Valley schools, hospitals prepare for coronavirus

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Pennsylvania has taken steps to prepare for the coronavirus, but state Sen. Jim Brewster, D-McKeesport, fears the state is not adequately prepared.
“To date there are almost 100,000 cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide and almost 100 cases and six deaths in the United States,” Brewster said. “I am concerned about our preparedness in Pennsylvania.”
Senate Bill 633, which passed the Senate unanimously last summer, would create a public health emergency declaration, similar to what is used for natural disasters, but better suited to a medical crisis, said Brewster, who is calling for the House to take action on the bill.
Locally, schools, businesses and hospitals are taking their own precautionary measures.
Charleroi Area Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich recently provided a district-wide update to parents on precautionary measures being taken in the event of an outbreak.

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