COVID-19 UPDATE: Resources, information, and helpful tips to protect you and your family!
Senator Fontana Hosts a Telephone Town Hall on the Coronavirus
Senator Fontana Hosts a Telephone Town Hall on the Coronavirus
LIVE daily briefings from the PA Department of Health:
pacast.com/live/doh or www.governor.pa.gov/live/ or watch on Facebook
Vaccine Information
I co-hosted a virtual townhall on January 11, 2021 with Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine and officials from PEMA and the PA Department of Health who are responsible for overseeing the rollout of the COVID vaccine.
Latest News
Community Leaders Join Gov. Wolf to Call for End to COVID-Related Discrimination
Governor Tom Wolf’s advisory commissions are calling for the public to remain vigilant against hate after the Pennsylvania State Police reported it remains committed to preventing and investigating hate/bias crimes in Pennsylvania. The FBI is warning of an...
Gov. Wolf Orders Flags to Half-Staff to Honor COVID-19 Victims
Governor Tom Wolf 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. “Too many Pennsylvanians have lost their lives to COVID-19,...
Port Authority Launches ‘Stay Home’ Campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 7, 2020) - Port Authority of Allegheny County today launched a campaign to remind customers that they should be staying home unless they are essential workers or traveling for life-sustaining reasons. Riders who must leave home for...
Governor Wolf Urges Manufacturing Sector to Report Critical COVID-19-Related Supply Capabilities, Needs
Governor Tom Wolf today urged Pennsylvania manufacturers that currently are producing or can pivot to producing COVID-19-related supplies to submit their information to the newly developed Pennsylvania Manufacturing Call to Action Portal. “We’re asking everyone...
State Police Releases ‘Stay at Home Order’ Enforcement Totals
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police released data on enforcement actions taken to enforce Governor Wolf's Stay at Home order. The order went into effect statewide at 8 p.m. on April 1, 2020. Under the order, all individuals must stay at home...
PennDOT Reopens Additional Roadside Rest Areas
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reopening indoor facilities at five additional rest areas statewide. PennDOT's rest areas were temporarily closed statewide on March 17 in response to Governor Tom Wolf's mitigation...
Gov. Wolf: Department of Health to Provide More Support for Long-Term Care Facilities’ COVID-19 Response
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today announced they have signed a contract with ECRI, an independent, nonprofit health services research organization based in suburban Philadelphia, to help with the COVID-19 response across the state,...
Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 1,470 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 12,980
Harrisburg, PA-The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 6, that there are 1,470 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 12,980 in 65 counties. The department also reported 12 new deaths among positive...
Gov. Wolf: Health Sec. Signs Order Providing Building Safety Measures to Combat COVID-19
Under her authority as Secretary of the Department of Health to take any disease control measure appropriate to protect the public from the spread of infectious disease, Dr. Rachel Levine today signed an order providing direction for maintaining and cleaning buildings...
Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 1,493 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 11,510
Harrisburg, PA-The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 5, that there are 1,493 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 11,510 in 65 counties. The department also reported14 new deaths among positive...
Wolf Administration Announces New Resource for Manufacturers to Produce COVID-19-Related Supplies
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin announced the creation of the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Call to Action Portal, which will mobilize manufacturers that are producing COVID-19-related...
Gov. Wolf, Religious Leaders Encourage Alternate Forms of Religious Gatherings
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and as significant religious holidays approach in the coming weeks, Governor Tom Wolf and religious leaders from across the commonwealth are encouraging alternative forms of faith gatherings. Gov. Wolf and Department of Health Sec. Dr....
Gov. Wolf: Support & Referral Helpline Created for Pennsylvanians in Need of Behavioral Health Resources and Referrals During COVID-19 Public Health Crisis
Harrisburg, PA - The Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced the launch of a statewide Support & Referral Helpline staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers who will be available 24/7 to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and...
Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 1,404 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 8,420
Harrisburg, PA- The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 3, that there are 1,404 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 8,420 in 63 counties. The department also reported 12 new deaths...
Gov. Wolf Calls for Universal Masking
During a COVID-19 press briefing today Governor Tom Wolf recommended that all Pennsylvanians wear a mask any time they leave their homes for life-sustaining reasons. As COVID-19 cases steadily rise in the state, Gov. Wolf stressed the need to intensify all measures to...
El voto por correo ya no es la excepción
Por el Senador Wayne D. Fontana
A medida que esta aterradora pandemia afecta a todas las facetas de nuestras vidas, cada vez más ciudadanos hacen lo posible por mantenerse a salvo quedándose en casa, practicando el distanciamiento social y manteniéndose en contacto con los demás de la forma más remota posible.
No podemos estar seguros de cuándo acabará esta pesadilla, ni de cuándo podremos volver a llevar una vida normal. Algunos prevén que será en semanas. Otros sostienen que pueden pasar meses o más. Muchos expertos médicos han advertido incluso de que una segunda oleada de Covid-19 puede atacarnos cuando el tiempo se enfríe este otoño.
Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 1,211 New Positives Bring Statewide Total to 7,016
Harrisburg, PA- The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 2, that there are 1,211 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 7,016 in 62 counties. The department also reported 16 new deaths...
State Police Reinforces Commitment to Prevent, Investigate Bias-Based Crimes
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) recently disseminated a letter to local, state, and federal stakeholders to affirm the Department's continued support of the Asian American communities throughout the commonwealth. Across the country, law...
Pennsylvania Waives Spay/Neuter Requirement for Pet Adoptions, Conserves PPE for Human Healthcare Professionals
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced today that in an effort to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) for human healthcare workers, the Pennsylvania Dog Law that requires shelters and rescues to spay/neuter dogs and cats...
April 2: State Police Releases Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses Enforcement Totals
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police released data on actions taken yesterday, April 1, against non-life-sustaining businesses that failed to comply with Governor Tom Wolf's order closing their physical locations. Enforcement began on Monday,...
Department of Agriculture Reassures Pennsylvanians: COVID-19 Not Transmissible through Food, Supply Chain is Secure
Harrisburg, PA - Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Agriculture Food Safety Director Jeff Warner today assured Pennsylvanians that there is no evidence that human or animal food or food packaging is associated with transmission of COVID-19....
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:
PennDOT/Real ID Updates
Federal REAL ID Enforcement Deadline Postponed to October 2021
The Department of Homeland Security has postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021, in response to COVID-19 and the national emergency declaration.
PennDOT closed all driver and photo license centers on March 16 and paused REAL ID issuance in the state out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public health. Centers will reopen no sooner than April 3. PennDOT also sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, requesting that the agency consider extending the October 1, 2020 REAL ID enforcement deadline.
REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes. A federally-acceptable form of identification (whether it’s a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must now be used on and after October 1, 2021, as identification to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building that requires a federally acceptable form of identification ID for access.
REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania. There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID; PennDOT will continue to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs once issuance has resumed.
More information about document requirements, including a printable document checklist, can be found on the Document Check page of the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website.
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.
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.
My Office
While our offices are closed, we are working remotely. Please call 412-344-2551 and leave a message or email fontana@pasenate.com and someone will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.
ENewsletters
- Make sure you are signed up to receive my electronic newsletter (you can sign up HERE)
- To view all past issues of “News & Views” eNews, CLICK HERE
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.