NEW COVID-19 NUMBERS IN PA
The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed last night that there are 643 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 3,394 in 58 counties. The department also reported four new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 38. All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.
Here’s a link to the PA Department of Health Public Service Announcement, “Flatten the Curve” https://youtu.be/flOafsngRRc
TAKE CARE OF SENIORS AND CALL INSTEAD
The latest reminder from the Pennsylvania department of Health as numbers of COVID 19 cases grow, is to take care of our seniors in nursing facilities. Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine says they are seeing about 5% of nursing care facilities mostly in SE PA showing that elderly residents are testing positive for the virus, however, according to the SUN Gazette, the medical director at a western Pennsylvania nursing home said 14 residents are infected and additional tests are pending.
GOVERNOR WOLF REQUESTS AID FROM FEMA
The governor yesterday requested from President Trump a major-disaster declaration through FEMA so the state can receive more funding and programs during the coronavirus pandemic. Pennsylvania already received an emergency declaration Jan. 20, to reimburse eligible expenses for emergency protective measures in the state. Wolf’s latest request, if approved, would provide the same emergency protective measures available under the nationwide emergency proclamation could also provide federal Assistance programs including Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Community Disaster Loans and the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Program and Statewide Hazard Mitigation.
COMMENCEMENT CHANGES ON THE WAY
Universities are starting to make decisions about upcoming commencement activities Mansfield University is postponing commencement services originally planned for May 2, 2020 due to COVID-19. According to Mansfield university administrators, they are surveying graduating seniors about their preferences for an in-person ceremony to be scheduled for later this year. Lycoming college is also deciding to reschedule their commencement due to the virus according to their website. At this Time, Penn College and Lock Haven still have Spring commencement ceremonies planned in May OF 2020.
FOOD PROGRAM HELPED BY LOCAL HOSPITAL
A local hospital has donated to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in honor of National Doctor’s today. According to a press release, 5 thousand dollars from UPMC in the Susquehanna will be directed to the food bank’s Health Innovations Program which helps connect an emergency feeding network of consumers to wellness and nutrition education. Hospital officials said the program can fill a vital need to keep people healthy and fed as closures of businesses threatens the security of families in the region. For more information about the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Health Innovations Program, visit centralpafoodbank.org.
BLOOMSBURG FACEBOOK GROUP GOES VIRAL
As a way to relieve stress during the Coronavirus pandemic, a woman from Bloomsburg and her family started a Facebook page called Bloomsburg Worldwide Porch Musicals, in which she asked followers to vote on a play list before their Friday night dance performance at their home, but now the whole world is really following along. The page went viral, with over 26 thousand followers now from more than 30 countries like Japan, Italy, Germany, New Zealand and Mexico. Seth and Megan Fleetwood say they were inspired by the videos of people singing from their balconies in Italy while in quarantine.
PENNSYLVANIA INMATE TESTE POSITIVE FOR VIRUS
One inmate at a Pennsylvania prison has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to officials from PA Department of Corrections. Penn Live reports they confirmed that an inmate with underlying health conditions at SCI Phoenix in Montgomery County is in the prison’s infirmary and is isolated from other inmates who are under quarantine – in a specific housing unit. Employees who had contact with the inmate are being monitored for symptoms.
Sports
NASCAR
Timmy Hill won the second virtual iRacing series race at Texas Motor Speedway yesterday. ESPN says Hill is considered among the top competitors in iRacing, a subscription-based gaming platform. Fox Sports had Mike Joy and Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon call the race, which was aired in some markets and on FOX’s cable channel. The first iRacing event last Sunday drew 903,000 viewers and was the most watched esports event in U.S. history
NFL
The Washington Redskins, have signed former Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby, with a one-year deal worth $4 million.
NBA
Former New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury who coaches the Chinese Basketball Association’s Royal Fighters, is trying to arrange a deal that could deliver 10 million N95 masks to New York City, but he has run into issues coordinating a deal between a Chinese company and the city.
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, who tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago, announced Sunday on social media that he has been cleared by the Massachusetts Department of Health.
Boxing
The International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday postponed the 31st annual induction weekend this coming June because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Class of 2020 will be inducted along with the Class of 2021 during the 2021 induction weekend.
Here’s a link to the PA Department of Health Public Service Announcement, “Flatten the Curve” https://youtu.be/flOafsngRRc
