.

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Coronavirus cases top 2,000 in PA, six more deaths reported

Coronavirus cases show no sign of easing in Pennsylvania, as the state Department of Health today reported 531 new positive cases.

The latest data bring the total to 2,218 cases statewide since the pandemic began, up from 1,687 yesterday. Moreover, the state Department of Health today reported six additional deaths from the virus, bringing that total to 22 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 50 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

Locally, Dauphin County now has 18 confirmed cases, Cumberland County has 16 cases, Lancaster County has 33 cases, York County has 29 cases, Lebanon County has 12 cases and Adams County has eight cases.

Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 530 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 374 cases.

Statewide, 23,234 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 21,016 testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 18,128 had been tested for the virus.

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

  • Less than 1 percent are aged 0-4
  • Less than 1 percent are aged 5-12
  • Nearly 2 percent are aged 13-18
  • 11 percent are aged 19-24
  • 40 percent are aged 25-49
  • Nearly 28 percent are aged 50-64
  • 18 percent are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are aged 25 to 49, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date.

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police yesterday issued 21 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 78 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.

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Wolf signs bills moving primary election to June, waiving school requirement

Screen shot of Gov. Tom Wolf, right, at a recent online press conference.

Pennsylvania has officially moved its primary election up by about five weeks, as the state tries to reduce public contact due to the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency.

Today, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill for a new election date of June 2, up from the original date of April 28.

“Delaying this year’s primary election as several other states have done is in the best interests of voters, poll workers and county election officials,” Wolf said. “I commend the General Assembly for acting quickly on this critical legislation. The Department of State will continue to work with local election officials to ensure Pennsylvania has a fair and accessible election.”

Voters also have the option to vote by mail rather than going to a polling place.

According to the state, more than 215,000 registered voters have signed up for either a mail-in or absentee ballot, with nearly 78 percent using the new online application. Those voters do not need to file new applications despite the change in primary date, Wolf’s office said today.

Wolf signed another bill waiving the 180-day requirement for schools to be in session. Most schools have been out for two weeks, and the state recently pushed up the closure order until “at least” April 6.

Wolf also signed a bill that provides $50 million for the state to purchase medical equipment and supplies for hospitals, nursing facilities and emergency medical services to meet the needs of patients and staff.

“This funding will allow Pennsylvania to get more beds, ventilators and other personal protective equipment that our health care system needs for a surge in patients,” Wolf said, in a statement. “The state and our health care system are mobilizing as fast as possible to provide medical workers with the equipment they need to care for patients.”

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Harrisburg extends ticketing moratorium through emergency

A parking meter along N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg will suspend parking enforcement through the remainder of the city’s disaster declaration, it was announced this afternoon.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said today that the city and parking operator SP+ will extend its moratorium on ticketing for on-street parking meters, residential zone parking and street sweeping until the disaster declaration is lifted.

On March 16, Papenfuse declared a disaster emergency in the city due to the COVID-19 health and resulting economic crisis.

The declaration halted ticketing through March 29, a date that has now been extended indefinitely, until the emergency ends.

The declaration also closed public access to city buildings and has resulted in a number of other actions, including a temporary halt to residential evictions throughout the city.

By state mandate, schools are also shut down, and “non life-sustaining” businesses have been ordered to close their physical locations.

Today, the state Department of Health reported a nearly 50-percent increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases since yesterday, to 1,687 cases statewide.

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Community Spirits: Area distillers swap bottling spirits for sanitizer.

Chad Butters of Eight Oaks Farm Distillery

Dan Healy is anxiously awaiting a shipment of hydrogen peroxide. It was due to arrive at Harrisburg’s Midstate Distillery sometime today.

You read that right. Hydrogen peroxide isn’t something the head distiller and co-owner normally orders. But then again, he’s normally producing whiskey, vodka, rum or gin. For about a week, he’s switched to production of hand sanitizer instead.

“Unfortunately the supply chain is getting taxed right now,” Healy said via phone Thursday afternoon. “I’ve also placed orders for more ethanol—close to a thousand gallons.”

The basic recipe for hand sanitizer calls for high-proof alcohol (ethanol), hydrogen peroxide and glycerin, following the World Health Organization’s guidelines. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the germ-fighting mixture is in short supply.

“It’s a blending process, calculating ratios and volumes, checking for purity standards—the process is basically what we do every day, but with slightly different chemicals,” Healy said.

On Wednesday, he bottled 34 gallons of hand sanitizer, each in a bulk-size, one-gallon bottle. He was hoping to bottle another 34 gallons today, then ramp up to several hundred gallons daily. At that point, volunteers will come in to assist his staff which includes three full time and several part time employees.

Midstate’s hand sanitizer is in good hands—Healy is distributing it to first responders including the Harrisburg police and fire bureaus, health care workers, area senior homes, and an ever-growing list of those who call and put in requests.

“The need is way outweighing our supply,” said Healy.

He estimates that at least 50 of Pennsylvania’s 100 distilleries are currently producing hand sanitizer to supply their communities to potentially protect them from COVID-19.

One of the first distilleries in the state to begin bottling hand sanitizer was Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, located in New Tripoli, in the Lehigh Valley. Midstaters may be familiar with the name because Eight Oaks operates a stand in Harrisburg’s Broad Street Market.

“I saw the price of hand sanitizer was being jacked up, and I thought it was ridiculous,” said Chad Butters, Eight Oaks’ founder.

That was about two weeks ago.

“We made the decision to shut down distillery operations on Sunday [March 15], and we had our first small batch Monday,” he said. “Also by Monday, it was very clear this was a significant crisis we were facing as a country.”

By the end of the week, the craft distillery produced 1,000 bottles, each filled with eight ounces of sanitizer.

“Now, we’re scaling up,” said Butters.

Yesterday’s grand total was 2,000 bottles—and he was predicting a batch of 8,000 bottles today. If that sounds like a lot, wait till you hear where he’s headed.

“Next week we’re aiming for 10,000 bottles a day—conservatively, and 40,000 bottles per day the week after that, then scaling up to 50,000 per day after that,” Butters said.

Three of Eight Oaks’ 25 employees are working full time to keep up with hand sanitizer orders. The precious liquid is being distributed to emergency management personnel in four counties, cancer centers including those treating pediatric patients, homeless shelters, Second Harvest Food Bank and other nonprofits.

They’re limiting points of contact by having individual representatives pick up the hand sanitizer from Eight Oaks’ facility.

Donations in all dollar amounts, to help offset costs, are being accepted on Eight Oaks’ website.

As of Wednesday, Lehigh County residents were included in Gov. Tom Wolf’s stay-at-home order.

“This is absolutely mission-critical stuff,” Butters said. “This is no different than a nurse or doctor suiting up and protecting the community—we have a job to do too and it’s the right thing to do.”

Yianni Barakos, co-owner of Gettysburg’s Mason Dixon Distillery echoes those thoughts. He likened the movement to the past: During World War II, distilleries produced alcohol for the war effort.

“All of a sudden, we’re part of something bigger than ever before,” said Barakos.

He just finished his first week of hand sanitizer production, equaling just over 200 gallons.

“We are selling it to a single source—a health care system,” said Barakos. “We’re not making much if any money—but by charging we’re helping our staff.”

Bottles of hand sanitizer are boxed and ready to be shipped at Mason Dixon Distillery.

He declined to identify the health care system but said it was regional. He’s been overrun with requests for sanitizer.

“It’s been a constant emotional rollercoaster, fielding dozens of messages and requests from people, hearing their stories—I’m welling up right now,” said Barakos. “But I’m trying to put it where I think it’s going to do the most amount of good.”

While the state liquor stores are shut down, distilleries are still allowed to sell their products. Currently, Eight Oaks is not selling their spirits; Mason Dixon is shipping products via UPS; and Midstate Distillery is taking orders and offering curbside pickup.

“We still have a good supply at the moment, but unfortunately while we’re putting our resources into sanitizer, it’s going to be tough to replace our products as we run out,” said Healy. “We’ve been getting great feedback from the community—for most people, we’re their only resource for spirits right now.”

For more information, see midstatedistillery.com, eightoaksdistillery.com and masondixondistillery.com.

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Distance Learning: Midtown Scholar hosts its first virtual book talk.

Authors Katherine Stewart and John Fea

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing people to stay home and businesses to close their doors, it seems as if the entire Harrisburg area has gone dim.

However, that didn’t stop Midtown Scholar Bookstore from bringing its famous book talks to the community. They just had to get a bit more creative.

On Wednesday evening, Midtown Scholar hosted its very first virtual book talk. The new series kicked off with New York Times bestselling author Katherine Stewart and fellow author and American history professor at Messiah College, John Fea.

Our event series is such a foundational piece of what we do here at the Scholar,” said Alex Brubaker, bookstore manager. “We couldn’t let it die simply because we couldn’t meet in person. If we can contribute some semblance of normalcy to our lives at this moment, it’s worth it.”

Almost 200 people tuned into the bookstore’s Crowdcast, a live video platform used for webinars, Q&As and more. Some audience members were streaming the book talk from places outside Harrisburg, as far away as Chicago and even Canada.

Stewart discussed her latest book, “The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism.” Fea, author of “Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump,” led the discussion surrounding religion, politics and their intersection with religious nationalism.

“It’s not just about evangelicals,” Stewart said. “[The religious nationalism movement] includes many evangelicals, but also excludes evangelicals and includes a variety of both Protestant and non-Protestant forms of religion.”

Stewart’s book dives into how America’s religious conservatives evolved into the Christian nationalist movement, which, she said, is better funded and more organized than many people realize. She reveals how the movement relies on think tanks, advocacy groups, pastoral organizations and even other religious nationalists around the world.

Both authors and Brubaker sat in their own rooms, with books lining the walls and dim lighting, almost giving the feeling of being back in the bookstore. Aside from very few technical hiccups, the conversation flowed smoothly. Audience members were able to chat amongst themselves using the live chat on the right-hand side of their screens.

For the Q&A portion of the talk, people were able to submit questions using the “ask a question” button at the bottom of the screen, and Brubaker then read them aloud.

“The live-stream was smooth,” Brubaker said. “The questions from the audience were thought-provoking, and the authors were on the top of their game. The outpouring of support and positivity from our attendees and viewers has been humbling, and we’re so, so thankful.”

The moments before closing Midtown Scholar’s physical store were surreal and scary, Brubaker said. However, it inspired this move to a more virtual presence, which can reach even more people.

“I think what makes indie bookstores so special is their presence in the community,” he said. “To see the wider network of indie bookstores still prioritize that sense of community and education to their customers in a time like this is really awe-inspiring. We’re all fighting. We’re all in this together, and we’ll continue to try to bring some sense of normalcy to our lives.”

During these tough times, the future of many small businesses may seem up in the air. According to Brubaker, the best way to support them is to make an online order or purchase a gift card. Midtown Scholar is currently adding an extra 10 percent to every gift card purchase.

“We’re still shipping books across the country, we’re still processing gift cards, answering emails, and we’re still hosting virtual events,” he said. “Tune in, buy some books, show us some love (even an uplifting note goes a long way!), and we’ll try to make it out of the other side of this thing.”

Next up in the virtual book talk series is author Casey Schwartz with her novel, “Attention, A Love Story,” on April 6 at 7 p.m. For more information, follow Midtown Scholar’s Crowdcast account at www.crowdcast.io/midtownscholar.

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Confirmed COVID-19 cases up substantially since yesterday across PA

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.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich: Isolation Edition

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

“Events” happening this weekend:

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

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.

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

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.

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