Una reflexión sobre los retos de los pequeños negocios durante y después de la #pandemia además de la importancia de no olvidar temas importantes como el Census2020
https://us.ivoox.com/en/50428506
People powered community news.
Una reflexión sobre los retos de los pequeños negocios durante y después de la #pandemia además de la importancia de no olvidar temas importantes como el Census2020
https://us.ivoox.com/en/50428506
WPPM hosts Larry McGlynn and Vanessa Maria Graber speak with Sonia Smith, Public Information Officer of the Eastern District of the Small Business Administration about loans, grants, mentorships, and other opportunities available for COVID related recovery for businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 1,102 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 44,366
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 29, that there are 1,102 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 44,366. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.
As a result of our continued work to reconcile data from various sources, the state is reporting an increase of 479 deaths today bringing the statewide total to 2,195 deaths in Pennsylvania. These deaths have occurred over the last two weeks. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.
“As we see the number of new COVID-19 cases continuously change across the state that does not mean we can stop practicing social distancing,” Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “We must continue to stay home to protect ourselves, our families and our community. If you must go out, please make as few trips as possible and wear a mask to protect not only yourself, but others. We need all Pennsylvanians to continue to heed these efforts to protect our vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our health care workers and frontline responders.”
There are 170,518 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:
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 hereOpens In A New Window.
In nursing and personal care homes, there are 7,698 resident cases of COVID-19, and 975 cases among employees, for a total of 8,673 at 461 distinct facilities in42counties. Out of our total deaths, 1,428 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found hereOpens In A New Window.
All non-life-sustaining businesses are ordered to be closed and schools are closed statewide through the remainder of the academic year. Currently the entire state is under a stay-at-home order.
Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, April 28:
For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.govOpens In A New Window.
The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 358 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 13,803.
The Department of Public Health again noted clusters of positive cases in congregate settings, including nursing homes, behavioral health facilities, and the Department of Prisons. Five additional inmates have tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is 68.
The Department of Public Health confirmed 25 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 541. Of the 541 total deaths, 306 (57%) were long-term care facility residents.
The Department of Public Health reports 1,012 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 1,858 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).
The COVID Surge Facility-Liacouras Center (CSF-Liacouras Center): Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley today announced that the City will begin scaling back operations at the COVID Surge Facility at Temple University’s Liacouras Center.
“With few patients, a stabilizing of the number of cases within the community, and sufficient bed capacity at existing hospitals, I do not see the need for a surge facility in the foreseeable future. The City is grateful to Temple University for its willingness to host this facility. Everyone involved is thankful that we are at a point where it is not needed at this time. Please help us keep it that way, by continuing to follow social distancing and other guidelines.”
It is expected that the facility will stop receiving patients within the next two weeks and those who are currently admitted will be discharged to their homes. The Center will remain active to support the City’s COVID-19 response, which includes hosting Department of Defense personnel working in area hospitals, and in case a need to reopen to patients occurs going forward.
Construction Activity: Mayor Jim Kenney today announced an Executive Order detailing the resumption of construction activity in Philadelphia, in light of the Governor’s order allowing resumption statewide on Friday, May 1. Under the order, construction activity may resume in the City on May 1 within strict limitations appropriate to the situation and the need to limit the spread of COVID-19. These limitations include:
Complaints about possible violations of the Order can be made by calling 3-1-1. Copies of the Order are available to members of the media on request.
Concurrent with this order, the Mayor announced that the City’s Board of Health will consider new regulations that increase the fines for violations of such activity. Details will be announced at a later date.
Golf Courses Reopening: Golf courses in Philadelphia will be able to resume operations as early as this Friday, May 1, in accordance with Governor Wolf’s updated order. Those courses that choose to reopen must follow the guidelines for outdoor recreation issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and shared by the state earlier this week. Five City-owned golf courses and two driving ranges will reopen Friday, with strict guidelines in place. Failure to comply with these rules and restrictions may result in removal from the course. Additional rules and restrictions at City-run golf courses include, but are not limited to:
The City-run sites reopening this week are Cobbs Creek Golf Course and Karakung Golf Course (same location), Walnut Lane Golf Course, John F. Byrne Golf Course, Juniata Golf Course, Burholme Golf Driving Range (miniature golf will not open), and Strawberry Green Driving Range (aka 33rd and Oxford Driving Range). Visit Parks & Recreation’s website for an up to date list of facilities’ opening status and hours of operation.
Testing Sites: A list of available testing sites is provided on the City’s website. Click on “Where Can Someone Get Tested?” The list includes private testing sites being run by hospital systems and other organizations across the city, as well as public testing sites.If individuals are not able to get tested through their medical provider or do not have a medical provider, they can be tested at a public testing site.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, along with the Health Federation of Philadelphia, is working with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Philadelphia to expand testing capabilities in underserved communities. Recommended criteria for testing eligibility at the sites are:
The City-run location in Center City continues to serve those who are over the age of 50 and are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as health care workers who are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus. The site is available by appointment only and a referral is required. Those who meet the criteria and want a test can call (267) 491-5870 to obtain a referral.
COVID-19 Resources:
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf provide an address on COVID-19 relief, reopening the economy, and recovery efforts.
News Release from https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/
Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced a Plan for Pennsylvania that will provide citizens and businesses relief, allow for a safe and expedient reopening, and lay a road to recovery from the challenges and hardships created by the 2019 novel coronavirus.
“I asked for you to close schools and businesses, cancel large events, stay at home, all in an effort to simply keep our friends, our neighbors, our families, our coworkers, alive,” said Gov. Wolf. “I will be forever grateful for your courage, compassion, and speed. Despite uncertainty, Pennsylvanians acted collectively, not because of any order, but because we care deeply for each other. Now I am asking again for you to believe in our Commonwealth.”
Relief for Pennsylvanians
The Wolf Administration has taken broad and far-reaching actions to help meet the short- and long-term needs of individual Pennsylvanians in the face of this unprecedented pandemic. Ensuring that Pennsylvanians from all walks of life have access to the resources they need has been and will continue to be a top priority of the governor.
Food Insecurity
Student Loan Debt
Individuals Who Have Been Furloughed, Laid Off, or Have Reduced Hours
In addition to regular state Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits, which provide roughly half of an individual’s full-time weekly income up to $572 per week, the federal CARES Act expanded UC benefits through several new programs:
Individuals Who Are Uninsured or Underinsured
Students and Families
In this time of unprecedented school closures, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has worked with Intermediate Units (IUs) throughout the commonwealth to develop and implement continuity of education plans to ensure seniors graduate, students can be promoted to the next grade, and all students continue to have access to remote learning through the remainder of the academic year. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has:
Relief for Businesses
Pennsylvania’s businesses are in an unprecedented position, many shuttered across the state to protect against the spread of the deadly coronavirus, others changing their entire business plans around to help meet the many needs of people across the state.
Many businesses have had to furlough or lay off employees, and others that have relied on in-person transactions have had to move to remote platforms overnight. While the needs are varied among the business community, the severity of the impact of the coronavirus on the overall economy is, and will remain, unforeseen for some time.
The Wolf Administration has worked diligently with federal, state, and local government partners, the business community, and other critical external partners to ensure businesses can avail themselves of all the tools available to offer a modicum of relief in the face of this crisis.
Department of Revenue
The Department of Revenue (DOR) has extended tax filing deadlines to assist with short-term liquidity for businesses. DOR has also worked to reduce or suspend enforcement actions, including liens filed will be reduced; bank attachment actions will not be taken; license inspections, revocations, and citations will be limited; and tax clearance requirements will be the more lenient debt collector standards. DOR is also providing flexible terms for new payment plans allowing up to $12,000 for up to one year.
Department of Community and Economic Development
The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) made more than $60 million available for small businesses through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program.
Although the funds were depleted in four days and the department received more than 900 applications, we are looking at ways to recapitalize the program given its need as a bridge to federal stimulus funds.
DCED has also allowed for three-month loan payment deferrals for loans administered by the department.
Banks and Mortgage Servicers
In alignment with federal CARES Act, Pennsylvania banks and mortgage servicers are implementing 60-day foreclosure moratoriums and 180-day forbearances on all federally backed loans. In addition, there is now a 120-day moratorium on evictions from properties with federally backed loans.
The PA State Treasury, the PA Department of Banking and Securities, and the PA Housing and Finance Agency have come together to develop a series of relief recommendations and are working collaboratively with banks and other creditors to push for broad flexibilities and relief actions to assist businesses and consumers across the state.
Federal CARES Act
With the passage of the federal CARES Act, businesses of all shapes and sizes will be able to access billions of dollars in federal resources to assist with everything from payroll support, more favorable loan terms, and fully refundable tax credits for businesses that are trying to keep workers employed while keeping their doors are shut to the public.
Relief for Health Care Systems and Providers
The Wolf Administration has undertaken every possible effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and ensure our health care system, and the providers that make up its fabric, can withstand the ramp-up, surge, and aftermath of this deadly pandemic.
While hospitals and health systems have been promised significant financial aid from the federal government, many are facing financial strain now and need relief before those dollars become fully available. The Wolf Administration has taken steps to provide that immediate relief.
Businesses across the commonwealth have pivoted from current business models to manufacture or produce personal protective equipment (PPE), gowns, masks, and other critical supplies meant to assist individuals and communities in responding to COVID-19.
Reopening Pennsylvania
With new case counts showing that these aggressive efforts have flattened the curve, the governor and his administration will begin to plan for a reopening process that protects Pennsylvanians and helps to stabilize the economy. The administration will work with economic and public health experts to determine the metrics used for safe reopening by taking a regional, sector-based approach.
In consultation with Team PA, the Department of Health, the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and others, the administration will develop guidance for businesses, local governments, workers, customers, and others and guide a safe reopening process.
Standards
Recovery for Pennsylvanians
Developing a recovery framework and programs that make a difference for the people of Pennsylvania is paramount. That framework must include, at a minimum:
Accountability and transparency for spending and dispensation of federal, state, and local resources to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recovery for Businesses
While the plan for long-term recovery still lies ahead, there are already lessons learned from this disaster that allow us to put markers down for where we need to go once the disaster subsides. There is still much we do not know, including when businesses can begin to reopen safely. But the broad contours of a policy agenda in the future must include the following:
Recovery for Health Care Systems and Providers
The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the fragmentations within our health systems. Pennsylvania has banned together to support and equip our hospitals and medical professionals with the tools they need to respond, but our recovery is dependent upon long-term policy change. A policy agenda to support the health and recovery of Pennsylvania’s residents must include:
For more information on the Governor’s Plan for Pennsylvania visit www.governor.pa.gov/plan-for-pennsylvania/.
WPPM Producer and host of Found In Translation, Ray Collazo and Sulaih Picorelli are joined by Dr. Amit Kharod and Ebelyss Martinez to discuss the state of healthcare and healthcare workers during COVID19 season. UnidosUS Carlos Guevara also updates us on life for immigrants during crisis. FIT airs on WPPM FM every Tuesday at 11am.
Listen online – Found In Translation is also available on Apple Podcasts.
Dr. Hite, the Superintendent of the Philadelphia School District gives his weekly update for parents and community members.
Video of the City of Philadelphia COVID-19 Press Briefing for April 17, 2020 with remarks by Mayor Jim Kenney and Public Health Director, Dr. Tom Farley. The Press briefing is in English and Spanish.
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health today announced 518 additional presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. That brings the number of confirmed cases to 8,563.
The Department of Public Health again noted clusters of positive cases in congregate settings, including nursing homes, behavioral health facilities, and the Department of Prisons. Thirteen additional inmates have tested positive. The current total of positive cases at correctional facilities is 63.
The Department of Public Health confirmed 34 additional fatalities in Philadelphia. This brings the number of residents who have succumbed to the virus in Philadelphia to 298. Of the 298 total deaths, 149 (50%) were long-term care facility residents.
The Department of Public Health reports 852 patients with COVID-19 are currently being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 1,633 people hospitalized in the region (including Philadelphia).
Labor Agreement: Mayor Kenney today announced that the City has reached a tentative agreement on a one-year contract extension with International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 22. This comes in addition to similar extensions with FOP Lodge 5 and District Council 47. Negotiations with District Council 33 are continuing. The current contracts with all four municipal worker unions expire at the end of June.
“The men and women of the Philadelphia Fire Department have been on the frontlines of our response to COVID-19,” said Mayor Kenney. “I am glad that we’ve been able to give them this peace of mind at a very trying time. This extension will allow all of us to get through this unprecedented public health crisis, and next year we’ll have a better sense of what will work for a longer-term deal.”
U.S. Treasury Coronavirus Relief Fund: Mayor Kenney today announced that the City of Philadelphia has submitted its application to the U.S. Treasury for a grant from the State and Local Government Stabilization Fund, part of the federal CARES Act. The Stabilization Fund provides direct funding to states and cities to support these governments with expenditures related to COVID recovery.
The amount each municipality gets is calculated by a formula based on population. Based on that formula, the City anticipates receiving funds to cover upwards of $276 million in COVID-related expenses, with the first of two installments expected this month.
“These funds will help Philadelphia cover some of what have already become tremendous expenses as we rush to halt the spread of this virus in the city,” said the Mayor. “But as thankful as we are to be eligible for this assistance, we need more action from Congress and the White House to help us. Philadelphia and other cities are staring at a tremendously dire economic outlook. With tax revenues dropping, we are facing the potential of drastic cuts in City services – and we hope new federal aid could help us avoid some of those cuts. We urge both the White House and Congress to move with haste in approving further aid.”
PHL COVID-19 Fund Update: The PHL COVID-19 Fund has secured $13.8 million in gifts and pledges to date. The Pfizer Foundation contributed $250,000 towards the effort this week. Yesterday the PHL COVID-19 Fund announced its second round of grants, awarding more than $2.5 million to 79 non-profit organizations serving on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis. Over $4.8 million has been distributed to 123 nonprofit organizations that are providing vital services to individuals facing the wide-ranging and urgent consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region.
“Philadelphians and our neighbors across the region continue to come together to support each other during these difficult times,” said Mayor Kenney. “Thank you to the 3,300 people who have already chipped in and donated what they can towards this effort. These generous contributions from individuals, families, and organizations truly demonstrate the spirit and capacity of the entire Philadelphia region.”
Philly 311 Hours: Philly311’s contact center remains open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Friday and will also be open extended hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m the following two weekends on April 18 and 19 and April 25 and 26. Residents can place a service request by calling 3-1-1 or dialing (215) 686-8686 or through submitting service requests online. Language translation services are available.
Testing Sites: The City-run location in Center City continues to serve those who are over the age of 50 and are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as health care workers who are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus. The site is available by appointment only and a referral is required. Those who meet the criteria and want a test can call (267) 491-5870 to obtain a referral.
There are also more than 20 private testing sites across the city run by hospital systems and other organizations.
COVID-19 Resources:
WPPM producers Vanessa Maria Graber and Larry McGlynn give a coronavirus update, including an interview with Dr. Leslie McClure and Dr. Michael LeVasseur about social distancing, breaking down the Governor’s new Executive Order about masks, and the new federal plan to reopen the economy.
Dr. Adrian Rivera Reyes traduce la conferencia de prensa de el Gobernador Wolf y proeeve información importante en español para los residentes de Pensilvania con respecto a la pandemia del #COVID19.