276 NEW CASES IN PENNSYLVANIA
Dr Rachel Levine in her daily press conference yesterday updated Pennsylvanians on the growing numers of cases of COVID 19 in Pennsylvania. As of midnight March 25th, there are 276 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing a statewide total to 1, 127 in 44 counties. There are 11 deaths reported in Pennsylvania. Levine said they are working hard to make sure N95 masks get into the hands of our medical workers, and she continues to stress the Governor’s efforts urging Pennsylvanians to self-distance an limit contact is critical. The first case of the coronaviruse was diagnosed in the state on March 6th.
TENTS OUTSIDE EMERGENCY ROOM USED FOR SCREENINGS
Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital have placed tents outside the emergency entrance where patients are now screened for any respiratory illnesses that could be related to COVID-19 before entering the building. According to Geisinger’s media relations specialist, the screening tents ensure safety of all but inside the tents they do not provide testing for the virus, only checking for any signs or symptoms.
STORE EMPLOYEE TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
A Milton grocery store has announced that an employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19 this week but has not worked at the store since March 18th. Public Relations Director for Weis Markets, Dennis Curtin, said in a statement that they support their employee and are following all the local and state department health guidelines. Curtin added that no additional employees have reported any illness, but one associate who worked with the diagnosed person has gone into self-quarantine. Enhanced sanitizing and cleaning procedures are in place at all of the 199 Weis stores and Curtin says the Milton location continues to be a safe place to shop.
MEAL DISTRIBUTION CHANGES
Williamsport Area School District has announced a change in the delivery process for their meal assistance program to reduce face to face contact between school employees during the COVID 19 crisis. Beginning this Monday, March 30th, the meal assistance program will only operate on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bagged meals for students 18 and younger on Monday will include 2 breakfasts and lunches and Wednesday’s will include 3 breakfasts and lunches. Students who benefit from this program must be present at the time of pick up. The Williamsport Area schools offering the meals are Stevens Primary School , Curtin and Lycoming Valley Intermediate Schools and Williamsport Middle. Get more info at www.wasd.org
FIRST CORONAVIRUS CASE REPORTED IN PENNSYLVANIA
The first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Lycoming County yesterday according to the Department of Public Safety confirmed this week. Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. who first mentioned the case on social media and said he was told the person has been instructed to quarantine at home. No information about the individual was released. As we all endure social distancing, Governor Wolf said in a press conference yesterday, that business owners and their employees have borne a huge brunt of the shutdowns, and urged residents to “step up” and do their part to help stop the spread of coronavirus, and to please stay home.
WATER LEAK DAMAGES LOCK HAVEN STOREFRONT BUSINESSES
There was a water leak in downtown Lock Haven yesterday in a vacant building along East Main Street that flooded basements of several buildings there. According to the Record Online, the city water department shut down the line but damage had been done at the Clinton County Garden Building where newer heating and AC units were damaged and briefly tripped circuit breakers. Volunteer firefighters pumped water out of both the garden building and the Roxy Theater which fire officials say had receded to about 2 feet by yesterday afternoon. The building where the leak occurred is owned by a New Jersey man, who has been notified
COMPLETE THE 2020 CENSUS WHILE YOU SELF-ISOLATE
Residents are encouraged to participate in the 2020 Census this year while many in the community are home and practicing social distancing. Census field operations are on pause, but you can still complete the census online or by phone. According to the Union County Census bureau office, a complete and accurate count, especially of residents in rural areas is important since Census numbers affect public funding for Medicaid, School lunch programs, Community development grants, Road and school construction, Medical services, Business locations and much more. There are also part-time employment opportunities for temporary part-time work with the 2020 Census. Get more information and an application online by going to 2020census.gov/jobs.
Sports
NFL
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said he was “cleared” this past Tuesday after testing positive for the coronavirus after he had symptoms on March 15th.
The Dallas Cowboys have resumed contract negotiations with Dak Prescott for the first time since the team used the exclusive franchise tag on him earlier this month. Prescott is the first quarterback in Cowboys history to have the franchise tag applied to him.
NBA
Stephen Curry is scheduled to host a conversation today on social media with Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the leading experts on the coronavirus pandemic and a top medical advisor to President Donald Trump at 1pm eastern time on Instagram Live.
MLB
The Pittsburgh Pirates reached out to their local communities this week and delivered more than 400 pizzas from two local pizzerias to the staff at Allegheny General Hospital – in the same spirit, Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo teamed up with local Chicago restaurants to feed the staff a Children’s Hospitals in Chicago and Florida, with nearly 700 meals donated.
