Each day a summary of news and information that has been gathered from community partners and credible news sites will be posted.
Governor:
- “Gov. Wolf Signs Executive Order Extending Mail Ballot Deadline in Six Counties to June 9” : https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-signs-executive-order-extending-mail-ballot-deadline-in-six-counties-to-june-9/
- Today is the Pennsylvania primary election: https://www.facebook.com/governorwolf/videos/257920052095121/
State Government:
General COVID resources: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-COVID-19/
Dept. of Human Services:
- “Department of Human Services Provides Guidance for Parents with Children Returning to Child Care” : https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DHS_details.aspx?newsid=546
Dept. of Health:
- “Departments of Health and Aging Highlight Efforts to Protect Seniors, Vulnerable Pennsylvanians” : https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Health-Details.aspx?newsid=837
- “Department of Health Warns of Scam Targeting WIC Recipients” : https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Health-Details.aspx?newsid=835
- “Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 612 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 72,894” : https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Health-Details.aspx?newsid=838
- Link to Statewide map of testing sites: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Symptoms-Testing.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0q72qATsxBX9zL0KMErYO_OQZutSgVMY1I4fEEa8-3zcHN_7WixZ-VFAY
- COVID-19 Data: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Cases.aspx
- Lancaster Stats: 3,218 cases. 16,994 negative tests. (According to DOH website- updated today at 12:00pm)
- # of Deaths: 306 deaths. (updated 11:59 pm on May 31, 2020.)
- County Population: 543,557
- Death Rate per 100,000 residents: 56.3
- COVID-19 Update (as of 6/2/20 at 12:00 am):
- 612 additional positive cases of COVID-19
- 72,894 total cases statewide
- 5,667 deaths statewide
- 399,361 patients tested negative to date
National News:
Washington Post:
The latest
- A report from a top Italian doctor seemed to suggest that the virus was somehow “losing potency” and becoming less lethal, but health experts around the world are warning that the changes that nation is seeing don't have anything to do with the virus itself. The observations — that patients had only very small amounts of the virus in their nasal swab tests — is likely because the virus has passed its peak in Italy, there's less of it in circulation and people aren't very likely to be exposed to high amounts. Also, people who have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all are being tested now, whereas early in the outbreak, only the severely ill were able to be tested.
- About 7 in 10 Americans say they would get a coronavirus vaccine if immunizations were free and available to everyone, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. But the extent of the interest varies along partisan lines, with slightly more than 8 in 10 Democrats saying they would definitely or probably get vaccinated, compared with slightly fewer than 6 in 10 Republicans. Would you?
- The Congressional Budget Office estimates the size of the U.S. economy will shrink by $7.9 trillion over the next decade because of fallout from the pandemic. The estimate comes as lawmakers in Washington are facing a decision on whether to extend emergency unemployment benefits. If they don't, it could could create a “fiscal cliff” that could arrest or even reverse an economic rebound, experts say.
- Statewide primaries are being held in eight states and the District on Tuesday, and voters are contending with confusion about where to cast ballots, long lines and poor social distancing. All of the primaries have experienced a surge in interest in mail balloting, and several have had hiccups.
- President Trump’s persistent attacks on mail-in voting have fueled an unprecedented effort by conservatives to limit expansion of voting-by-mail before the November election. The strategy reflects the recognition by both parties that voting rules could decide the outcome of the 2020 White House race amid the electoral challenges posed by the pandemic.
- The British government altered its coronavirus rules on Monday, adding a lockdown sex ban that it illegal for two or more people from different households to meet up indoors or spend the night together. The new rule, which sparked widespread mockery, says people who are caught spending the night together can be prosecuted and fined up to $125.
Other important news
- More than 25,000 nursing home residents and 400 staff have died during the pandemic, the first national tally shows. Twenty percent of nursing homes haven't yet reported case counts.
- The coronavirus appears to be surging back in Iran, which reported 3,000 new cases Monday.
- Mexico’s hospitals are straining to treat coronavirus, and officials there say cases are peaking.
- North Korea is easing its lockdown because even totalitarian states need trade.
Recurring Resources:
- OneUnitedLancaster.com
- United Way of Lancaster County has launched a new website, OneUnitedLancaster.com. This digital source of information for our community works in tandem with United Way's 2-1-1 resources to connect people and resources during this time of upheaval.
- The Asset Map is a county-wide resource for all to utilize. If you need to add/update/delete information please follow the link here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UWMAP20
- Lancaster Chamber:
- Website updated daily: https://www.lancasterchamber.com/Apps/Pages/coronavirusnews
- “Important Updates Related to the Lancaster County Economic Recovery Plan” : https://www.lancasterchamber.com/Apps/Pages/page-slug-92504?formEntryId=21836
- INFORMATIONAL WEBINARS/TRAINING:
- PANDEMIC SAFETY MANAGER TRAINING – June 10
This program is based on the latest science being produced out of the CDC, NIH, NIOSH, FDA and DHS. The focus of the educational session is to provide senior leaders, safety directors, human resource professionals and others responsible for providing safe and healthy workplaces with important science-based information. Participants will receive a certification of completion following the training course.
REGISTER NOW - Workplace Considerations & Compliance
This webinar featured Steve Matzura and Austin Wolfe of McNees Wallace & Nurick as they discussed workplace safety measures, employer mandates related to building safety, cleaning measures and employee requirements, and OSHA guidance and compliance.
ACCESS NOW - Workplace Considerations: Practical Strategies for your Workplace and Workforce
Learn more about change management, how to create new norms, develop effective communication strategies, tips & tricks for outfitting your space and workforce and how to navigate new realities and challenges of the workplace in alignment with CDC and State guidelines as Pennsylvania prepares to reopen.
ACCESS NOW - Maintaining A Compliant Workplace & Workforce Under COVID-19 Restrictions
This webinar will cover steps employers are taking to comply with the Governor's orders and the implications to the workplace and workforce. It will specifically address: 1) what do employers need to do to maintain a safe working environment; 2) what are the OSHA, whistleblower, and workers' compensation considerations; and 3) what are the employees rights from a non-union and union perspective (e.g. protected concerted activity)
ACCESS NOW
- PANDEMIC SAFETY MANAGER TRAINING – June 10
- Local Govt.:
- Mayor Danene Sorace is hosting daily briefings on Facebook every night at 5pm
- The County has a COVID site to keep up to date with their response: https://co.lancaster.pa.us/1296/Coronavirus-Disease-COVID-19
- Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health:
- Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health COVID-19 Data: online dashboard with COVID-19 testing and patient data. The site is accessible from the LGHealth.org homepage (click “data” in the top red banner), or at the link below. Data is updated each morning.
- WellSpan Health System:
- Meals: Hunger Free Lancaster
- Hunger Free Lancaster County: https://hungerfreelancaster.org/resources/important-resources-during-COVID-19/
- Childcare:
- Resource to find childcare providers with waivers: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Coronavirus-Child-Care.aspx
PAVOAD:
- PennDOT Driver License Centers to resume driver’s skills tests
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2020, driver’s skills test, including motorcycle skills test, will resume at reopened Driver License Centers.
Find more information here. - DOA extends COVID-19 Disaster Food Distribution program
The Department of Agriculture has received approval to continue operating the Disaster Household Distribution program, through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), to provide food to Pennsylvanians adversely affected by COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Originally approved by the USDA on March 27, the Disaster Household Distribution program, which was set to expire the end of May, has been approved through June 25.
Read full article here. - Webinar: “Grantmaking to Support Children and Older Adults”
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy will host a COVID-19 pandemic webinar to discuss how the youngest and oldest among us are being impacted by the pandemic. You can find out more about this COVID-19 webinar here. The webinar will address overarching concerns for both groups, including nutrition and health care access, and how philanthropy can help meet these needs.
When: Tuesday, June 9 | 2:00 PM
Register here. - CDC updates and guidance
Households Living in Close Quarters (May 31)
Employers with Workers at High Risk (May 31)
Schools and Day Camps (May 30)
Considerations for Institutes of Higher Education (May 30)
Interim Guidance for Restaurants and Bars (May 29)