Category: News

Department of Health: Businesses Continue to Maintain Option to Require Individuals to Wear Masks 

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today reminded Pennsylvanians that fully vaccinated individuals may choose not to wear a mask, unless a business or organization, such as a school, requires that added layer of protection, in accordance with updated masking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

“By getting vaccinated with one of the three safe and effective vaccines, you are adding the best layer of protection for yourself and others,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “If you are fully vaccinated, it is an incentive to be able to remove your mask, but businesses and workplaces may still require this added layer of protection for their employees or customers that may have underlying conditions that continue to make them vulnerable to this virus. We ask that Pennsylvanians continue to be kind and respectful to each other as we continue to fight COVID-19 in our communities and continue to get residents vaccinated.”

The CDC guidance states that fully vaccinated individuals – two weeks after their final dose — can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Under the guidance, individuals are still being required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals should still follow guidance at workplaces, local businesses, long-term care facilities, hospitals, prisons, and homeless shelters.

The Secretary of Health’s universal face covering order remains in effect and unvaccinated individuals, including children, must still comply with the order. Once 70 percent of Pennsylvanians over the age of 18 are fully vaccinated, Pennsylvania will lift the masking order. As of today, May 14, 47.4 percent of adults 18 and older are fully vaccinated in Pennsylvania, according to the CDC vaccine tracker.

You can find the nearest vaccine provider with available vaccine using Vaccine Finder.

The Department of Health is working to ensure the vaccine is provided in a way that is ethical, equitable and efficient to all Pennsylvanians:

       All Pennsylvanians age 12 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. Use Vaccine Finder to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.

       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:

       Get vaccinated with one of the three safe and effective vaccines available to provide the best layer of protection.

       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.

       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”.

FAA Statement on Wearing Masks in Airports and On Planes

Washington, D.C. –The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) remind the traveling public that at this time if you travel, you are still required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

CDC guidance is clear that fully vaccinated people are safe to travel and can resume travel.

Beaver County Law Enforcement Memorial Service 2021

Story and Photos by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Beaver, Pa.) On Friday, May 14, 2021 law enforcement vehicles with their lights activated lined Third Street in front of the Beaver County Courthouse.  A large crowd converged  at the event to honor the fallen officers.

Over the past 90 years , 18  Beaver County law enforcement  officers died in the performance of their duties
Two names were added this year, Aliquippa Police Chief Robert W. Sealock, died April 11, 2020. On March 26 he was, along with other officers in a foot chase to apprehend  a male wanted on a felony warrant.  Chief Sealock  had difficulty breathing and was taken to a Pittsburgh Hospital He was to retire on July 19, 2020, his 50th birthday.
Ambridge Police  Chief  Mark J. Romutis   died  on  April 12, 2020 from COVID-19 as did many other first responders throughout the country due to the pandemic. Their names have been added to the Beaver County Police Memorial located in front of the courthouse…
District Attorney David J. Lozier  presented the Detective Howard W. murray Award to Detective James DeGori, Beaver Police, Department, and Det. Sgt. Tom Gonczi, Center Township, PD, Sgt. Guy W. “Tippy” Tyler Award, School Resource officer, Jared Rogers, Hopewell Township P.D., Drug Enforcement Award, Det. Sgt. Aldo Legge, Center Township, PD, and Sgt. Kevin Folz, Rochester Twp. PD.
See Photos of the ceremony below:

Vazquez’s Trial Starts Today

(Westmoreland County, Pa.) Suspended Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez’s sexual assault trial is set to begin this morning in Westmoreland County after the jury was picked was picked on Friday

The 29-year-old Pirates closer, has been in jail since his arrest in September 2019. He was charged with statutory sexual assault, 10 counts of child pornography and a number of other criminal charges after he was accused of meeting a then-13-year-old girl for sex in 2017.

Vazquez has maintained his innocence, and his defense attorney says he believes the evidence will show his client believed the girl was almost an adult when they had sex.

He also faces charges in Florida and Missouri after police said he had a sexual relationship with the girl related to those states.

Pennsylvania’s Spring Primary: Ballot Issues, Judicial Races

Pennsylvania’s spring primary: ballot issues, judicial races
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Beyond the local races on ballots, Pennsylvania’s primary election will determine the future of a governor’s authority during disaster declarations. Voters statewide Tuesday will decide four separate ballot questions, including two on whether to give state lawmakers much more power over disaster declarations. Voters also must decide primaries for open seats on the three statewide appellate courts, including a three-way GOP primary for state Supreme Court. In four parts of Pennsylvania, there are contests for open seats in the state Legislature. If recent turnout patterns hold, fewer than one-fifth of Pennsylvania’s registered voters will determine the outcomes.

Car Found on Train Tracks, Couple Freed by First Responders

Car found on train tracks, couple freed by first responders
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Authorities in western Pennsylvania say first responders freed a man and woman from a car found on railroad tracks in Pittsburgh. Police say a Pittsburgh officer noticed the four-door vehicle on the tracks shortly before 9 a.m. Saturday. Firefighters and medics and firefighters were able to get the man and woman out of the car and carry them over the railing. They were taken to a hospital and considered to be in stable condition. Police said they believe the car may have entered the CSX tracks from a service road in nearby McKees Rocks.

New Buy Local Initiative. The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce President’s Message – May 2021.

BEAVER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES A NEW BUY LOCAL INITIATIVE: “Beaver County Rooted Locally e-Gift Card.”
The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce an exciting new initiative to help support our local business community even more, with the launch of the Beaver County Rooted Locally e-Gift Card program.

Keeping Dollars Local: “Now more than ever, the objective is to keep spending local, and ramp-up our continued support of the Beaver County business community” says Helen Kissick, President of the Chamber. “Encouraging our community to shop local has been an ongoing theme, but even more so, especially in the wake of COVID-19. While local businesses work hard to reopen safely, many of us are wondering what we can do to help. The Beaver County Rooted Locally e-Gift Card makes it easy for ALL of us to play a role in boosting our local economy and strengthening our business community.” How it Works: All Gift Card purchases and business enrollments will be processed through the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce website. Business Enrollment-it is easy to participate. Exclusive to Beaver County businesses only, participation is perfect for restaurants, sports & fitness gyms, retailers, hair salons & spas, florists & garden centers, car washes, hotels, service providers plus more! No specialequipment or software is required; if a business accepts Mastercard payments, then it can accept the Beaver County Rooted Locally e-gift cards. There is a nominal enrollment fee for a 12-month long listing, and an Early Bird Enrollment Discount will be offered through June 30, 2021.

Helen Kissick, President of The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce.

Gift Card Purchase: As we head into May, think about all of the gift giving opportunities that come in the form of graduations, teachers’ appreciation, Father’s Day, July 4th and so on. Imagine giving gifts that are guaranteed to support your neighbors here in Beaver County, rather than supporting businesses elsewhere in the world. The card appears on the recipient’s smart phone, and they are occasionally reminded to redeem the gift card at participating businesses through alerts. No more forgotten gift cards sitting at home. Completely contactless (a real plus during Covid), an online purchase can be made from the comfort of one’s home. There are a variety of denomination selections starting at $5 and up to $250.00. The purchase of the Gift Card is face value, plus a processing fee. Gift Card Recipient: The recipient will receive an email or text letting them know that the purchaser has sent them a Beaver County Rooted Locally e-Gift Card. A personal message from the purchaser is seen by the recipient. The recipient is directed to a list of participating merchants, retailers and restaurants that accept the Beaver County Rooted Locally e-Gift. The purchaser receives notifications when the e-Card is delivered, opened and redeemed. Sponsorship Opportunities: Our Chamber is actively seeking partners who will be prominently featured as we roll out and market the program. This is a terrific opportunity to be an integral catalyst for standing together to support our neighbors and local businesses. This program will support those who need it most and help keep LOCAL dollars LOCAL. Thanks to our Community Partners! This program was made possible through a sponteneous, collaborative group effort. Working together since last year to launch the Beaver County Rooted Locally marketing campaign, this will now include this exciting gift card option. Our sincere thanks to our friends at Beaver County Tourism, Beaver County PUSH, Paramount Pursuits, Minuteman Press, Brkich Design Group and Beaver County Council of Governments. Together, we make Beaver County strong!

Show your support and purchase a Gift Card, or enroll your business.  For more information, contact the Chamber office. Call 724-775-3944 or email info@bcchamber.com.

Back to President’s Message Directory.

Monday Teleforum

On Monday’s Teleforum program, host Eddy Crow hosts Stephanie Murdoch from the LIFE Beaver County organization; also an update on the questionnaire for Blackhawk School Board candidates. Teleforum is every weekday from 9 till noon on AM1230, AM1460, and 99.3FM presented by St. Barnabas.

Local Businesses That Require Masks After CDC Announcement

The PA Department of Health’s Acting Secretary, Alison Beam, announced that the commonwealth’s mask order is a solid reflection of the same news announced by the CDC. That order from the CDC addressed a situation that a lot of people have been waiting for since the announcement of the vaccine; When will we be able to leave the mask at home? As of now, fully vaccinated citizens can resume activities prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or socially distancing themselves from others outside, or inside. Beaver Fall’s Save A Lot and Foodland in New Brighton do require masks until more information is released on matter, while some businesses such as Giant Eagle and the Beaver County Fruit Market, are requiring masks to prevent any contamination or spread of the disease within their stores to keep their employees and customers feeling safe while shopping for groceries and other household accessories. McMahon’s Cycle Shop, will keep the same mask policies that they have since the very beginning pandemic, and will continue do so until it’s very end. However some businesses such as the Beaver County Credit Union, Falls City Lumber Supply, and The Shoppe at Beaver Falls will not require a mask upon entry.

US Jobless Claims Fall to 473K As More GOP Governors Bar Aid

US jobless claims fall to 473K as more GOP governors bar aid
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 473,000. That’s new pandemic low and the latest evidence that fewer employers are cutting jobs as consumers ramp up spending and more businesses reopen. The decline — the fourth in the past five weeks — coincides with a rash of states led by Republican governors that have blamed generous benefits for a slowdown in hiring and are taking steps to cut off the extra aid.