Gov. Wolf: Sec. of Health Signs Expanded Mask-Wearing Order
Masks Are Mandatory in All Public Spaces

Harrisburg, PA – Expanding on the business safety order signed by Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine in April that requires the wearing of masks in businesses, Governor Tom Wolf today announced a new order signed by Dr. Levine that takes the mask-wearing directive one step further.

With this order, signed under Dr. Levine’s authority under the Disease Prevention and Control Act, masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home. The order takes effect immediately.

“This mask-wearing order is essential to stopping the recent increase in COVID-19 cases we have seen in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Wolf said. “Those hot spots can be traced to situations where Pennsylvanians were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing – two practices that must be adhered to if we want to maintain the freedoms we have in place under our reopening.”

The order outlines the situations when a mask must be worn and includes limited exceptions to the face-covering requirement.

Each of the state’s mitigation efforts has helped to slow the spread of COVID-19, kept our health care systems from being overwhelmed, and allowed for Gov. Wolf’s measured, phased reopening to proceed. But, with nearly every county is the green phase of reopening, complacency cannot be the norm.

“It is essential that Pennsylvanians wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “While cases increase in some areas, we cannot become complacent. My mask protects you, and your mask protects me. Wearing a mask shows that you care about others, and that you are committed to protecting the lives of those around you.”

More and more health experts have called for mask wearing, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who said during a June 30 Senate hearing on COVID-19, “Americans who don’t wear masks may ‘propagate the further spread of infection.’”

The mask-wearing order will be sent to state and local officials, law enforcement and others tasked with education about the order for those not in compliance.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 636 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 87,242

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., July 1, that there are 636 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 87,242. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,687 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 38 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are up 9 cases since yesterday at 678. 658 confirmed cases and 20 probables. 6260 people have tested negative and the county stands at 78.

“As nearly the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Mask wearing is required in all businesses in all phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 633 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 689,562 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 ages 0-4;
• 1% are ages 5-12;
• 2% are ages 13-18;
• 7% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• 24% are ages 50-64; and
• 27% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 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 17,805 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,291 cases among employees, for a total of 21,096 at 699 distinct facilities in 52 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,583 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,636 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.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, June 30:

• Provided the latest CMU metrics report.
• Provided an update from Pennsylvania State Police on business closure enforcement actions.
• Signed House Bill 2418, which extends the sunset date for the Geospatial Coordinating Board by four years; and provides for the Treasury to submit a COVID-19 debt cost reduction review to the General Assembly.

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.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

More Than 310,000 Pennsylvanians Receive Rebates Early to Provide Support During COVID-19 Pandemic

Harrisburg, PA — Governor Tom Wolf and Treasurer Joe Torsella today announced more than 310,000 Pennsylvanians have received their rebates early through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which provides support to older homeowners, renters and people with disabilities.

Governor Wolf called on the Department of Revenue, the agency that administers the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, to work with the Treasury Department to issue rebates before July 1. Today is typically the earliest day that rebates can be issued under Pennsylvania law. However, the signing in May of Act 20 of 2020 allowed rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2019 to be issued earlier than normal to provide financial support to eligible Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These rebates on property taxes and rent have added importance this year, because they have provided support to our older and vulnerable residents at a time when they may need it most,” said Gov. Wolf. “I thank Treasurer Torsella and the department for distributing the rebates earlier than normal. We will keep that hard work going in the coming weeks so that we continue delivering rebates to older Pennsylvanians and others who benefit from this program.”

“Treasury has worked tirelessly knowing how important each rebate is to so many Pennsylvanians during what is an already difficult time,” said Treasurer Torsella. “Nearly $162 million in payments have been distributed a month and a half ahead of the usual July 1 start date. Treasury is grateful to the General Assembly for the swift action to help this coordinated effort and will continue to work closely with the governor’s administration to process rebate payments making sure those that benefit from the PTRR program receive them quickly.”

Revenue and Treasury officials are also reminding claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program that the process for distributing rebates is different than in prior years. Although 311,785 rebates have been issued, there are still claims that are being processed.

The claims will be processed on a first-in-first-out basis, meaning some claimants will receive their rebates earlier than others. This process is different than in prior years, when there was a large distribution of rebates on July 1 that accounted for the vast majority of rebates that were issued in a given claim year.

It’s free to apply for a rebate, and claimants who need help with their application forms should know that free assistance is available at locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices. Claimants are encouraged to call ahead to make sure that the location they plan to visit has resumed operations. Additionally, the Department of Revenue is asking claimants who plan to visit the department’s district offices to call ahead to make an appointment. Check the department’s COVID-19 information page for updates and contact information.

“We recognize that many people who benefit from this program have been staying at home while the locations where they typically go for assistance with their applications have been closed,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. “We want claimants to know that we are here to help them file their application forms, whether that is over the phone or at one of our district offices.”

Steps to Follow if You Haven’t Submitted Your Application 

For eligible applicants who have yet to file their Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application, the Department of Revenue is offering help for those who need it. Eligible claimants are encouraged to call 717-772-9236 for guidance. Please keep in mind that department staff will work as quickly as possible to help claimants with their applications.

The Department of Revenue website has the Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim form (PA-1000) and related information.

Tips for Checking the Status of Your Rebate

Applicants who included their bank account information on their Property Tax/Rent Rebate application form (PA-1000) will receive their rebates through direct deposit. Applicants who requested a paper check to be mailed to them should expect to receive their payment in the mail.

The Department of Revenue is encouraging claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to use online tools and other automated resources to check the status of their rebates or ask a question.

• Claimants who already applied for rebates may use the Where’s My PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate? tool to check the status of their rebate. You will need your Social Security number, claim year and date of birth to use this tool.
• Call 1-888-PATAXES to check the status of your rebate. This automated toll-free service is available 24 hours a day. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth and the anticipated amount of your rebate to use this service.
• Claimants who included their phone number on their Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application form (PA-1000) will receive automated calls from the Department of Revenue updating them on the status of their claim. Claimants should know that these automated phone calls require no further action. They will not be asked to key in any numbers or to provide any additional information.
• Claimants can visit the department’s Online Customer Service Center to find helpful tips and answers to commonly asked questions about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The Online Customer Service Center also allows you to submit a question to a Department of Revenue representative through a secure process that is similar to sending an email.

About the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. It is free to apply for a rebate.

The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Department of Revenue automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.

Since the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program’s 1971 inception, older and disabled adults have received more than $6.9 billion in property tax and rent relief. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.