(File Photo)
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s acting health secretary will depart at the end of December. The governor’s office made the announcement on Monday. Alison Beam had served in an acting role since January, when Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf tapped her to replace Dr. Rachel Levine. Beam guided the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response. She oversaw vaccine distribution and imposed a mask mandate for schools that was struck down by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court last week. Keara Klinepeter, the Health Department’s executive deputy secretary, will take over as acting secretary. The administration did not give a reason for Beam’s departure. Wolf is heading into the last year of his governorship.