Wolf Administration Grants Extension to License to Carry Firearm Permits

Wolf Administration Grants Extension to License to Carry Firearm Permits
 
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police announced today that Governor Tom Wolf has granted an extension to license to carry firearms permits. Permits expired on March 19, 2020 or later have been extended to May 30, 2020. The extension is necessary due to the closure of some county courthouses and sheriff’s offices, as well as other protective measures being taken to limit the spread of COVID-19.
In Pennsylvania, an individual 21-years-old or older may apply for a license to carry firearms by submitting a completed application to the sheriff of the county in which they reside or, if a resident of a city of the first class, with the chief of police of that city. The sheriff has 45 days to investigate and determine an individual’s eligibility to be issued a license, which is valid for five years.
A license to carry firearms is required to carry a firearm concealed on one’s person or in a vehicle. Any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person except in his place of abode or fixed place of business without a valid and lawfully issued license commits a felony of the third degree.
For more information on carrying a firearm in Pennsylvania, visit psp.pa.gov.

Business Exemption Submission Period Ends Friday, April 3

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Community and Economic Secretary Dennis Davin announced that the exemption application process for businesses created in response to Governor Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine’s orders to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, will close on Friday, April 3, 2020 at 5:00 PM.

“With just a few days remaining to apply for an exemption, we encourage businesses who think they may be applicable to look at our Life-Sustaining Business FAQ and file before the end of the day Friday,” said Sec. Davin. “We appreciate the cooperation of businesses making sure they are operating appropriately during this time. As the business exemption period ends this week, our staff continues to work tirelessly to organize and assess the data associated with submissions.”

Per the governor’s and Dr. Levine’s orders, businesses that are non-life sustaining were ordered to close their physical locations on March 19. Businesses that determine from DCED’s business guidance that they are non-life sustaining but may provide a life-sustaining service have been able to seek an exemption, which is available online.

At the end of the day March 31, 2020, DCED received 32,474 requests for exemptions from Pennsylvania’s businesses, and DCED staff are working to process them as quickly as possible. DCED asks that businesses do not apply for a waiver more than once or because they have not received a response from a prior submission.

A team of professionals at DCED will review each request and respond based on the guiding principle of balancing public safety while ensuring the continued delivery of critical infrastructure services and functions. Those requesting an exemption will be notified via email if their operations may re-open. Businesses applying for an exemption must remain closed until a decision is made about their application.

In addition to the Frequently Asked Questions, DCED offers guidance for other business types about operations that are authorized to continue.

Helpful resources available include:

Businesses seeking further guidance and clarification from DCED can also contact its customer service resource account at ra-dcedcs@pa.gov.

To help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, funding information and resources are available on DCED’s Funding and Programs page.

Fears and Infection Thin Staff at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center

Fears, infection thin staff at nursing home with 2 deaths

Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center photographed on Monday, March 30, 2020, in Beaver, Pa. The Center released a statement Wednesday, April, 1, 2020, that 34 of its 458 current residents have tested positive, and seven tests are pending. The Pennsylvania nursing home where two female dementia patients died over the weekend after contracting COVID-19 has struggled to contain the spread, with staff thinned by suspected infection and fears for their own safety. (Andrew Rush/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP)

By MARK SCOLFORO and CLAUDIA LAUER Associated PressA Pennsylvania nursing home where two dementia patients died over the weekend after contracting COVID-19 is struggling to contain the spread with staff thinned by suspected infection and fears for their own safety. Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver says 34 of its 458 residents have tested positive and that seven tests are pending. One licensed practical nurse assigned there by a staffing agency says she didn’t return to work last week out of concern for her children. She says about 20 nurses either walked out or decided to not come back for shifts. Brighton says there’s been no “mass exodus.”

Wolf Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians to Respond to the 2020 Census

Harrisburg, PA – Today, on National Census Day, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin reminded all Pennsylvanians to be a good neighbor and respond to the 2020 Census.

“We’re committed to working together to make sure all Pennsylvanians are counted in the Census. said Sec. Davin. “Now more than ever, our representation and billions of dollars of funding for critical resources depend on an accurate count of all Pennsylvanians, no matter who they are or where they live.”

Today marks the 22nd National Census Day, and this year marks the first time in history that responses can be filled out online. It has never been easier for Pennsylvanians to respond online, by phone, or by mail.

The Census questionnaire is simple and confidential, with questions that include your name, address, sex, race, ethnicity, age, and whether you own or rent your home. The Census Bureau will never ask about your citizenship status, or for sensitive information like your social security number, bank accounts, or payments/donations. The Census Bureau will never reach out to you on behalf of a political party. Your responses to the Census are protected by law and cannot be shared with, or used by, any other government agencies. Answers cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or to determine eligibility for government benefits or immigration enforcement.

The United States Constitution requires a Census count once every 10 years and counts every person living in the United States once and only once. The results of the 2020 Census will help provide fair representation when determining congressional districts, policy, decision-making, and distribution of billions of dollars in federal funding that impacts the daily lives of Pennsylvanians over the next 10 years.

For more information about the U.S. Census, visit the PA Census website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn.

Pa. State Representative Aaron Bernstine hosted News Conference about the Feasibility of Using the Ellwood City Hospital for Corona Virus Patients

(Ellwood City, Pa.) 10 th District Pa. State Representative Aaron Bernstine hosted a Press Conference Wednesday April 1, 2020 to discuss the feasibility of using equipment and or the former Ellwood City Hospital for patients of the COVID-19 Corona Virus Patients.  The US Army Corp of Engineers did a study and sent a report to PEMA on Tuesday March 31, 2020 and there is no time frame for results and if in fact the equipment or use of the facility will occur.

Ellwood City Borough Manager David Allen and Ellwood City Mayor Tony Court spoke during the press conference.

Borough Manager Allen discussed what has transpired over the last few days (press play to hear)

Allen then discussed what will happen if PEMA decides to use the Facility: (press play button to hear)

Mayor Court then spoke about how they have emphasized the importance of the Facility from the beginning and that the Borough of Ellwood City is willing to do whatever is necessary to make this happen: (click the play button to hear)

Rep. Bernstine then went on to talk about the opportunity that this presents: (press the play button to hear)

 

Allegheny Technologies to shutter steel plant, cites tariffs

Allegheny Technologies to shutter steel plant, cites tariffs
MIDLAND, Pa. (AP) — Allegheny Technologies Inc. has announced plans to shut down a western Pennsylvania plant at the end of June, citing steel tariffs imposed on imports by the Trump administration. The company said Tuesday that about 70 employees, most represented by the United Steelworkers union, would lose their jobs at the Midland plant in Beaver County. Officials said Allegheny Technologies has been seeking a tariff exclusion since March 2018, but one request was rejected and a second received no response. The Midland plant imports steel slabs from Indonesia and turns them into stainless steel sheets used in a variety of products.

All of Pennsylvania now under orders to stay home

All of Pennsylvania now under orders to stay home
By MICHAEL RUBINKAM Associated Press
Gov. Tom Wolf has placed all of Pennsylvania under an order to stay at home, dramatically expanding the geographic footprint of the quarantine as state officials combat the coronavirus pandemic. Wolf added 34 counties to his stay-home edict. That means residents of all 67 of Pennsylvania’s counties must now stay home as much as possible to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Coronavirus infections are continuing to rise dramatically in the state. There have been nearly 1,000 new confirmed cases reported Wednesday. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania State Police will no longer respond in person to some types of calls.

Census Day arrives with US almost paralyzed by coronavirus

Census Day arrives with US almost paralyzed by coronavirus
By MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Census Day arrives Wednesday with a nation almost paralyzed by the spread of the novel coronavirus. April 1 is the date used to reference where a person lives for the once-a-decade count. The virus’s spread has forced the U.S. Census Bureau to suspend field operations for a month, from mid-March to mid-April. That’s when the hiring process would be ramping up for tens of thousands of temporary census takers. It also has delayed the start of counts for the homeless and people living in group quarters and has pushed back the deadline for wrapping up the head count to mid-August.

Breaking News!! Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 962 New Positives Bring Statewide Total to 5,805

Harrisburg, PA- The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 1, that there are 962 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 5,805 in 60 counties. The department also reported 11 new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 74. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here. All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.

In Beaver County there are a reported 54 cases of the COVID-19 and 2 Deaths.

“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.”

There are 42,427 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;
  • 1% are aged 13-18;
  • Nearly 9% are aged 19-24;
  • 40% are aged 25-49;
  • Nearly 29% are aged 50-64; and
  • 19% 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. There have been no pediatric deaths to date. More data is available here.

All non-life-sustaining businesses are ordered to be closed and schools are closed statewide indefinitely. Currently 33 counties are under stay-at-home orders.

Below is a chart that breaks down the cases by county:

County Case Counts to Date

County Number of Cases Deaths 
Adams 12
Allegheny 356 2
Armstrong 5
Beaver 54 2
Bedford 3
Berks 151
Blair 4
Bradford 8
Bucks 312 6
Butler 64 2
Cambria 3
Cameron 1
Carbon 23 1
Centre 27
Chester 183 1
Clarion 4
Clearfield 4
Columbia 8
Crawford 5
Cumberland 38 1
Dauphin 59 1
Delaware 390 7
Erie 15
Fayette 14 1
Franklin 21
Greene 9
Huntingdon 1
Indiana 6
Juniata 2
Lackawanna 85 3
Lancaster 157 3
Lawrence 13 2
Lebanon 36
Lehigh 374 5
Luzerne 282 4
Lycoming 7
Mckean 1
Mercer 8
Mifflin 1
Monroe 278 8
Montgomery 649 8
Montour 13
Northampton 312 5
Northumberland 6
Perry 1
Philadelphia 1478 10
Pike 57 1
Potter 2
Schuylkill 47
Snyder 3 1
Somerset 3
Susquehanna 2
Tioga 2
Union 2
Venango 3
Warren 1
Washington 35
Wayne 14
Westmoreland 72
York 79

Department of Banking and Securities Warns of COVID-19-Related Investment Schemes

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) is warning investors of an anticipated surge in fraudulent investment schemes.

“As is so often the case during times of emergency, scammers will be looking to profit from the misfortune of others by targeting investors and capitalizing on concerns related to the securities market,” said Acting Secretary Richard Vague. “The narrative of the investment scheme may change, but the underlying scam remains the same.”

The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), of which the department is a member, anticipates fraudulent investment schemes will rise as a result of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

In particular, NASAA and the department warn investors to be on the lookout for investments specifically tied to the threat of COVID-19, such as:

  • Falsely purporting to raise capital for companies manufacturing surgical masks and gowns; producing ventilators and medical equipment; or manufacturing vaccines or other miracle cures.
  • Taking advantage of concerns with securities market volatility to promote “safe” investments with “guaranteed returns” including investments tied to gold and other commodities; oil and gas; and real estate.
  • Touting “get rick quick” schemes with quickly earned returns to be used for rent, utilities, and other expenses.
  • Targeting retirees and senior citizens, falsely claiming they can quickly and safely recoup any losses to their retirement portfolios.

Retail investors must remain vigilant and protect themselves from schemes such as these tied to COVID-19 and recent economic developments:

  • Investigate Before You Invest. Before spending any time and money on a financial service, product, or company, investigate before you invest. Investors can visit the DoBS website for tools and resources for researching financial professionals, investments, and companies.
  • Avoid Phishing ScamsScam emails are made to sound and look real. Never open an attachment or link from an unsolicited email and never share financial or sensitive information without independently verifying the request.
  • Too Good to Be True. The old adage is accurate: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ask questions about the investment and evaluate the risks. Any legitimate investment involves and degree of risk, and anyone unwilling to provide clear and detailed information about an investment is a red flag.
  • Beware of Economic Relief Schemes. With news that the federal government will be sending checks to the public as part of an economic stimulus effort, scammers will no doubt increase efforts to steal your money. Do NOT give your personal information to anyone purporting to be from the government in relation to receiving a stimulus check. Likewise, anyone asking you to prepay taxes or fees on the money, or pay any type of charge, in order to receive the money is likely trying to defraud you

For more detailed information related to schemes to watch and tips for protecting yourself, the department has developed a guide for investors.

Visit the commonwealth’s Responding to COVID-19 guide for the latest guidance and resources for Pennsylvanians or the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s dedicated coronavirus webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 information and guidance for financial Institutions and consumers from DoBS.

Anyone can contact DoBS at 1-800-PA-BANKS or 1-800-722-2657 to ask questions or file complaints about financial transactions, companies, or products.