By the Numbers:

Pennsylvania

• 185 confirmed cases, 1,608 tested negative, Deaths 1

Cases by county in the 10-county region per Pennsylvania Department of Health
* case count last updated at 12:00 p.m. on 3/19/2020

State Updates

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) granted PA’s request for low-interest loans for small businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.  The Governor thanked the federal government and PA’s congressional delegation for expediting the process.  Details around the SBA’s program include:
  • • Up to $2 million in assistance to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
    • The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
    • SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
    • Businesses may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
    • Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Completed applications should be returned to the local DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
    • The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is Dec. 21, 2020.
• The Governor granted the PA Department of State the ability to suspend several licensing-provisions that create barriers to temporary licensure, in order to expedite the need for increased capacity of the healthcare workforce. So far, these include expansion of licensed health care practitioners’ ability to provide telemedicine services and the expedited issuance of temporary licenses to health care practitioners not licensed in PA.  Approved statutory and regulatory “waivers” (now being called suspensions) are being posted here: https://www.dos.pa.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Waivers.aspx.
• The PA Department of Revenue announced today that the deadline for older adults and Pennsylvania residents with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2019 has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2020, due to the COVID-19 situation.
• Dr. Levine, Secretary of the PA Department of Health, gave the following update at 2 pm this afternoon.
  • New cases are appearing, leading us to believe community spread is happening
  • Stay calm, stay home & stay safe
  • Business participation in our mitigation strategy is critical
  • We are preparing our health systems for an influx of patients
  • We have a real chance to contain spread if we stay home
  • Every business in PA is so important and essential but participation in this mitigation strategy will save lives
  • If a business has questions about staying open/closed call 1-877-PA HEALTH (choose option 1)
  • Getting many questions about where to get masks and personal protection equipment, but it’s important that we preserve these for healthcare personnel
  • Continue with general recommendations: wash hands, cough into arm, clean surfaces, don’t touch face
  • Contact your healthcare provider with any questions
  • Text “PA” to 741741 if you have a mental health issue
  • For general info and updates visit health.pa.gov

Regional Coronavirus Update:

Allegheny County:

• The University of Pittsburgh is one of a few institutions racing to find a vaccine to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Regional Biocontainment Lab is one of 13 nationwide funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Armstrong County:

• County Commissioners declared a state of emergency for the county.

Westmoreland County:

• County officials announced the first case of Coronavirus in Westmoreland County.

Federal Coronavirus Update:

• Senate Republicans and Democrats are continuing discussion of Phase III legislative efforts to combat COVID-19.
• House Democrats and Republicans continue to weigh in on remote voting options, some issuing letters in support and some in opposition.
• National Labor Review Board (NLRB)

• NLRB has suspended all union elections until April 3^rd. This decision comes a week after the decision to close its headquarters and many regional offices.

• Federal Drug Administration (FDA)

• FDA officials are prepared and committed to  regulatory flexibility to address COVID-19 but emphasize the prioritization of safety as it considers fast-tracking vaccines and other COVID-19 therapies.