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
Fontana Announces $2.8 Million in State Grants for Local Transportation Projects
Pittsburgh, November 12, 2019 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today announced four state transportation grants in his district totaling $2.857 million. “These state funds bolster community efforts to improve efficiency, safety and enhance access throughout our...
Fontana Announces $460,000 in State Grants for Three Local Projects
HARRISBURG, September 17, 2019 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today announced a total of $460,000 in state grants for three Allegheny County projects in his senate district. “These grant dollars help local communities move forward on projects that improve...
Nuevo programa de préstamos estudiantiles para ayudar a los estudiantes a costearse la educación postsecundaria
Por el Senador Wayne D. Fontana
Most college students look forward to summer break and a reprieve from the classroom, but few have the resources to take the “summer off” from one of their most difficult challenges: paying for their education.
A postsecondary education can be expensive, but it is an investment worth making. Whether a student attends the Community College of Allegheny County, learns a trade, or receives a four-year degree from the University of Pittsburgh, education is the key to a better future.
2019 Senior Fair
Thank you to everyone who attended my annual Senior Fair on Sept. 5 at the Dormont Recreation Center! During the three-hour event, 117 people had their photos taken for their new Senior ConnectCard, 72 attendees got their Flu Shot, more than 90 pounds of...
Fontana Announces $15 Million in State Grants for 17 Local Projects
Pittsburgh, August 1, 2019 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today announced a total of $15 million in state grants for 17 Pittsburgh development projects. “These state dollars will support and speed up progress on innovative projects that will help create jobs, attract...
PA Senate Democratic Caucus Decries Changes to SNAP Program, Urges PA Congressional Delegation to Oppose
Harrisburg, Pa. – July 29, 2019 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus sent a letter to the state’s congressional delegation, urging that the federal Department of Agriculture does not end automatic eligibility for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance...
Sen. Fontana Comments on Highmark-UPMC Consent Decree
Harrisburg, June 24, 2019 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today provided the following statement in response to the Highmark/UPMC consent decree extension: “Today’s announcement is a victory for patients, medical access and quality care throughout...
Miembros del grupo demócrata del Senado de Pensilvania piden que se declare catástrofe la violencia armada
Harrisburg, Pa. - 24 de junio de 2019 - Los miembros del Caucus Demócrata del Senado de Pensilvania enviaron hoy conjuntamente una carta al gobernador Tom Wolf solicitando una declaración de desastre por violencia armada en la Commonwealth. "Creemos que es necesario aumentar la conciencia del público ...
El Senado y la Cámara de Representantes presentan sus propuestas de reforma electoral
Harrisburg PA - 4 de junio de 2019 - El senador estatal Vincent Hughes (D-Filadelfia/Montgomery) y la representante Sara Innamorato (D-Pittsburgh) encabezaron a los demócratas de la Cámara y el Senado al anunciar varias propuestas de reforma de votación el martes en la Rotonda Principal del Capitolio. Los legisladores fueron...
Sen. Fontana to Make Funding Announcement at Memorial Service
State Senator Wayne D. Fontana (D-Brookline) will make a funding announcement at this Saturday’s Memorial Service in Beechview. The service will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at the Beechview Memorial Monument Parklet, Broadway and Shiras Avenues. Your...
State Officials and Advocates Kick Off Real Jobs, Real Pay Tour
Pennsylvania − May 20, 2019 − Advocates, lawmakers and state officials will participate in tours and a statewide day of action on Thursday, May 23rd with businesses that choose to pay their employees a living wage. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage remains at a regional low...
Los miembros del Grupo de Trabajo sobre la Exposición al Plomo debaten las recomendaciones legislativas del Comité Consultivo y el informe del Grupo de Trabajo sobre la Exposición al Plomo
Harrisburg, 7 de mayo de 2019 - El senador John Yudichak (D - Luzerne/Carbon) y los miembros legislativos del Grupo de Trabajo sobre Exposición al Plomo celebraron hoy una conferencia de prensa para discutir las recomendaciones legislativas que formaron parte de 'Riesgos de Exposición al Plomo y Respuesta...
State Senate Committee Holds Second Hearing on Global Warming
PITTSBURGH, April 23, 2019 – At the request of state Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Forest Hills) and Senator Wayne Fontana (D-Brookline), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing today in Pittsburgh on strategies for combatting climate change by...
Democrats Introduce Package of Legislation to Curb Workplace Harassment
HARRISBURG, PA, March 26, 2019 – Democrats from the Pennsylvania House and Senate today introduced a package of legislation aimed to curb harassment in the workplace, along with support from Governor Tom Wolf and Victim’s Advocate Jennifer Storm. ...
Fontana Announces $2.25 Million in State Funds for Five Local Projects
Harrisburg, March 26, 2019 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today announced a total of $2.25 million in state grant funds for five Allegheny County projects. “This state support complements local efforts improve, redevelop and step up important local projects,” Fontana...
Sen. Fontana Renews “Extreme Risk” Gun Suspension Effort
PITTSBURGH, February 14, 2019 – On the one-year anniversary of the Parkland mass shooting tragedy, state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today reintroduced legislation that would empower families and police officers to petition a court to temporarily remove...
Fontana Praises Wolf’s Budget Proposal
HARRISBURG, February 5, 2019 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today provided the following statement on Gov. Tom Wolf’s $34.1 billion budget proposal for fiscal 2019-20: “I am encouraged by the governor’s budget proposal for its emphasis on strengthening a...
Fontana and Costa Announce $650,000 for Open Space Project Near Arena
PITTSBURGH, February 1, 2019 – State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa and Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today jointly announced a $650,000 state grant to provide open space and transportation improvements to the 28-acre former Civic Arena site in Pittsburgh. “I am pleased...
Fontana Announces $3.3 Million in State Grants for Local Projects
Pittsburgh, February 1, 2019 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today two state multimodal grants in his district totaling $3.3 million.
“These state dollars help local communities complete key projects aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety and improving access throughout our region,” Fontana said.
Senate Democratic Caucus Details Local Impacts of Federal Shutdown, Outline State Remedies
HARRISBURG, PA − January 16, 2019 −Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus stood together Wednesday, outlining the impacts of the federal shutdown on their constituents and addressing potential remedies at a state level.
“In my county of Allegheny, we have about 150,000 folks who will be impacted by the change to SNAP benefits, and we want to make certain that they understand what they can do and what steps they can take during this federal shutdown,” said Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa.
Los demócratas del Senado presentan una ley para proteger la asistencia sanitaria de los ciudadanos de Pensilvania
Harrisburg – December 20, 2018 – The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus continues its fight to protect the major tenets of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) through two legislative proposals that would ensure comprehensive, quality and affordable...
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.