Dr Rachel Levine of the Pennsylvania Department of Health said that increased testing capacity, especially at nursing facilities and personal care homes is a critical aspect to successfully reopen Pennsylvania. She announced a robust three pillar strategy, to ensure testing is accessible, available and adaptable to the evolving landscape of the virus and data. The number of cases in communities will continue to be closely monitored by the department to ensure that testing sites are situated appropriately in areas with the greatest need. The department reports that there were 837 new cases of the coronavirus yesterday bringing the statewide total of cases to 57,991. There are reports of 75 new COVID-19 deaths for a statewide total of 3,806. Lycoming County reports no new cases of COVID-19, with a 132 countywide total.
The Department of Health distributed the investigational antiviral medication Remdesivir to treat patients in the hospital with COVID-19. The federal government distributed the first shipment of 1,200 doses – the entire allotment to Pennsylvania hospitals. According to a media release, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said was shown in a clinical trial to shorten the recovery time in some people, so the FDA has authorized the emergency use of the medication for treatment.
A Jersey Shore nursing home is responding today to reports of an increase in COVID-19 cases at the facility, spiking to 52 from 12 in just five days. According to the Lock Haven Express administrators from HCR ManorCare said all in-house patients at the Thomson Street facility have been tested and the staff is responding with a treatment plan under airborne isolation precautions for the high risk patients. Families of patients who have tested positive have been notified.
The Clinton County Fair Board announced with disappointment that they have decided to cancel the 2020, 48th annual Clinton County Fair based on the restrictions and guidelines from the state. There are discussions of an online Jr Livestock sale at a later time, but all fair sponsored events, including the weekly Flea Market in Mackeyville, are cancelled until further notice. You will find information on pulling and speedway events on their websites and Facebook pages.
No new coronavirus cases were reported in Lycoming County as of midnight yesterday which leaves the countywide case count at 132 with 9 deaths here, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Union County has 41 cases with 1 death reported, Columbia has 330 cases and 28 deaths. Northumberland has 126 cases, Montour – 49 cases and no deaths there. In the state, there were 837 new cases bringing the total to 57,991. There are reports of 75 new COVID-19 deaths for a statewide total of 3,806.
Unapproved coronavirus medication that was heading to an address in Union County was sized at the Port of Harrisburg a week ago by federal agents. The Sun Gazette reports that US Customs and Border protection said a shipment of medicine (called Linhua Qingwen) that is unapproved in the US with unknown effectiveness but is being used to treat some patients. Officers working at ports within the Baltimore Field Office region have completed 18 seizures of counterfeit or unapproved COVID-19 equipment and medicines since March 23
There is a temporary polling place change for the June 2nd election only in Loyalsock Township . The Lycoming County Government reported the Loyalsock Township 2nd Precinct polling place will be temporarily changed to the Loyalsock Community Recreation Center, located at 1607 Four Mile Drive for the June 2 General Primary ONLY. Signs will be posted at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church – the normal polling place to notify voters of the change, and letters will be mailed to registered voters in the precinct. St. Ann Roman Catholic Church is expected to be the polling place for Loyalsock Township 2nd Precinct for the November 3 General Election.
A pool of $200K in funding has been established by the The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce that will be used to make grants and loans availble to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a chamber news release. Small businesses located in Lycoming County with annual revenue not exceeding $3million are eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Businesses applying do not need to be a Chamber of Commerce member and will not be expected to join should funding be provided. The application can be found at www.williamsport.org under the COVID-19 Useful Links tab
SPORTS
HS Baseball
Central Mountain graduate Alex Garbrick is transferring from Morehead State University, where he was a pitcher on the Eagles’ baseball team. The right-hander who was the ace pitcher for Keystone Little League’s run to the 2011 Little League World Series, announced Monday he’ll play his final two years of eligibility at the University of South Carolina-Upstate.
MLB
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has opened the door for professional sports in the state. The Gevernor says professional sports, including MLB, the NBA, the NHL and the NFL, can resume without fans on Saturday.
NASCAR
A random draw instead of the normal time trial will determine the starting lineup for NASCAR’s Cup Race at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina this Sunday. No word on when the draw will take place, but it’s expected to happen before Sunday.
NFL
A 25 year old man, and huge Tom Brady fan, who made millions creating YouTube Channels, bought the Tom Brady All-In Challenge prize package for $800k at auction, which will go to help feeding families during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the bid, Logan Thirtyacre got incredible seats at a Tampa Bay Buccanneers game, hanging out on the field with Tom, dinner with him and the game jerseys off of Brady’s back after the game.
