Department Of Health: Over 7.2 Million Vaccinations To Date, First Doses Of Vaccine To 43.4% Of Population, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 20, there were 4,577 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,113,868.

There are 2,705 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 561 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

Pennsylvania COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring Dashboard Update For April 9 – 15

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf and Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam released a weekly status update detailing the state’s mitigation efforts based on the COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System dashboard, highlighting a seven-day case increase of 24,394 cases, a statewide percent positivity of 9.6% and 55 counties with substantial transmission status.

“COVID-19 remains a threat in our communities and we continue to report thousands of cases each day. The vaccines are giving us a glimmer of hope as we continue our fight against the virus,” Gov. Wolf said. “As residents get vaccinated, it remains important for us to stay the course and continue washing hands, wearing a mask and social distancing.”

Gov. Wolf Awards More Than $13 Million for Homelessness Assistance and Prevention

Governor Tom Wolf announced more than $13 million in funding awards to assist in mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 on families and individuals experiencing homelessness and to prevent future homelessness across the commonwealth.

“While the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been devastating for people across the commonwealth, the added impacts on those experiencing homelessness only exacerbate the challenges this community faces on a daily basis,” said Gov. Wolf. “This critical funding will help the individuals most in need in counties across Pennsylvania, helping them find housing, improving shelter operations, providing hotel and motel vouchers, and preventing homelessness, among other significant and vital efforts.”

Department Of Health: Over 7.1 Million Vaccinations To Date, First Doses Of Vaccine To 43.2% Of Population, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 19, there were 1,914 additional positive cases of COVID-19, in addition to 3,761 new cases reported Sunday, April 18, for a two-day total of 5,675 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,109,291.

There are 2,638 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 551 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

Department Of Health: Over 6.9 Million Vaccinations To Date, First Doses Of Vaccine To 42% Of Population, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 17, that there were 5,114 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,103,616.

There are 2,653 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 555 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

Department Of Health: Over 6.8 Million Vaccinations To Date, First Doses Of Vaccine To 41.3% Of Population, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 16, there were 5,650 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,098,502.

There are 2,577 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 572 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

Gov. Wolf Visits Penn State Health Vaccination Clinic, Discusses Vaccine Rollout Progress, Encourages Everyone to Get Vaccinated

Pennsylvania’s accelerated COVID-19 vaccine rollout is making a difference in stopping the virus and saving lives. With more than 6.7 million COVID-19 vaccinations to date in Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Wolf today visited the Penn State Health vaccination clinic in Hershey to discuss vaccine progress and to encourage everyone to know the facts about the vaccine and make the decision to get vaccinated.

Department Of State: Disaster Declaration Enables Pandemic-Related Waivers To Allow More Licensees To Provide Vital Care

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of State today outlined various COVID-19-related waivers made possible by the governor’s disaster declaration that have enabled more healthcare professionals to provide needed services during the pandemic.

“Over the past year, the Department of State has been able to implement temporary waivers that greatly expanded the availability of care at a time of critical need,” said Commissioner Kalonji Johnson, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. “For instance, waivers have allowed more professionals to administer the COVID vaccine and have made it possible for patients to consult their doctors via telemedicine.” 

Department Of Aging Encourages Older Adults To Reach Out If COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assistance Is Needed, Provides Resources Regarding Vaccines

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging today continued to encourage older adults seeking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment to contact their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for any assistance they may need in scheduling an appointment. The AAAs have been working with vaccine providers to arrange appointments for older adults eligible in Phase 1A of the commonwealth’s vaccine plan after the Department of Health (DOH) issued an amended order in March.

“Even though the Department of Health recently ramped up its timetable for all Pennsylvanians 16 and older to receive vaccinations, we continue to focus on our mission to get older adults their vaccines with AAAs assisting seniors as much as possible with navigating the vaccination process. While we’ve seen real progress in getting older adults the vaccines they need, more older adults need assistance. Any senior who needs help should not hesitate to reach out to their local AAA,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres.

Department Of Health: Over 6.7 Million Vaccinations To Date, First Doses Of Vaccine To 40.7% Of Population, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 15, there were 5,060 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,092,852. Please note, the lab that began submitting data to the department this week is still getting caught up and submitted an additional 307 positive antigen test results that were collected more than four days ago.

There are 2,580 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 542 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

Department Of Health Extends Pause On Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations Following FDA/CDC Recommendation

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today notified all COVID-19 vaccine providers that the pause in administering doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine will be extended until April 24 or until updated guidance is provided from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Earlier this week, the department recommended a pause in administering Johnson & Johnson vaccine until April 20 to give the CDC and FDA time to review six incidents of rare blood clots that occurred within two weeks of receiving Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Wolf Administration Encourages All College Students To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Before The Semester Ends

Harrisburg, PA – The Departments of Health (DOH) and Education (PDE) today encouraged all students at Pennsylvania colleges and universities to receive their COVID-19 vaccination before the semester ends. DOH and PDE officials are encouraging all institutions of higher education to work with local providers to ensure vaccination opportunities are available before students leave for the summer.

Department Of Health Promoting COVID-19 Vaccine To Minority Communities

Harrisburg, PA – With the safety of all residents in mind, Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam today highlighted National Minority Health Month by focusing on the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on racial and ethnic minority groups and stressing the need for people in these vulnerable communities to get vaccinated.

“Health equity is the foundation of good public health policy,” Acting Secretary Beam said. “The opportunity to live a healthy life is fundamental, which is why it is essential that we work to help everyone achieve their healthiest lives. National Minority Health Month reminds us of the importance of eliminating health disparities and discussing solutions that will improve the health of all Pennsylvanians.”

Governor Wolf Awards $2 Million in Funding to Community Organizations Impacted by COVID-19

Governor Tom Wolf announced that 43 projects totaling nearly $2 million have been approved for funding under the COVID-19 Relief – Supporting Elm and Main (SEAM) program.

“Over the past year, communities across the commonwealth have faced devastating impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Pennsylvania’s network of community development organizations never ceased answering the call for help,” said Gov. Wolf. “Our Elm Street and Main Street programs work tirelessly year in and year out—even in the best of times—to improve their communities, and this funding will provide them with the support they need to overcome the challenges they’ve recently faced.”

Department Of Health Offers Update On COVID-19 Investigations, Contact Tracing, Monitoring Efforts

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Health (DOH) today shared a weekly update on Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing data, encouraging Pennsylvanians to download the COVID Alert PA app, as more than 870,000 have already done, to aid in contact tracing efforts.

“Please remember that even are more and more people are vaccinated, we still have COVID-19 cases and it’s imperative that you answer the call from a public health professional to help contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said.

Department Of Health: Over 6.5 Million Vaccinations To Date, First Doses Of Vaccine To 39.5% Of Population, PA Ranks 11th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 13, there were 6,638 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,082,062.

There are 2,474 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 534 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

Department Of Health: Pause On Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations In Pennsylvania, FDA/CDC Announcement Highlights Vaccine Evaluation Process Is Working

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today notified all COVID-19 vaccine providers to pause administering doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine until at least April 20 following the recommendation out of an abundance of caution in a joint release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The department is taking these steps as a precaution until the CDC and FDA have time to review six incidents of rare blood clots that occurred within two weeks of receiving Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine. The CDC is convening an emergency meeting tomorrow of the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices to further review cases for any details on the significance of this rare occurrence.

Gov. Wolf and COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Announce that All Adults in Pennsylvania are Eligible Tomorrow to Schedule COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments

Governor Tom Wolf and the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force announced that effective tomorrow, Tuesday, April 13, all Pennsylvania adults will be eligible to schedule an appointment for the COVID -19 vaccine.

“We need to maintain acceleration of the vaccine rollout, especially as case counts and hospitalization rates have increased,” Gov. Wolf said. “Therefore, just as President Biden has brought forward universal adult access to vaccines from May 1 to April 19, we are moving Pennsylvania’s timeline of universal adult access to April 13.”

Department Of Health: Over 6.2 Million Vaccinations To Date, First Doses Of Vaccine To 36% Of Population, PA Ranks 20th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 10, there were 4,882 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,068,974.

There are 2,439 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 496 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

Department Of Health: Cancel Duplicate Appointments To Help Ensure Vaccine Is Available For All

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam today urged all Pennsylvanians to remember to both attend a scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointment and cancel any unneeded appointments so that all vaccine doses get into the arms of people. 

“All three available vaccines are safe and effective, and we need folks to get the first available vaccine,” Acting Secretary Beam said. “If you have scheduled appointments at numerous places as part of your attempt to get vaccinated, please remember to call those other locations and cancel the remaining appointments. You can let them know that you have been vaccinated. 

Pennsylvania Partners With Walgreens To Finalize Vaccination Efforts To Priority Populations In Congregate Care Settings

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today announced that Pennsylvania will partner with Walgreens to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to staff and residents of congregate care settings licensed by DHS that were not part of the federal Pharmacy Partnership Program.

This partnership expands Pennsylvania’s work with retail pharmacies to direct vaccines to congregate care settings like DHS- licensed community group homes and long-term care providers serving people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping ease access to vaccines for high-risk Pennsylvanians in Phase 1A of Pennsylvania’s vaccine plan.

Department Of Health: Over 6 Million Vaccinations To Date, First Doses Of Vaccine To 35.6% Of Population, PA Ranks 19th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 9, there were 5,048 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,064,092.

There are 2,451 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 517 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.