COVID-19 UPDATE: Resources, information, and helpful tips to protect you and your family!
Telephone Town Hall on the COVID-19 VACCINE
LIVE daily briefings from the PA Department of Health:
pacast.com/live/doh or www.governor.pa.gov/live/ or watch on Facebook
Welcome to my resource page on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19. Understandably, there are many concerns regarding the health and safety of the public as we continue to assess the situation. I hope these resources and the information provided will answer your questions.
I will continue to monitor the situation here in Pennsylvania and remain in contact with health and emergency officials. As always, we will provide additional information as it becomes available. To stay up-to-date with the latest developments here, please sign up for email alerts below.
COVID-19 Virtual Vaccine Town Hall
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Latest News
Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 888 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 51,845
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 6, that there are 888 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 51,845. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19. Today, the...
Gov. Wolf: Free N95 Decontamination System for Healthcare Facilities, First Responders Now Available
Governor Tom Wolf announced the availability of a program to provide free N95 respirator decontamination to healthcare facilities, first responders, and other eligible organizations that may be experiencing a shortage of the respirators due to limited availability...
77 Fine Wine & Good Spirits to Begin Limited In-Store Public Access in Yellow Phase Counties on May 8
Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board today announced that 77 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores in counties designated in the yellow phase of COVID-19 mitigation efforts will resume limited in-store public access beginning Friday, May 8, abiding by...
Wolf Administration Reminds Farmers Markets of Grant Opportunity to Expand SNAP Usage, Increase Availability of Fresh, Locally Grown and Sourced Produce
Harrisburg, PA - The Wolf Administration today reminded farmers markets and farmers of a grant opportunity providing free wireless point-of-sale equipment for farmers markets and direct-marketing farmers who would like to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance...
Region Offices, Shooting Ranges to Reopen in Counties Upgraded to ‘Yellow-Phase’
HARRISBURG, PA - The Pennsylvania Game Commission today announced that, on Friday, May 8, it will reopen to the public its Northwest and Northcentral Region Offices, and reopen shooting ranges on state game lands in counties to be upgraded to the yellow phase in...
Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 865 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 50,957
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 5, that there are 865 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 50,957. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19. As a result...
Senator Santarsiero Announces $400,000 in Awards to Local Businesses Through COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program
BUCKS COUNTY – May 5, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $400,000 to four businesses in his district from Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA). Briarwood...
Gov. Wolf Provides Business Guidance as Counties Move to Yellow Phase on May 8
To continue to limit the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tom Wolf today provided guidance that details procedures businesses must follow to conduct in-person operations in counties slated to move to the yellow phase of reopening on May 8. All businesses,...
Commonwealth Heavy Equipment Auction Canceled in Response to COVID-19
Harrisburg, PA – Due to ongoing mitigation efforts to address the spread of COVID-19 and a pause on routine state government purchasing, the commonwealth will not be holding the spring Heavy Equipment Auction that usually takes place in early May for...
Nearly 1 Million Pennsylvanians Have Applied for a Mail-In Ballot for June 2 Primary Election
Nearly one million voters have applied for a mail-in ballot for the June 2 primary election, Governor Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar announced today in an update on how the state is preparing for the election. “We are in an unprecedented...
COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program Provides Relief to Hundreds of Additional Businesses
Harrisburg, PA – Today, on behalf of Governor Tom Wolf, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin announced that 173 companies in 39 counties have received $14 million in funding during the third round of the COVID-19 Working...
Insurance Commissioner Calls on Congress to Strengthen Health Insurance Consumer Protections
Harrisburg – Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman announced today that the Insurance Department has sent a letter to Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation recommending federal actions to help provide stability and affordability to the...
How to Stay Informed
Below is an extensive list of information, statistics, and resources to ensure you stay up-to-date with any changes happening due to COVID-19.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
- The PA DoH Daily COVID-19 report. Updated regularly throughout the day.
- Follow the PA Health Department on Twitter.
- Follow them on Facebook.
A complete list of information and resources available to you by county:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Track confirmed cases in the US. (This site is updated weekdays at noon and shows numbers that were current as of 4 p.m. the previous day.)
- CDC provided information regarding “What you should know about COVID-19“
- Follow the CDC on Twitter.
- Follow the CDC on Facebook.
- Learn how best to prevent “community transition” with specific details on what to do before, during, and after outbreaks.
World Health Organization
- Learn what’s happening Worldwide with the WHO’s Daily report. The most recent report is located at the top of the page. It includes confirmed case and death tallies.
- Additional COVID-19 information is provided on their website.
- Stay informed on Twitter.
- Follow their Facebook page.
Stay up-to-date!
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What You Need to Know About COVID-19
The Coronavirus was first discovered during an outbreak in Wuhan, China. The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms often do not appear in a person until 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Prepare Yourself and Your Family
The best way to avoid contracting COVID-19 is by practicing vital social distancing procedures. It is recommended to work remotely and severely limit contact with others.
If you think you have come into contact with someone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or are exhibiting them yourself, please follow the instructions on the graphic below:
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others circulating among animals, including camels, cats and bats.
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
How can the Coronavirus spread?
Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold:
- Through the air by coughing or sneezing;
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it;
- Occasionally, fecal contamination.
How can I help protect myself?
Prevention:
- Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow. Do not use your hands!
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items.
- Contain: if you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.
In addition, it is recommended that Pennsylvanians take time to prepare now. View the PA Emergency Preparedness Guide.
Resources
- Coronavirus fact sheet – DOH (PDF)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) fact sheet – CDC (PDF)
- What to do if you are sick with COVID-19 (PDF)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Isolation vs. Quarantine Infographic – NJDOH (PDF)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ
- Preventing COVID-19 From Spreading to Others in Communities
- Stigma Related to COVID-19
- Share Facts About COVID-19
- Interim Guidance: Get Your Household Ready for COVID-19
- Interim Guidance: Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready for COVID-19
- Pandemic Information
- Insurance Coverage and COVID-19 FAQ
Protect Yourself
Medical Costs
As of March 9, the Governor announced that all major health insurers in Pennsylvania have agreed to cover “medically appropriate” COVID-19 testing and treatment.
The 10 major insurers are:
- Aetna
- Capital Blue Cross
- Cigna
- Geisinger
- Highmark
- Independence BlueCross
- Oscar
- Pennsylvania Health & Wellness
- UnitedHealthcare
- UPMC Health Plan
For anyone with questions about their insurance policy, please contact your insurer or the Pennsylvania State Insurance Department with questions. They can also be reached at (877) 881-6388.
Remote Medical Attention and Care
Health officials are urging people who have symptoms to stay home and contact their doctor remotely rather than opting for an in-person visit. Nearly all major health systems offer some form of virtual visits and assistance. Some insurers do, too. People interested in a specific virtual visit should check to see what illnesses it can be used for. Be sure to reach out to your insurance provider to verify this service is covered with your plan.
Here’s an brief overview of virtual visit services offered to local residents:
Capital BlueCross – is offering free medical Virtual Care visits for members who currently have the Virtual Care benefit. The waiving of fees will be effective March 13 through April 15, 2020.
Highmark – is providing many of their members with a virtual clinic visit service. Any fees related to COVID-19 will be waived.
UPMC Pinnacle – is welcoming Online Video Visits for those experience flu like symptoms or just in need of a follow-up appointment. Video visits are available through the MyPinnacleHealth portal for $49.
WellSpan Health – WellSpan Online Urgent Care offers a video visits with Teladoc physicians for patients 3 months and older for their standard fee of $49.
CALLING ALL PSYCHOLOGIST! Things may be picking up for you at this time, so we want to make sure you are covered too. Here are some COVID-19 resources on how to best protect yourself and serve your patients from the Pennsylvania Psychologist Association.
Feeding Kids During COVID-19: Emergency Grants and Updated Resources
No Kid Hungry is offering real-time emergency grant funding to schools and community organizations that are making sure kids have access to the meals they need as schools close due to coronavirus. The need is devastating; we received thousands of requests for grants in the first few days, and heard heart-breaking stories. To date, they have awarded more than $3.9 million in grants to 147 organizations across 40 states and DC.
No Kid Hungry is providing millions of dollars in additional grants in the coming weeks for schools and local non-profits in our communities that could benefit from this program to continue providing critical nutrition assistance. For additional information on the program and application process, please CLICK HERE.