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.

“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.

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.

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center confirms its first COVID-19 patient

March 22, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center this afternoon confirmed its first positive case of COVID-19.

According to the Hershey-based medical center, the person is an adult, non-employee patient and is being treated in “negative pressure isolation” according to COVID-19 treatment protocols.

The center’s press release stated that its officials are in “close contact” with both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the PA Department of Health. It declined to share further information due to privacy concerns.

“Medical staff currently caring for the patient have extensive training in the treatment of highly infectious diseases,” according to the medical center release. “A dedicated, in-hospital patient care area designated to specifically treat infectious disease patients will ensure COVID-19 patients receive the best possible care while all necessary precautions are taken to ensure the well-being of employees and other patients.”

The center stated that it remains open to treat all patients, but has suspended all non-essential surgeries and put in place a restricted visitation policy.

Earlier today, the state health department confirmed the first case of positive diagnosis of COVID-19 in Dauphin County. Throughout the commonwealth, the state Department of Health today confirmed that 479 positive cases have been reported in 33 counties.

More than 100 new COVID-19 cases reported in PA, including first in Dauphin County; state police to begin enforcement

March 22, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

The state Department of Health’s map of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania, shaded to indicate affected counties.

Pennsylvania now has 479 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including the first positive case in Dauphin County.

This represents an increase of 108 confirmed cases since yesterday, according to the state Department of Health. Deaths from the disease remained unchanged at two people statewide.

Locally, besides the single positive case in Dauphin County, Cumberland County has 11 cases, York County has 10 cases, Lancaster County has six cases, Lebanon County has three cases, and Adams County has reported five cases.

Thirty-three of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have now reported cases, five more than yesterday.

Philadelphia County now has the most cases, with 91, overtaking Montgomery County, which has reported 87 cases.

“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. “Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe.”

Cases are increasing rapidly in the state, but so is testing for the coronavirus.

The health department said today that 5,443 people have been tested in Pennsylvania, with 4,964 testing negative for the virus. That’s an increase of 1,574 tests since yesterday.

Separately, the state police today said that, beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, they would start assisting in the enforcement of Gov. Tom Wolf’s order to shut down the physical locations of “non life-sustaining businesses.”

“The priority of the Pennsylvania State Police is protecting lives and maintaining order in the commonwealth,” said Col. Robert Evanchick, state police commissioner. “In light of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, troopers and liquor control enforcement officers are prepared to ensure compliance with Gov. Wolf’s order.”

Businesses, he said, “face possible criminal penalties” if they refused to shut down. Last week, the state Liquor Control Board stated that liquor license-holders faced sanctions and penalties if they refused to comply with an order banning on-premises consumption.

Wolf also issued a statement today to “remind” state residents that grocery stores, food processors and food banks remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pennsylvanians, he said, “should feel confident in the food supply and shop for food at their normal rate.”

“Even in a pandemic, grocery stores and food banks are life-sustaining and accessible; food production and distribution are continuing,” Wolf said. “I urge all Pennsylvanians to have faith in our food system.”

He also cautioned against hoarding.

“If each one of us commits to only buy what we need, there will be enough for everyone and their neighbors,” he said.

He also credited the state’s agricultural industry “for providing a safe, continuous food supply.”

“I’m incredibly proud of and grateful for this dedicated industry,” Wolf said. “These times will pass. But in the meantime, you can know that they’re working hard and making smart decisions to fill the shelves of your local grocer.”

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.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 21, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

“Closed” signs abound throughout Harrisburg’s business districts.

Around Harrisburg, the past news week amounted to all-coronavirus, all the time, as all other stories understandably took a back seat to the pandemic. At TheBurg, we had both a statewide and local focus, and, if you missed some of our coverage, we have it all listed and linked below.

Art can be seen and sometimes even made out of doors. So, our arts blogger is going directly to nature for his art fix, adding a planned plein air event, with adequate social distancing, naturally.

Broad Street Market remains open as a vital food resource in Harrisburg. Our online feature story explains the surprisingly upbeat and very community-oriented vibe inside the city’s historic food and farmers market.

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the closure of all “non life-sustaining” business offices, telling people to self-isolate at home unless they’re an essential worker. This office shutdown was arguably the most severe restriction of several over the past week.

Harrisburg declared a state of emergency in the city and shut public access to the city government center as a result. Dauphin County followed suit, closing down public access to county facilities. Our online story offers information on how to continue to do business with both governmental bodies.

Harrisburg suspended street parking enforcement for 10 days, along with street sweeping enforcement. Capital Region Water also explained its policies and actions in light of the crisis. We published an online story explaining both.

Harrisburg school district and the city police are collaborating on ways to feed the city’s schoolchildren, now that school has been suspended. Find out how you can help in the effort from our online story.

Mayor Papenfuse went higher tech than usual this past week, employing Facebook Live to connect with residents and answer questions. The fire chief and police commissioner joined him, addressing many COVID-19-related topics.

Methodist churches closed throughout the Harrisburg area last year. Our magazine feature tells what happened with one parish, in our only non-coronavirus story of the week.

PA Department of Health began a daily coronavirus update of cases in PA, with a county-by-county breakdown. We covered them all, including the latest from Saturday.

PA Liquor Control Board cracked down on license-holding bars and restaurants that have refused to close for on-premises consumption. Sanctions will be imposed on violators, warned the PLCB, which also closed all its state liquor and wine stores.

Restaurants and other small businesses are already suffering immensely, forced to shut down to prevent the spread of the virus. In a blog post, our editor makes a plea for the community to support them.

Runners are a committed bunch. So, even though springtime races have been cancelled, they ran the races independently, taking precautions to ensure social distancing. Our reporter, a runner herself, described the scene along the river.

Sara Bozich traded in her usual list of events for a more important list—guidance on how to support local businesses facing devastating economic times. Visit her story and help your neighbors.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever to subscribe here.

State reports more than 100 new COVID-19 cases, including second death, in PA

March 21, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

The state Department of Health’s coronavirus map, with shaded counties indicating coronavirus cases.

Coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania are continuing a sharp upwards trend, with the commonwealth reporting 103 new cases since yesterday.

At its daily briefing, the state Department of Health reported 371 positive cases in 28 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. On Friday, the state reported 268 cases.

Department Secretary Rachel Levine also reported the state’s second death from the virus, a man in Allegheny County. The first reported death, earlier this week, was a man from Northampton County.

“There are now two deaths in Pennsylvania caused by this virus since we first detected it two weeks ago,” Levine said.

Locally, there are 11 cases in Cumberland County, four in Lancaster County, nine in York County, four in Adams County and two in Lebanon County. There still have been no confirmed cases in Dauphin County.

The two counties with the most cases are Montgomery County with 71 cases and Philadelphia County with 69 cases.

Testing statewide has ramped up significantly in recent days. The state today reported that a total of 3,869 patients have been tested, with 3,766 testing negative. That’s about 1,000 additional tests than were reported yesterday.

“We are still seeing an exponential rise of cases in Pennsylvania and the United States,” Levine said. “This virus is deadly, and we need to practice social distancing to minimize its impact.”

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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