Governor Tom Wolf responded to the recent federal court ruling regarding the business closure order and the stay at home orders issued in March, which were later suspended, as well as the 25-person indoor and 250-person outdoor gathering limitations.
Watch the governor’s remarks here.
The following is his prepared statement:
“There’s no sense debating a ruling that will be appealed. Two of three federal judges upheld what we did.
BUCKS COUNTY – September 15, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $211,408 in funding through the COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program, administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The funds were part of $20,000,000 in CARES Act funds awarded statewide. The funding awards in the 10th State Senate District are as follows:
The funding awards were announced one day after the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Hearing on COVID-19’s Impact on Arts, Cultural and Historic Institutions, during which organizations from across the Commonwealth shared the challenges they have faced and the critical need for state support.
“At yesterday’s Policy Committee Hearing, we heard about the continued struggles of the arts community during these unprecedented times,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “These funding awards will benefit a diverse cross-section of my district’s cultural groups and museums, helping them to continue to enrich our community even as they face dramatic loss in revenue and fundraising. There is still a lot more that needs to be done to support our arts, culture and museum groups, and I will continue to advocate for funding and grant opportunities from the State.”
For additional information on the COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program, visit the DCED website.
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Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 15, that there were 1,151 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 146,214. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.
Centre is reporting an increase of 212 cases and Philadelphia is reporting a two-day increase of 197 cases.
Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of $20 million in grant funding through the COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program for cultural organizations and museums to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Pennsylvania’s museums and cultural organizations provide education, entertainment, and meaningful experiences to both residents and travelers alike, and the COVID-19 pandemic severely inhibited their ability to fulfill their cultural mission,” said Gov. Wolf. “This funding will be used to offset the impact the pandemic had on these organizations and will help them move forward in their recovery efforts as they begin to welcome visitors back in their doors.”
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Agriculture today released data related to COVID-19 restaurant enforcement actions from September 7 through September 13, 2020. The information is specific to COVID-19 mitigation requirements for restaurants including social distancing, masking, and occupancy limits.
These numbers include actions taken during routine food safety inspections and inspections prompted by consumer complaints.
Harrisburg, PA – In the August 2020 report, Pennsylvania Department of Health nursing home surveyors conducted 635 inspections of nursing homes, including 379 complaint investigations. Of these, 522 were COVID-19 specific. In addition, nine sanctions were finalized against nursing care facilities, which included the issuance of two provisional licenses and civil penalties totaling $84,125.
“We know that congregate care settings, including nursing homes, have been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Levine said. “That is why we remain committed to protecting the health and well-being of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians by continuing to hold nursing home operators accountable, as necessary, to ensure they are providing safe care. If you see something at a nursing home that doesn’t seem right, we encourage you to speak up.”
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Health today shared its weekly update on Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing data.
“Contact tracing is an important tool in the public health toolbox to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and we appreciate that Pennsylvanians are doing their part to answer the call,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “For case investigations, it is important for our fellow Pennsylvanians to pick up the phone when public health professionals call to ensure that public health staff can inform you of important steps you can take to protect your community and those close to you. If you are a close contact, we need you to answer the call in order to stop this virus in its tracks before it could affect your loved ones, co-workers or friends across the state.”
BUCKS COUNTY – September 14, 2020 – Two Bucks County cultural institutions were featured in a Senate committee hearing that highlighted the value of historic, arts and cultural organizations to our local and state economies, and the support they need to survive the challenges of the pandemic.
State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) today co-hosted the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Hearing on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Arts, Cultural, and Historical Institutions of Pennsylvania. Two local panelists, Kyle McKoy, President & CEO of the Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle, and Alexander Fraser, Producing Director of the Bucks County Playhouse, provided testimony on the challenges of serving the public during the pandemic.
“We are so fortunate to have such a robust arts and culture scene here in the 10th state Senate district, but it is clear that these organizations have faced incredible hardship during the pandemic,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “We heard today about the challenges of hosting in-person performances, exhibits and tours, ensuring adequate fundraising, and issues with navigating the grant process to help keep their doors open and their staff on payroll. I am committed to ensuring there is continued opportunities for funding and resources available for the industry, as they struggle to serve the community in these unprecedented times.”
Sen. Santarsiero pointed to the arts and cultural institutions as vital to our economy and to our community well-being, and he added that if there is a way to resume live performances that can be done safely for the performers, support personnel and audience, then it should be done.
“The public and private sectors have responded in tremendous ways to support charitable organizations. A key shift in giving has been the increased focus on the need for nonprofit entities to receive general operating support,” McKoy testified. “Just like the for-profit sector, there is a cost for doing business for not for profit organizations also–we need to pay people, maintain properties, buildings and offices. In doing so, nonprofits are vital to the health and viability of our local communities. Nonprofits support other businesses—banking and financial services, manufacturing, hospitality, printing, technology, and the list goes on.”
McKoy added that the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle’s combined total economic impact is $13.9 million, in direct, indirect and induced spending for the Doylestown area. Similarly, Fraser said the Bucks County Playhouse drew over 85,000 visitors to New Hope, generating $10 million to the Pennsylvania economy last year.
“Like all performing arts institutions, today, the Playhouse is fighting to stay alive. As a young nonprofit organization with no endowment, the Playhouse is particularly vulnerable,” testified Fraser. “Please allow theatres to resume indoor performances with prudent safety guidelines such as the allowance of 50% occupancy for in-door restaurants.”
The full video of the hearing is available here.
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Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today released a weekly status update detailing the state’s mitigation efforts based on the COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard. Updates are released each Monday.
The update includes the following:
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement Officers visited 1,049 licensed liquor establishments from Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13 to ensure businesses are abiding by COVID-19 mitigation requirements that include social distancing, masking, and other health and safety requirements of the liquor code.
Liquor Control Enforcement Officers issued seven notices of violation and 32 warnings for failing to follow COVID-19 requirements. As mandated by the liquor code, a notice of violation precedes the issuance of an administrative citation, which is civil in nature, and is intended to provide licensed liquor establishments notification of the nature of violation(s) discovered. The investigation remains open during this period, pending review by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE). Because the investigation is ongoing, names of establishments issued a notice of violation will not be released at this time. Each BLCE district office posts a monthly public information releaseOpens In A New Window that includes details on citations issued by that office.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 14, that there were 638 additional positive cases of COVID-19 on September 13 and 620 additional positive cases of COVID-19 on September 14, bringing the statewide total to 145,063. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.
Philadelphia cases are not included in today’s statewide total because of reporting delays by Philadelphia County. Two-day totals for Philadelphia County will be included in tomorrow’s data release.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 12, that there are 920 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 143,805. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.
York County is reporting an increase of 129 cases.
The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 5 and September 11 is 155,174 with 5,223 positive cases. There were 28,365 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 11, the most test results reported in one day to date. These results represent the total number of tests administered.
Harrisburg, PA – Technology connects us to resources and plays a powerful role in our lives. And at no time is technology more important than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pennsylvanians listen to our press briefings, gather data from our enhanced statewide and early warning monitoring dashboards, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information.
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak announced today that $4 million in Direct Care Worker Training Grants (DCWTG) is available statewide to improve the quality of care provided by direct care workers while creating opportunities for them to build new careers and earn family-sustaining wages.
“Direct Care Workers assist and support patients who are not able to look after themselves in long-term care facilities like nursing homes,” said Secretary Oleksiak. “The majority of these jobs – nearly 90 percent – are filled by women who earn relatively low wages and receive limited health benefits. The Direct Care Worker Training Grants benefit our loved ones who need this type of assistance and the workers who care for them.”
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement Officers visited 1,167 licensed liquor establishments from Wednesday, September 9 through Thursday, September 10 to ensure businesses are abiding by COVID-19 mitigation requirements that include social distancing, masking, and other health and safety requirements of the liquor code.
Liquor Control Enforcement Officers issued three notices of violation and 23 warnings for failing to follow COVID-19 requirements. As mandated by the liquor code, a notice of violation precedes the issuance of an administrative citation, which is civil in nature, and is intended to provide licensed liquor establishments notification of the nature of violation(s) discovered. The investigation remains open during this period, pending review by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE). Because the investigation is ongoing, names of establishments issued a notice of violation will not be released at this time. Each BLCE district office posts a monthly public information release that includes details on citations issued by that office.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 11, that there are 1,008 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 142,885. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.
Allegheny is reporting an increase of 100 cases and Centre is reporting an increase of 137 cases.
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak received notification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) late yesterday that the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program – which provided an additional $300 weekly benefit to unemployed workers – ended on Saturday, September 5, 2020. No other unemployment benefits programs are affected.
“Although the LWA program has ended, L&I will continue paying eligible claimants retroactively for claim weeks between August 1 and September 5,” said Secretary Oleksiak. “We will continue making these payments until the funding we’ve already received from FEMA for this program is depleted. I urge anyone who is partially or fully unemployed because of COVID-19 and hasn’t yet applied for LWA benefits to do so right away.”
As small businesses continue to feel an economic impact of the COVID-19 public health crisis, Governor Tom Wolf today called on the General Assembly to provide additional funding to support these businesses. The governor was joined by the York County Economic Alliance, local elected officials and business advocates.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis, but it is also an economic crisis. In order to help Pennsylvania’s economy recover from the effects of COVID-19, it is vital that we continue to support businesses in Pennsylvania, especially as so many have taken on additional work and costs to keep their employees and customers safe since reopening,” Gov. Wolf said. “Small businesses have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 mitigation efforts and further support is needed to strengthen the economy, so I am calling on the General Assembly to approve additional funds to support our small businesses.”
Continuing to help students learn during the pandemic, Governor Tom Wolf is dedicating $15 million for schools to secure broadband, mobile hot spots, and other platforms that increase equitable access to remote learning.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced our schools to rethink and rework how to provide instruction to students who are learning completely at home or in a hybrid model,” said Gov. Wolf. “As schools reopen this fall, students need Internet connectivity, computers and other technology, and access to remote-learning platforms. This funding will help our students as we enter the new school year.”
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 10, that there are 587 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 141,877. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.
The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 3 and September 9 is 144,379 with 5,679 positive cases. There were 20,979 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 9. These results represent the total number of tests administered.
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement Officers visited 2,389 licensed liquor establishments from Friday, September 4 through Tuesday, September 8 to ensure businesses are abiding by COVID-19 mitigation requirements that include social distancing, masking, and other health and safety requirements of the liquor code.
Liquor Control Enforcement Officers issued 22 notices of violation and 36 warnings for failing to follow COVID-19 requirements. As mandated by the liquor code, a notice of violation precedes the issuance of an administrative citation, which is civil in nature, and is intended to provide licensed liquor establishments notification of the nature of violation(s) discovered. The investigation remains open during this period, pending review by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE). Because the investigation is ongoing, names of establishments issued a notice of violation will not be released at this time. Each BLCE district office posts a monthly public information release that includes details on citations issued by that office.
Harrisburg, PA – Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak today reminded unemployment compensation claimants who apply and qualify for the federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program that they will begin receiving the extra $300 weekly benefit as early as September 14, 2020.
L&I announced on Friday that Pennsylvania finished implementing the LWA program several weeks ahead of schedule.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 9, that there are 931 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 141,290. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.
Centre is reporting an increase of 180 cases.
The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 2 and September 8 is 145,946 with 5,564 positive cases. There were 18,127 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 8. These results represent the total number of tests administered.
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Agriculture today released data related to COVID-19 restaurant enforcement actions from August 31 through September 6, 2020. The information is specific to COVID-19 mitigation requirements for restaurants including social distancing, masking, and occupancy limits.
These numbers include actions taken during routine food safety inspections and inspections prompted by consumer complaints.
From August 31 through September 6, the Bureau of Food Safety performed 607 total inspections, 30 of which were complaint-driven, 15 were COVID-19 specific complaints. The bureau distributed 69 COVID-19 complaint-driven educational letters. Nineteen COVID-19 related complaints were referred to local and county health jurisdictions. Three formal Warning Letters were issued and four citations were filed.
Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today released a weekly status update detailing the state’s mitigation efforts based on the COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard. Updates are released each Monday.
The update includes the following: