PENNSYLVANIA REPORTS RECORD-BREAKING NUMBER OF DAILY DEATHS
New deaths related to COVID-19 have pushed the daily total in the commonwealth to a record breaking 78 with a statewide total now of 240 people. The number of new cases of the virus yesterday as of midnight is 1, 579 – bringing a statewide total to 14, 599 touching every county of Pennsylvania. According to the PA Department of Health, new case reporting may have been delayed over the weekend. Lycoming county has 12 cases reported and no deaths at this time
VOLUNTEERING IS A LIFE-SUSTAINING ACTIVITY
Ensuring that Pennsylvanians have access to food, medical services, and essentials, remains a priority for the Governor Tom Wolf administration. During a video press conference yesterday, PA Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, reiterated First Lady Frances Wolf’s request for the community to volunteer and help each other. Suggestions for finding information about volunteering activities include calling the American Red Cross or donating blood, or calling 211 to connect with organizations through the United Way can also connect volunteers to organizations looking for help. A state website for medical and non-medical volunteers is at serv.pa.gov.
TELEMEDICINE IS A SAFE ALTERNATIVE TO GET TREATMENT AT UPMC
UPMC in the Susquehanna region is offering online video visit services as a safer way to provide care patients need while limiting the spread of COVID-19. According to hospital administrators, using an internet connection and a connected device is the safest way to receive care and also heed the recommendations of state leaders to stay at home. Patients who have previously scheduled visits can contact their provider office to convert their appointment to an online visit. For more information on telemedicine at UPMC in the Susquehanna region, visit UPMCSusquehanna.org.
COMMONWEALTH FLAGS ORDERED TO HALF-STAFF TO HONOR COVID-19 VICTIMS
Governor Tom Wolf has ordered commonwealth flags on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds fly at half-staff until further notice to honor the victims of the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic. Commonwealth flags should be lowered to half-staff until a date to be announced after the pandemic passes. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute
It’s day two of Trout Season! A surprise announcement came in yesterday midmorning from the the PA Fish and Boat Commission who opened trout season 2 weeks early, in consultation with the Office of the Governor, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Anglers and boaters were out on the water and continue to be asked to follow social distancing guidelines and limit travel by fishing close to home. To further discourage group gatherings, a stocking schedule and list of waters that have been stocked will not be provided to the public this season.
GEISINGER BENEFITS FROM LOCAL CONNECTIONS FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Local businesses have stepped up to help make sure hospital workers have the supplied they need. According to the Sun Gazette, a Wilke-Barre family connected to the Lowe’s Home Improvement store was instrumental in making some recent donations of protective equipment made to Geisinger medical center through the hospitals program of accepting donations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the paper, the Chief philanthropy officer of Geisinger Health Foundation, Nancy Lawton-Kluck said the outpouring of donations from the community has been overwhelming and they are grateful to businesses for protecting the frontline of caregivers in the hospital system. To make a donation in the fight against COVID-19, please visit Geisinger.org/fightcovid or call 800-739-6882
GREENWAY PHOTO CONTEST OPEN THROUGH JUNE 30, 2020
According to the Lock Haven Express, you can maintain social distancing and try to win a photo contest. The 9th Annual Susquehanna Greenway Photo Contest: Treasured Towns and Landscapes of the Susquehanna is open and free contest is looking for individuals of all levels to photograph the Susquehanna Greenway. Deadline for submissions is June 30th. Go to Susquehannagreenway.org for details. Winning images will also be printed, framed, and added to a traveling gallery to be exhibited throughout the Susquehanna region within Pennsylvania
POLICE SEEKING ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT
There was a robbery Tuesday night at the Nittany MinitMart on East Third Street around 9pm and police are searching for a suspect. State Police responded to a call about a black man wearing a scarf and white gloves who may have had a handgun at the store east of the city-township line. The store was closed after the incident and police searched the area of Almond Street and Maxwell place. No word on how much money was stolen if any – there were no injuries in the hold-up
Sports
NBA – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he won’t make a decision about the season until the earliest May 1st, unable to make the decision in April. The league stopped play March 12th.
NFL
Both the LA Rams and the LA Chargers will be featured in HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series this summer – which will be a documentary about training camp – if there is a training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers unveiled new uniforms yesterday bringing back the franchises most successful era from 1997 to 2013 featuring red,white, and pewter.
NHL – The NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said that completing the hockey season may not be possible. Players have been ordered to quarantine in their homes until April 15th.
