CDC says many Americans can now go outside without a mask
By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials say fully vaccinated Americans don’t need to wear masks outdoors anymore unless they are in a big crowd of strangers. And unvaccinated people can drop face coverings in some cases, too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the updated guidance Tuesday. Previously the CDC had been advising that people should wear masks outdoors if they are within 6 feet of each other. The change comes as more than half of U.S. adults have gotten at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine, and more than a third have been fully vaccinated.

Reading, PA – As Pennsylvania continues its accelerated COVID-19 vaccination plan, Pennsylvanians who are not able to leave their homes must be reached, and various state agencies and community groups are helping.

Governor Tom Wolf visited Reading today to talk about how the state and its partners are using various means to reach people not able to leave home to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Pennsylvanians who cannot leave their homes face unique challenges when it comes to vaccine access,” Gov. Wolf said. “We’re all working together to reach out to this population that can be hard to pinpoint. It’s very important to me and to everyone here today that we make this concerted effort to reach out to this group of Pennsylvanians who have been particularly hard-hit by the isolation that comes with a pandemic. We are committed to finding every way to reach Pennsylvanians who cannot leave their homes and give them equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The governor was joined by Secretary of Aging Robert Torres and Acting Secretary of Human Services (DHS) Meg Snead, along with Sen. Judy Schwank, Rep. Manny Guzman, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, and representatives of Berks County and the Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging.

Collaborative efforts are already taking place to locate people who cannot leave their homes and get them vaccinated, including those Pennsylvanians who are not receiving services through the Department of Human Services or the Department of Aging.

“The Department of Aging and the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are committed to helping all segments of Pennsylvania’s older adult population obtain a COVID-19 vaccine, including those older adults for whom leaving their home to get a vaccine is either impossible or highly impractical,” said Aging Secretary Robert Torres. “Addressing the needs of these seniors is an issue that requires us to mobilize and collaborate to fit the needs and resources of each community. AAAs have been doing a great job collaborating with community partners to help older adults obtain their vaccine appointments. Now, we’re seeing AAAs and counties build upon those successful models to find creative ways to reach seniors who cannot leave home, such as partnering with EMTs and visiting nurses. We appreciate the ongoing support of Governor Wolf and the departments of Health and Human Services to help us further advance these efforts.”

Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam today amended an order to ensure vaccine providers are working with local AAAs and other groups to reach those who are not able to leave their homes. The order was originally signed to connect providers to AAAs, which lead to great success to reach those 65 and older who were having difficulty obtaining vaccine appointments.

“Today’s amended order continues our work with our Medical Assistance managed care organizations to facilitate vaccine appointments for Pennsylvanians who are at greater risk of a severe COVID-19 case if they contract the virus,” said DHS Acting Secretary Meg Snead. “These partnerships break down barriers for seniors, adults with disabilities, and others in our Medical Assistance system who are high-risk and cannot leave their homes, many of whom are lower income or people of color. This direct outreach and coordination are essential for an equitable vaccination process and will help us save lives.”

“Homebound individuals have experienced social isolation for more than a year because of the pandemic,” Sen. Schwank said. “Simple activities we take for granted, like getting food, household necessities and medical care, became even more difficult to accomplish. Getting COVID-19 vaccines has added an additional layer of anxiety for homebound people, especially seniors, who desperately want to be vaccinated but can’t leave their homes. It’s our obligation to do all we can to get to them vaccinated and I am especially pleased that Governor Wolf and Acting Secretary of Health are taking this charge seriously.”

“We are in this fight against COVID-19 together, and I appreciate Governor Wolf and his administration coming to Reading and making a commitment to ensure our residents are vaccinated,” said state Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks. “It is important for all levels of government to partner in this effort, and my office is available to help connect people to the vaccine, as well as get them the help they need during this very difficult time. People should not go without proper health care and services, no matter their circumstance.”

While it is difficult to pinpoint the number of Pennsylvanians who are not able to leave their homes, the state and its community partners are committed to using all means of outreach to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine can get one.

“We are also working with housing associations, nursing care organizations, our federally qualified health centers, and other community partners to identify all Pennsylvanians who cannot leave their homes who need to be vaccinated and connect them to a provider,” Gov. Wolf said. “If you or someone you care about can’t leave home and wants to be vaccinated, please reach out to the Department of Health, your local Area Agency on Aging, or the Department of Human Services for help obtaining a vaccine appointment.”

A list of Area Agencies on Aging can be found here.

A map of vaccine providers can be found here.

The Acting Secretary of Health’s amended order can be found here.

By JOSH BOAK Associated Press
The Biden administration is expanding a program to feed up to 34 million schoolchildren during the summer months. The expanded program uses funds from the coronavirus relief package approved in March. The Agriculture Department is announcing Monday it will continue through the summer a payments program that replaced school meals because the pandemic left many children with virtual classes. Families of eligible children would receive $6.82 per child for each weekday. That adds up to $375 per child over the summer months. The program reflects the Biden administration’s attempts to nearly stamp out child poverty. Conservative critics say the spending, if made permanent, could undermine the willingness of poorer Americans to work.

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) will host a first-dose COVID-19 vaccination clinic today at Next Tier Connect @ Pittsburgh East in Monroeville. The network intends to administer approximately 6,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to individuals age 16 or older. Those with or without an appointment are welcome to attend the clinic.

WHEN:

TODAY, April 26, 2021

8 AM – 4 PM

WHERE:

Next Tier Connect @ Pittsburgh East

4350 Northern Pike

Monroeville, PA, 15146

Walk-ins welcome at AHN Vaccination Clinic in Monroeville on Monday

North of Pittsburgh, AHN will host a clinic next Thursday, April 29 at the RLA Learning and Conference Center in Cranberry Township. Appointments are still available.  

PITTSBURGH (Apr. 24, 2021) – Allegheny Health Network (AHN) will host a first-dose COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Monday at Next Tier Connect @ Pittsburgh East in Monroeville. The network intends to administer approximately 6,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to individuals age 16 or older. Those with or without an appointment are welcome to attend the clinic.

Earlier this week, AHN announced that it had joined a coalition of 60 top hospitals and health care systems, including Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic, in a nationwide campaign to encourage adults to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Vaccination against COVID-19 represents the clearest pathway to restoring good health and wellbeing in our communities. While AHN has played a central role in vaccinating thousands of Western Pennsylvanians, our efforts will succeed only if more people embrace being vaccinated,” said Donald Whiting, MD, AHN Chief Medical Officer. “We urge everyone who has not yet been vaccinated to receive the vaccine as soon as possible.”

AHN has supplied more than 300,000 vaccine doses to Western Pennsylvanians via daily hospital-based clinics, community-based clinics and through dozens of mass vaccination clinics held at sites across the region. The network’s mass vaccination sites have included PNC Park, CCAC South Campus, Monroeville Convention Center, DICK’S Sporting Goods’ corporate office in Coraopolis, Next Tier Connect @ Pittsburgh East in Monroeville, The Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills in Tarentum, Erie Insurance Arena in Erie, Pa. and Buhl Recreation Center in Sharon, Pa.

North of Pittsburgh, AHN will host a mass vaccination clinic next Thursday, April 29 at the RLA Learning and Conference Center in Cranberry Township from 11 AM – 7 PM. Appointments are still available.

To view all of AHN’s upcoming vaccination clinics and to schedule an appointment, visit www.ahn.org/coronavirus or call (412) DOCTORS. AHN MyChart users can log in to their account to schedule.

Department of Health: Resume Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Following FDA/CDC Recommendation

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today notified all COVID-19 vaccine providers that the pause in administering doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine has been lifted. The move follows updated guidance announced today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Last week, the department recommended the pause in administering Johnson & Johnson vaccine until further guidance from the CDC and FDA was available as the federal agencies continued to review the incidents of rare blood clots that occurred within two weeks of receiving Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices held an emergency meeting today, determining that these incidents are extremely rare, and that the vaccine is safe and effective for all individuals moving forward.

The cases of the combined rare blood clots with low platelet counts occurred in women primarily between the ages 18 and 48 who were among the 6.8 million Americans who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Out of the more than 7.6 million vaccine doses that have been administered in Pennsylvania, only 271,132 doses have been Johnson & Johnson.

This latest announcement shows that the federal oversight process of a vaccine’s safety and effectiveness is working, and all steps are being taken to protect Americans.

“After a thorough review, federal experts have determined that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe for all individuals,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “We continue to urge individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible with any of the three vaccines available to them. Getting vaccinated is essential as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and also of serious and fatal complications due to the virus.”

Individuals who receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks of their vaccination should still contact their health care provider. For more information, find the CDC/FDA announcement online at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-and-cdc-lift-recommended-pause-johnson-johnson-janssen-covid-19-vaccine-use-following-thorough

The department has sent communications to vaccine providers, stakeholder groups and others announcing the resumption of the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the effort to vaccinate Pennsylvanians.

It is important for all Pennsylvanians to remember they have a choice as to which of the three safe and effective vaccines they receive.

While COVID-19 vaccine supply from the federal government remains limited, the Department of Health is working to ensure the vaccine is provided in a way that is ethical, equitable and efficient. To keep Pennsylvanians informed about vaccination efforts:

• All Pennsylvanians age 16 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. The provider map is available here.
• A commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination guide explains the current process for getting one. Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
• Vaccine provider map to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.
• All of the locations that received vaccine and how much they have received can be found on the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution webpage.
• Vaccine dashboard data can also be found on the website to find more information on the doses administered and showcase demographic information.
• The Unite Against COVID Weekly Update is a round-up of news you can use and answers to your most pressing vaccine questions – delivered directly to your inbox every week.
• Pennsylvanians can provide feedback on the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan by clicking on the Plan Feedback Form square under Popular Vaccine Topics here.
• Frequently asked questions can be found here.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives was in voting session from April 19-21, and the Republican Caucus continued advancing its priorities of providing for an economic recovery, protecting families and reforming government for the benefit of Pennsylvanians, House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) said Wednesday.

Action on economic recovery:

• Passed House Resolution 88 to require the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study of regulatory waivers issued by Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA).
• Passed House Bill 747 to provide a mechanism for small businesses to remain open during states of emergency.
• Advanced House Bill 681 to provide for economic mobility for health care practitioners.
• Advanced House Bill 939 to establish the Independent Office of the Repealer.
• Advanced House Bill 950 to give the General Assembly greater authority in regulatory repeals.
• Advanced House Bill 72 to create an enhanced review process for major regulations that impose a substantial cost burden on the Commonwealth.
• Advanced House Bill 139 to create an act providing for the administration of permits by state agencies, for a tracking system for permit applications, for the establishment of permit programs and for annual reports.
• Advanced House Bill 288 creating the State Agency Regulatory Compliance Officer Act.

“This week our caucus heard from Pennsylvania’s employers and job creators that they need real changes and government action to ensure they can survive the economic effects of this pandemic and government shutdowns,” Benninghoff said. “This week the House Republican Caucus took the lead in our continued efforts to provide for an economic recovery by prioritizing our small businesses, engaging in significant regulatory reform and making government more responsive to the needs of the private sector.”

Action on protecting families:

• Passed House Bill House Bill 954 to provide for greater coordination of investigations of child abuse.
• Passed House Bill 220 to provide greater access to drug addiction treatment.
• Passed House Bill 741 to provide more protection to those in recovery houses.
• Passed House Bill 944 to provide more protection to those in addiction treatment.
• Advanced a package of bills designed to combat human trafficking.

“It is government’s obligation to make sure our most vulnerable have the protections they need and that those who are struggling have their best interests considered,” Benninghoff said. “The House of Representatives took action this week to provide greater protections to those who need people looking after them and to make sure law enforcement and government entities can be more coordinated in investigating cases of child abuse.”

Action on government reform:

• Passed House Bill 48 to make the Treasurer’s Transparency Portal permanent.
• Passed House Bill 664 to allow minors to operate lemonade stands without government interference.
• Passed House Bill 607 to provide better oversight of the Delaware River Toll Bridge Commission.
• Passed House Bill 430 to waive the non-payment penalty for new homeowners during the first year of ownership when they did not receive their property tax bill.
• Advanced House Bill 855 to provide individuals seeking to become licensed in Pennsylvania the option of applying by paper application under certain circumstances.

“This week the House Republican Caucus again led the House in championing government transparency, commonsense governance and responsible government oversight,” Benninghoff said. “Pennsylvanians deserve a government they can be proud of, and legislation this week took critical steps to ensure that goal remains attainable.”

(File Photo)

Story By Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa. ) LATE LAST FRIDAY, ALIQUIPPA SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT DR. PETER M. CARBONE  SAID THE DISTRICT WAS MADE AWARE  OF POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES, ONE IN THE FIFTH GRADE AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AND ONE AT THE JUNIOR /SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL.. DR. CARBONE STATED IN A LETTER TO PARENTS THE POSITIVE CASES  WERE IN SCHOOL ON MONDAY, MAY 12, 2021. HE SAID THE DISTRICT IS FOLLOWING CONTACT TRACING PROTOCOLS , AND ADDITIONAL STAFF AND/OR STUDENTS HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED TO QUARANTINE. DUE TO THE CONTACT TRACING PROTOCOLS, GRADE 5 WILL BE COMPLETELY VIRTUAL BEGINNING TODAY, APRIL 19 UNTIL APRIL 23, 2021.

(Harrisburg, Pa.) Governor Tom Wolf is expected to receive his first COVID-19 vaccination and urge everyone to get vaccinated to continue the fight against COVID-19 today. The event will be taking place at the Family First Health Center in York Monday morning

Half of US adults have received at least one COVID-19 shot
By HOPE YEN and JONATHAN MATTISE Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Half of all adults in the U.S. have now received at least one COVID-19 shot. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The announcement on Sunday marks another milestone in the nation’s largest-ever vaccination campaign. It also leaves more work to do to convince skeptical Americans to roll up their sleeves. The CDC says almost 130 million people 18 or older have received at least one dose of a vaccine, or 50.4% of the total adult population. Almost 84 million people adults, or about 32.5% of that population, have been fully vaccinated.