DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RELEASES FRIDAY COVID-19 NUMBERS, SEEKS SOURCES FOR PROTECTIVE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
According to the PA Department of Health concerning the numbers of coronavirus cases in the state, there are 1,751 new cases in Pennsylvania – bringing the statewide total to 19,979. Seventy eight new deaths in the commonwealth, brings the total fatalities to 416. In her daily video press conference, Secretary of Health, Dr Rachel Levine said yesterday the state is always looking to make sure they have enough protective equipment for hospital workers, and are requesting that manufacturers nationwide source products through the find those resources online at dced.pa.gov/resources/
SECOND ARMED ROBBERY IN A WEEK IN WILLIAMSPORT
State Troopers were dispatched Friday night in response to an armed robbery at a Local convenience store. According to the Sun Gazette, the robbery took place around 9:15pm at the A1 Stop gas station across from Faxon Bowling lanes on River Ave. Police say, the suspect brandished a semi-automatic handgun and demanded money from the gas station employee and left the scene with an undisclosed amount. No injuries were reported.
TRUCK ROLL OVER ON MARKET STREET BRIDGE
A tractor trailer roll-over wreck happened last night around 8:46 p.m on the Market Street bridge in Williamsport. According to the Sun Gazette city officers say traffic was blocked both north and southbound on the bridge for four and a half hours after the truck turned over on its’ driver’s side. The operator was transported to UPMC Williamsprot with unknown injuries. NO damage was done to the bridge structure, but the case is under criminal investigation, according to city officers. Traffic was blocked both north and southbound on the bridge for four and a half hours.
QUALIFYING INMATES MAY GET EARLY RELEASE DUE TO VIRUS THREAT
Qualifying Prison inmates in in the Commonwealth, may get an early release. Governor Wolf is issuing an executive order to combat the spread of coronavirus in Pennsylvania prisons by allowing certain prisoners an early release if they are close to the end of their sentence and lack violent or drug related charges. As many as 1500-1800 prisoners could qualify for a conditional supervised release, and is expected to begin as soon as Tuesday.
HOSPITAL LOAN PROGRAM APPLICATION AVAILABLE MONDAY
The Wolf administration is taking steps to help hospitals through the future transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic and back to regular healthcare. Governor wolf has issued a financial assistance program for hospitals. The Hospital Emergency Loan Program is a 450 million dollar low interest loan program established to assist hospitals who are financially strained by the outbreak stay well equipped as more patients are admitted. The wolf administrations goal through the financial aid program is to help make the transition back to regular healthcare smoother for hospitals. Applications for the $10 million per hospital loan will be available on DCED’s website starting at 10:00 AM April 13 through April 20 with costs incurred between March 1 and Sept. 1st.
CITY TAX DEADLINE EXTENDED, COUNTY DEADLINES REMAIN THE SAME
The Williamsport City Treasurer said there will be extra time for paying city real estate taxes. Due to potential financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic, the discounted rate for city real estate tax has been extended from April 30 to June 30, while the deadline to pay at the normal rate shifts from June 30 to August 31. The deadline for filing local earned income tax with no penalties or interest is July 15. However according to Dottie White-Mertz, Loyalsock tax collector and President of Lycoming County Tax Collectors, says the Lycoming County tax offices will keep the original schedule. County taxpayers receive a 2% discount when paying before their early deadline.
