Another sharp rise in area COVID-19 cases
By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in Pennsylvania Monday night, and by Tuesday another 756 cases of coronavirus were confirmed.
There are now 4,843 people in the state who have tested positive, and the Department of Health said Tuesday the number of deaths increased from 48 to 63 overnight.
There are now 325 cases in Allegheny County, where the deaths remain at two. Fayette has 14 cases, Washington has 33 and Westmoreland has 61. None of those counties have reported deaths related to coronavirus.
There are now just seven of the state’s 67 counties that have no reported cases.
“The continued rise in cases combined with our increasing deaths from COVID-19 reflects the seriousness of this situation,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “We need everyone to listen to the orders in place and to stay calm, stay home and stay safe.
“We know that these prolonged mitigation effects have been difficult for everyone, but it is essential that everyone follows these orders and does not go out unless they absolutely must.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an interactive map on its website under the tab “Cases in the US.”
The states are broken down into eight categories, based on numbers of cases. The highest categories are “1,001 to 5,000” and “5,001 or more.” It seems Pennsylvania is poised to join New York, New Jersey, Michigan and California in the highest category of confirmed cases in the country.
Trump’s disaster declaration in the state allows for federal assistance to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are grateful for federal funding that will support all levels of government as we work together to stop the spread, and support those who care for the ill,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “But I remain unwavering in my call for the approval of the rest of my request, which will provide more direct support to our friends and neighbors who are facing financial difficulties that otherwise could be insurmountable.”
Under the major disaster declaration, state, county and municipal governments, as well as eligible private nonprofits can receive reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible expenses related to the response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Eligible expenses can include costs associated with paying overtime, materials and equipment purchases and other items.
The declaration also provides direct federal assistance that provides federal materials and supplies to support state and local response efforts.
In the coming weeks, staff from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will reach out to potential applicants to view the application process and necessary documentation, Wolf said.
As the response period for the COVID-19 outbreak is continuing, the process will take weeks. All reimbursements are handled electronically.
Wolf said his request for other federal aid remains under consideration.
His letter to the president included the following individual assistance programs: disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, community disaster loans and the disaster supplemental nutrition program; and statewide hazard mitigation.
Wolf is unsure when Trump will decide about the rest of his request.
Wolf signed the proclamation of disaster emergency for the outbreak March 6.
Allegheny County
In a press conference late Tuesday afternoon, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said while he is seeing a lot of compliance with the stay-at-home order, there are some areas that need some work.
Fitzgerald encourages people to continue jogging in parks, but to keep their distance from others on trails and sidewalks. He knows people need to go to grocery stores, but they need to keep their distance there as well.
“We know Pittsburghers love to get together,” Fitzgerald said, “but we’re hearing about porch parties and house parties, and then the kids play.”
He emphasized the importance of social distancing in stopping the spread.
Fitzgerald said there have been red signs warning people about the virus placed throughout county parks asking people to stop playing contact sports. For example, he said, friends can play HORSE spread out on the basketball court, but not three on three.
Fitzgerald said the county is grateful for donations of masks, gloves and gowns to medical personnel. Anyone who would like to contribute can reach out at covid19donations@alleghenycounty.us.
“I want to thank our employees who have continued to serve the public at this time,” Fitzgerald said. “We all have a part to play in slowing the spread of this disease. We are not out of the woods in any way.”
Dr. Debra Bogen, Allegheny County Health Department director, said the county is prepared for a surge of patients if it comes.
Bogen said the best thing to do is prevent it from getting to that point is adhere to social distancing guidelines.
The Army Corps of Engineers has assessed the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh for use as a possible alternate care facility if needed, Bogen said. She added that hospitals are busy switching staff and operations to prepare for increases in patients.
“To be clear, this work is anticipatory at this time,” said Allegheny County Emergency Services Chief Matt Brown. “There is not a current need for an alternate care site in our community. We are preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best, as is often the mantra of emergency services personnel.”
Washington County
Washington County Commissioners told residents Tuesday to trust the judgment of health experts from around the world and in the county who advise that staying inside is the best way to fight the spread of coronavirus.
Commissioners also said updates are available at the county’s website, www.co.washington.pa.us, and the commissioners’ Facebook page.
The county also has a Covid-19 hotline. Residents with questions can call 724-250-6552 or send emails to the Covid-19 emergency center at publicinformation.co.washington.pa.us.
Westmoreland
County
Westmoreland County Public Safety Director Bud Mertz said Tuesday his department continues to urge residents to follow the stay-at-home order.
“We need to operate under the assumption that the virus has hit all corners of our county and the locations are no longer considered actionable data,” Mertz said.
