Category: News

Yellow Phase Orders Updated to Include 13 Additional Counties Moving at midnight. Gov. Expected to announce more counties tomorrow. 

Yellow Phase Orders Updated to Include 13 Additional Counties Moving on May 15 

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the yellow phase orders were amended to include 13 counties moving to the yellow phase at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, May 15. Those counties include Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland.

The 13 counties join 24 counties that moved into the yellow phase on May 8: Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Venango, and Warren.

An announcement on additional counties is anticipated tomorrow, May 15.

Renowned Cancer Researcher and Surgeon David L. Bartlett, MD, Assumes Leadership of AHN Cancer Institute, Opens Erie Practice

Renowned Cancer Researcher and Surgeon David L. Bartlett, MD, Assumes Leadership of AHN Cancer Institute, Opens Erie Practice

PITTSBURGH, Pa.  (May 14, 2020) – David L. Bartlett, MD, a renowned cancer researcher and a pioneer in the use of highly advanced surgical therapies for abdominal cancers, has officially assumed his new role as Chair of the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute, and has opened his surgical practice at AHN’s Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie.

Dr. Bartlett came to AHN from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he held several leadership positions, including vice chair for surgical oncology and gastrointestinal surgery services, director of the David C. Koch Regional Perfusion Cancer Therapy Center, chief of surgery for Shadyside Hospital, and the Bernard Fisher Professor of Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His appointment to the chairmanship of AHN Cancer Institute was effective May 1.

“It has been a pleasure to meet the people behind the AHN Cancer Institute, and to see up-close their talent, compassion, and commitment to outstanding patient care,” Dr. Bartlett said. “With the support of Highmark Health, the AHN Cancer Institute has made tremendous progress over the past few years in expanding access to community-based care, state-of-the-art technologies and innovative clinical trials, including through a unique collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. I look forward to beginning the process of leading the AHN Cancer Institute to greater heights of excellence alongside the program’s many exceptional caregivers.”

At his clinic in Erie, Dr. Bartlett will see adult patients for the surgical treatment of abdominal cancers, including gastric, pancreatic, colorectal and appendix cancers, as well as care for sarcoma, neuroendocrine and liver tumors, and peritoneal metastases. His Pittsburgh-based clinical practice will open in May 2021.

AHN Cancer Institute is currently in the midst of a significant growth strategy that will culminate this summer with the opening of the $80 million AHN Cancer Institute – Allegheny General, a patient-friendly, state-of-the-art cancer treatment center that will also serve as a hub for research and innovation. AHN is also opening a state-of-the-art cancer genomics lab on the North Side that will support the development and use of leading-edge biologic therapies.

The network’s investment in the cancer program also included the construction of five regional comprehensive cancer centers – in Monroeville, Butler County, Beaver County, Erie, and Hempfield Township.  The expansion, supported by Highmark Health’s $300 million commitment to the program, greatly enhanced and expanded AHN’s leading cancer-treatment capabilities across western Pennsylvania.

As chair, Dr. Bartlett oversees a multidisciplinary team of more than 200 physicians and 500 advanced-practice oncology professionals.  Clinicians within the Institute annually deliver more than 150,000 cancer treatments to more than 11,000 patients at clinical sites across western Pennsylvania.

In addition, AHN’s unique collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center has greatly enhanced and streamlined patient access to new therapies being explored in cancer clinical trials as well as to consultations and second opinions from Johns Hopkins team of leading cancer specialists.

Dr. Bartlett helped to develop and refine new regional perfusion techniques, including the modern version of the hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) therapy, in which chemotherapeutic drugs are heated and delivered directly into the abdominal cavity in an effort to eradicate cancer cells.

A graduate of the University of Texas School of Medicine, Dr. Bartlett completed a residency in general surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, and a fellowship in surgical oncology at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.  He also performed clinical research at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He is immediate past president of the Society of Surgical Oncology, a leading professional organization whose mission is to improve patient care by advancing the science, education, and practice of cancer surgery worldwide.Dr. Bartlett’s office is located within the Department of Urology at Saint Vincent Hospital, located at 311 W. 24th St., Erie PA 16502. To make an appointment, call 814-452-7134,

Department of Agriculture Outlines Order of Restaurant Enforcement Actions, Urges Compliance.

Department of Agriculture Outlines Order of Restaurant Enforcement Actions, Urges Compliance

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Agriculture today outlined the order of enforcement actions that would be taken against restaurants offering dine-in services to patrons in violation of Governor Tom Wolf’s March 19 business closure Executive Order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the commonwealth.

“It’s important that Pennsylvania’s restaurants don’t stray from the course now, we’ve come too far, sacrificed too much to change our path,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Restaurants are encouraged to continue only offering their services for carry-out or delivery. I, along with all of Pennsylvania, am grateful for your dedication to maintaining these life-saving measures.”

The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Food Safety will enforce this order for retail food facilities under the department’s jurisdiction that are re-opening and offering dine-in services. In Governor Wolf’s plan to reopen Pennsylvania, restaurants in counties in both the red and yellow phases are prohibited from offering dine-in service and are limited to take-out and delivery options only.

Food safety inspectors will follow up on reports of restaurants offering dine-in service in violation of the order. Once confirmed, the following actions will be taken by the department:

  • Warning letter from the Departments of Agriculture and Health;
  • Follow up inspection;
  • If still in violation of the order at follow up inspection, adjudication to suspend the businesses retail food license;
  • If the business continues to operate after license is revoked, citations will be filed with the magisterial district judge;
  • The department may pursue civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day of violation.

The department will work with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and collaboratively across other agencies – such as with the Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board – to report and follow up on violations.

“We know that people dining together in a restaurant puts many people at risk of exposure, including patrons and employees,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “It is essential that restaurants comply with guidance and continue with carry-out and delivery options at this time. Social distancing is a primary tool to fight this virus, and we must stay the course.”

Restaurants under the department’s jurisdiction that are inspected as a result of such complaints will have public reports with details of violations filed in Pennsylvania’s restaurant inspection database, publicly accessibly via the department’s website or the free EatSafePA mobile app for both Apple and Android devices.

Reports related to food safety concerns or restaurants offering dine-in services can be made online through the department’s Food Safety Complaint Form.

Pennsylvania restaurants and retail food establishments are required to comply with Secretary Levine’s worker safety order and adhere to guidance issued by the department for Retail Food/Manufacturing Processes for Sanitization and Diagnosed Employees.

For a complete list of guidance documents and information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit agriculture.pa.gov/COVID. For the most accurate, timely information related to Health in Pennsylvania, visit on.pa.gov/coronavirus.

Brush fires shut down portion of I-75 in southwest Florida

Brush fires shut down portion of I-75 in southwest Florida
Associated Press undefined
NAPLES, Fla. (Naples (Fla.) Daily News) — Authorities say smoky conditions have caused the Florida Highway Patrol to shut down a section of Interstate 75 known as Alligator Alley as four brush fires have merged together in southwest Florida. The  state Department of Agriculture & Consumer Affairs says the fire has grown to about 4,000 acres and is about 10% contained. On Wednesday fire threatened about 30 homes in Collier County. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were coordinating voluntary evacuations in the areas near the fires. The efforts to fight the fires were led by the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District.

Mother charged with manslaughter in death of 3-year-old son

Mother charged with manslaughter in death of 3-year-old son
NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. (AP) — The mother of a 3-year-old western Pennsylvania boy who died last month of suspected abuse has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Authorities say 23-year-old Teresa Fetterman, of New Kensington, was also charged Wednesday with reckless endangerment, two counts of aggravated assault on a child and other counts stemming from the death of Mikel Fetterman. The counts come a few weeks after 31-year-old Keith Lilly Jr., of New Kensington, was charged with homicide and sexual assault in connection with the child’s death. Authorities have said Lilly injured the boy and caused bruises and fractures, including a fractured skull with a brain bleed.

Burr steps aside as Senate intelligence chair amid FBI probe

Burr steps aside as Senate intelligence chair amid FBI probe
By ERIC TUCKER, MICHAEL BALSAMO and MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Richard Burr stepped aside as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee after the FBI served a search warrant for his phone as part of an ongoing insider-trading investigation tied to the coronavirus pandemic. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced the move, saying he and Burr had agreed it was in the Senate’s best interests. FBI officials showed up at Burr’s home with the warrant on Wednesday. That marks a significant escalation into the Justice Department’s investigation into whether Burr broke the law with a well-timed sale of stocks before the coronavirus caused markets to plummet, The Justice Department declined to comment. His attorney did not respond to phone and email messages.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 5/14/20: Beaver County up 3 Positive Cases and 4 New Deaths.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 938 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 59,636

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 14, that there are 938 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 59,636. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Today, the state is reporting 4,218 total deaths, an increase from the 3,943 total deaths reported yesterday. There were 44 new deaths reported overnight; the remaining 231 were reported as a result of a reconciliation of data over the past several weeks. This means the department added 275 total deaths to the data. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are  at 512 positive cases there is an increase of 3 from yesterday. 2581 people have tested negative in the county there has been 4 additional deaths reported as the County at to 82.

In the 3 nursing homes that are reporting positive cases in the county are at 339 positive cases no increase from yesterday. Employee cases are at 25 and the death toll is up 4 at 75.

“As counties move from red to yellow, we need all Pennsylvanians to continue to follow the social distancing and mitigation efforts in place,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “We must continue to protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, which includes our seniors, those with underlying health issues, our healthcare workers and our first responders. I am proud of the work that Pennsylvanians have done so far, but we cannot stop now, we must continue to take the necessary steps to protect ourselves from COVID-19.”

There are 251,559 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

  • Nearly 1% are aged 0-4;
  • Nearly 1% are aged 5-12;
  • Nearly 2% are aged 13-18;
  • Nearly 6% are aged 19-24;
  • Nearly 37% are aged 25-49;
  • Nearly 26% are aged 50-64; and
  • 28% are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are aged 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 12,677 resident cases of COVID-19, and 1,922 cases among employees, for a total of 14,599 at 549 distinct facilities in 44 counties. Out of our total deaths, 2,896 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 4,217 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Wisconsin high court tosses out governor’s stay-home order

Wisconsin high court tosses out governor’s stay-home order
By TODD RICHMOND Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home restrictions. The high court ruled for Republicans in a challenge to an extension issued by the governor’s health secretary, arguing she exceeded her authority. The 4-3 ruling means the state is essentially reopened ahead of the May 26 expiration date of Evers’ order. It lifts caps on the size of gatherings, allowing people to travel as they please and allowing shuttered businesses to reopen, including bars and restaurants. The ruling marks another defeat for Evers as Republicans continue to chip away at the Democratic governor’s authority.

Millions more people likely sought US jobless aid last week

Millions more people likely sought US jobless aid last week
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The government is set to provide its latest update on the waves of layoffs that have caused tens of millions of workers to lose their jobs in a U.S. economy still paralyzed by business shutdowns. The Labor Department will likely announce that millions more people filed for unemployment benefits last week, after 33 million sought aid in the previous seven weeks as the coronavirus forced employers across the country to close. Though most nonessential businesses remain shut down, most states have begun to ease restrictions for some categories of retail establishments despite concerns that it may be too soon to do so without causing new infections.

Sergeant fired in school shooting response to get job back

Sergeant fired in school shooting response to get job back
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Sun Sentinel) — An arbitrator determined a Broward Sheriff’s sergeant fired because he sat in a parked car during a 2018 mass shooting at a high school should get his job back. The arbitrator dismissed the case against Brian Miller, saying his due process rights were violated when he was fired. A state commission investigating the shooting said Miller was the first supervisor on the scene as the gunman was inside a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School building. But he remained in his car, putting on a bulletproof vest. Miller earned more than $137,000 in 2018 and the arbitrator determined he should receive back pay.