March 20th Playbook

Gov. Tom Wolf orders all businesses that aren’t ‘life-sustaining’ to close. Here is the Playbook.

Cartwright Self-Quarantining At Home After Contact With Confirmed COVID-19 Patient: Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna) issued a statement on Wednesday that he will be self-quarantining at home for the next 14 days after interacting with a family friend who tested positive for COVID-19.

Reader Poll: Should PA Delay Its Primary?: Gov. Tom Wolf said in a press conference on Monday that Pennsylvania is “certainly taking into consideration” the idea of moving the April 28 primary date to another date. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania governor says all non-life-sustaining businesses must close, directive will be enforced
Spotlight PA: Gov. Tom Wolf orders all Pennsylvania businesses that aren’t ‘life-sustaining’ to close, will enforce order
Spotlight PA: FULL LIST: Which Pa. businesses must close, which are considered ‘life-sustaining’ under new mandatory shutdown order
Spotlight PA: Unemployment claims in Pa. and N.J. surge in wake of the coronavirus
Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania police cut services, plan for shortages as coronavirus spreads  
Inquirer: Should the Pennsylvania primary be all vote-by-mail because of the coronavirus? Elections officials are divided.
Inquirer: These Pennsylvanians love Bernie Sanders. What will they do now that he probably can’t win? 
Inquirer: Status of work on Mariner East pipeline is unclear 
Inquirer: As coronavirus cases increase rapidly, Pa. businesses must close unless they’re ‘life-sustaining’; officials give dire warnings 
Inquirer: Groceries delivered with SNAP benefits? Not in Pa., N.J., or most states
Inquirer: Judge dismisses case against Hershey School in girl’s death  
The Caucus: A 2018 Q&A with Dr. Rachel Levine, now leading state’s coronavirus response [from The Caucus archives] 
Patriot News: What are life-sustaining businesses? Here’s Gov. Wolf’s list of what’s staying open and what has to close
Patriot News: Gov Wolf accused of overreach as he orders ‘non-life-sustaining’ businesses to close their doors
Patriot News: Pa. Manufacturers’ Association calls Pa. governor’s coronavirus-related closures a ‘panicked order’
Patriot News: Coronavirus disrupted Pa. colleges, but it won’t impact students’ state financial aid 
Patriot News: Amid coronavirus supply shortages, Pennsylvania health officials project calm, faith in federal help
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf orders all ‘non-life-sustaining’ businesses to close; face state police action if they don’t 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 raises census concerns 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: On Capitol Hill, Pa. lawmakers brace for coronavirus impact: ‘It’s going to change life in America’
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Dept. of Ed Cancels PSSA, Keystone and other school exams
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Unemployment phone staff cut in half amid COVID-19 crunch 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Health Officials: Pa. has 52 new COVID-19 cases, statewide total is 185
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 outbreak in Pa.: What’s open and what’s closed
Bucks Local News: House Republican Leaders Respond to Wolf’s Shutdown Order
Bucks Local News: Economic injury disaster loans available to small businesses and non-profits facing losses related to COVID-19 
Bucks Local News: Auditor General DePasquale: State universities should establish process for refunding room and board for students sent home
PA Post: Pennsylvania’s Gun Background Check System Saw ‘Surge In Requests’
KDKA: Coronavirus In Pennsylvania: Officials Forming Task Force To Prevent Fraud, Price Gouging Amid Pandemic   
Post-Gazette: Federal law, evolving HR practices control what happens after a COVID-19 diagnosis 
Post-Gazette: Casey calls for expanded grocery deliveries to food stamp recipients 
Post-Gazette: In ‘wartime’ Washington, the general offers honest assessments
York Daily Record: Tracking the coronavirus in Pa.: Map of counties with cases; number of cases over time
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf orders ‘all non life-sustaining’ businesses in state to close or face enforcement action 
Morning Call: Coronavirus and Pennsylvania primary: Postponing April 28 election one option being discussed by governor and state lawmakers 
PLSReporter: Wolf orders closure of all ‘non life-sustaining’ business locations
PLSReporter: Southeast PA Commissioners want primary date moved
PLSReporter: Pennsylvania Supreme Court halts evictions, foreclosures during coronavirus crisis
PLSReporter: Keystone exams, PSSAs cancelled due to coronavirus; lawmakers, educators seek further loosening of requirements
PLSReporter: Prisons brace for COVID-19 impact as activists call for medical release
KYW Newsradio: Gov. Wolf orders ‘non-life-sustaining businesses’ to close. What does it mean?
City Paper: Update: Pa. Supreme Court orders halt of all evictions in the wake of coronavirus 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. cancels standardized testing because of coronavirus
WHYY Newsworks: Schools across Pa. are wary of offering online instruction during coronavirus closures
York Dispatch: State House leaders respond to Gov. Wolf’s shutdown order
StateImpactPA: Wolf’s coronavirus shutdown order appears to include Mariner East pipeline construction
StateImpactPA: Mariner East worker charged with falsifying documents related to a pipeline weld
StateImpactPA: In Philly, coronavirus shutdown means less traffic — and that means cleaner air 
The Hill: Economists warn jobless claims could top 1.5 million by next week

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Candidates are changing tactics for a coronavirus election of social distancing
Inquirer: More than half of Philly government workers are on duty during the coronavirus crisis. They’re getting paid extra.
Inquirer: Workers in the poorest big city in America are reeling as coronavirus leaves thousands jobless
Inquirer: ‘It’s heartbreaking’: Coronavirus puts Philly homeless services in survival mode
Inquirer: Hundreds of workers at PHL are being laid off amid coronavirus outbreak 
Inquirer: How to help out, or get help, in Philly during coronavirus 
Inquirer: Hassan Elliott, 21, is charged with murder in fatal shooting of Philly Sgt. James O’Connor IV
Billy Penn: How nonprofits can apply for Philly’s $6.5M coronavirus fund
Billy Penn: Philly region braces for domestic violence surge with families stuck inside
KYW Newsradio: Philly dedicates $6.4M to assist nonprofits on the frontlines of coronavirus pandemic
KYW Newsradio: A rush to buy guns, ammunition as anxiety grows amid coronavirus outbreak
KYW Newsradio: 21-year-old charged with murder for death of Philly cop 
WHYY Newsworks: Wolf orders ‘non-life sustaining businesses’ to shut down; Philly closes playgrounds
WHYY Newsworks: Philly foundations launch $6.5M COVID-19 emergency fund for local nonprofits
WHYY Newsworks: Thousands facing layoffs as Philadelphia Airport slashes service
WHYY Newsworks: Criminal justice groups want Philly’s juvenile detention center to release children 
WHYY Newsworks: SEPTA to reduce service; tells passengers to stay off unless ‘absolutely’ necessary
Philadelphia Tribune: COVID-19 in Pa.: Philly official calls for delay of April 28 primary election
Philadelphia Citizen: Tip Your Server, Please
Philly Voice: Philadelphia International Airport laying of hundreds of union workers due to coronavirus outbreak
Philadelphia Business Journal: How Philly-area banks are helping customers navigate COVID-19 challenges

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Scanlon holds tele-town hall on coronavirus
Delco Daily Times: Chesco, Delco form partnership in COVID-19 fight
Delco Daily Times: Person claiming to have coronavirus puts Delco courthouse in shelter-in-place
Bucks Courier Times: Bucks planning aid for businesses impacted by coronavirus
Bucks Courier Times: Coronavirus: Montgomery County mass testing site opens Saturday 
Pottstown Mercury: Coronavirus changes protocol for Montco commissioners meeting
Inquirer: Delaware County doesn’t have a health department, so Chester County is filling in during the coronavirus pandemic
Inquirer: Status of work on Mariner East pipeline is unclear 
Daily Local News: Chesco, Delco form partnership in COVID-19 fight
Daily Local News: Chesco residents told to ‘Stay home, stay calm and stay safe’ 

Pittsburgh 
KDKA: Coronavirus In Pittsburgh: Mayor Bill Peduto To Self-Quarantine After At Least 2 Colleagues From Conference Test Positive For Coronavirus 
KDKA: Allegheny County Health Dept.: County Could Be Seeing Coronavirus Community Spread
KDKA: Coronavirus In Pittsburgh: City To Start Distributing Meals To Seniors
KDKA: Coronavirus In Allegheny County: 189 County Jail Inmate Releases Have Been Requested Amid Virus Pandemic
KDKA: Coronavirus In Pittsburgh: Port Authority Implements Social Distancing Policy
KDKA: Inside Politics With Jon Delano: Congress Rolls The Dice On Economic Stimulus
WESA: Will Pittsburgh’s Paid Sick Leave Policy Help Slow The Spread Of Coronavirus?
WESA: Ahead Of 2020 Primary And Amid Virus Fears, Organizers Strategize Around New Mail-In Voting Law
WESA: With In-Person Visits Eliminated, PA Prisons Get More Phone & Video Privileges
WESA: Pittsburgh URA Approves Help For People Losing Income During Coronavirus Pandemic
Post-Gazette: Peduto in self-isolation after two colleagues test positive for COVID-19 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County now has 18 total COVID-19 cases 
Post-Gazette: County treasurer extends real estate tax discount, suspends court enforcement on drink, other taxes 
Post-Gazette: City adds distribution locations for students’ meals; Steel Valley to provide food for weekend 
Post-Gazette: City to distribute meals to seniors already registered with food program 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto self-quarantines at home 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 6 new coronavirus cases, bringing total to 18   
Tribune Review: Nearly 200 Allegheny County Jail inmates set for release amid coronavirus concerns
Tribune Review: Local governments face transparency challenges during coronavirus
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto announces he’s self-quarantining after coronavirus exposure
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County: Some of 18 COVID-19 cases are community spread 
City Paper: Allegheny County Jail plans to release some medically vulnerable inmates, but advocacy groups say it’s not enough
City Paper: Inside a local South Hills government’s emergency management plan for COVID-19

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Shell idles cracker plant, and large workforce 
Observer-Reporter: Municipal offices alter operations due to coronavirus
Observer-Reporter: Greene County office buildings close to the public
Beaver County Times: Beaver County Commissioners practice social distancing 
Tribune Review: 2 confirmed coronavirus cases in Westmoreland County
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: WATCH VIDEO | Cambria County voters encouraged to apply for mail-in ballots 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Prisoner rights’ groups call for release of vulnerable inmates ahead of coronavirus
Altoona Mirror: Concealed carry permits on hold 

NEPA
The Times Leader: U.S. Rep. Meuser to host telephone town hall on coronavirus
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council OKs emergency declaration in virtual meeting
The Times Leader: State of emergency in Wilkes-Barre necessary to access potential funding for disaster
The Times Leader: Luzerne County steps up coronavirus precautions
The Times Leader: Rep. Toohil: Hazleton synagogue awarded state security grant
Citizens Voice: County council gives options for remote public comment at meeting
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre council to vote on extending state of emergency 
Citizens Voice: County council gives options for remote public comment at meeting 
Citizens Voice: Lackawanna County reports first COVID-19 case
Times-Tribune: Scranton school director among six applying for vacant city council seat
Times-Tribune: Cartwright: prepare for lengthy coronavirus pandemic
Times-Tribune: Scranton pension funds take big hit as the coronavirus rocks global economy
Times-Tribune: Some county health departments releasing more specific coronavirus patient details than state
Times-Tribune: Covid-19 – Complete Coverage

South Central 
York Dispatch: Smucker responds to Wolf shutdown order
York Dispatch: York City ramps up enforcement of Wolf’s restaurant, bar order
Patriot News: Harrisburg gun seller’s sales have been ‘out of this world’ the past week amid coronavirus fears 
Patriot News: Central Pa. restaurant owner apologizes for ‘hateful’ message on sign about Rachel Levine
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County could be severely short of hospital beds if COVID-19 hits hard, analysis says  
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 52 new COVID-19 cases brings Pa. total to 185; now 11 cases in Cumberland County
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County facilities, including courthouse, to stay closed indefinitely 
Carlisle Sentinel: Local school districts implement student meal programs in response to shutdown
York Daily Record: City of York will begin enforcing Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf’s coronavirus shutdown orders 
Hanover Evening Sun: Adams County has its first coronavirus case confirmed by Pa. health department

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Coronavirus cases jump to 185 in Pennsylvania, including 4 new cases in Northampton County: ‘Community spread is happening’ 
Morning Call: THE LATEST: What’s closed, canceled, postponed in the Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Coronavirus causes passenger numbers to plummet at Allentown airport as carriers begin consolidation efforts
Morning Call: Allentown Parking Authority suspends ticketing for some violations, offers free surface lot parking 
Morning Call: Bethlehem to cancel all public meetings starting Monday  
Reading Eagle: Berks County commissioners suspend public meetings amid coronavirus emergency, but business to continue
Reading Eagle: East Penn Manufacturing, Berks County’s largest employer, will shut down as part of governor’s order 
Express Times: Northampton County closes off courthouse to public over coronavirus concerns 

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Congressman, physician talk COVID-19 to area residents 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners move to essential staffing only 
Erie Times-News: Coronavirus update: News from Erie region, Friday, March 20 
Centre Daily Times: ‘There is not a script to follow.’ Centre County schools face uncertainty with COVID-19 closures 
Centre Daily Times: Penn State does not plan to refund tuition — but it is partially refunding housing, meal plans

Opinion  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Congress is acting fast on coronavirus aid — but not fast enough 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Stop the scammers: COVID-19 fears being exploited 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Protecting privacy: Maine law should withstand legal challenge
Tribune Review Editorial: Wolf’s excessive attack on the Pa. economy will hurt lives 
John Baer: Politics in the time of coronavirus is both vital and annoying 
John L. Micek: Coronavirus quarantines and your legal rights: 4 questions answered | Thursday Morning Coffee
Christopher Beem: Coronavirus reminds Americans that the pursuit of happiness is tied to the collective good
Jennifer Rafanan Kennedy and Brandi Fisher: Wolf, lawmakers need to act now to deliver COVID-19 relief to all, not just the 1 percent
Jennifer Stefano: With classes canceled for weeks, schools must embrace innovation — and choice 
Phil Gianficaro: Coronavirus pandemic exposes good and bad of humanity
Jenice Armstrong: Sgt. O’Connor might still be alive if authorities had acted sooner, says mother of another victim 
Quinn O’Callaghan: School closures protect the most vulnerable — and that’s not who you think 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Philadelphians know all about sheltering at home
Brenden Rearick: I’m a University of Pittsburgh senior: This is how COVID-19 changed things for me
Abraham Gutman: Coronavirus demands social distancing. Will that lead to more deaths of despair? | Q&A
Will Bunch: How Elizabeth Warren lost the White House but became the president of U.S. ideas 
Maria Panaritis: A sad day as coronavirus forces layoffs at Le Bus. Bakery vows: ‘We intend to survive’ 
Brian O’Neill: Pittsburgh didn’t confront the 1918 epidemic in time
Trudy Rubin: A deal with Iran? Coronavirus aid in return for U.S. prisoners?

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  • Did The Presidential Debate Change Your Vote?


    • No. Still Voting For Trump (35%)
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    • No. Still Voting For Harris (25%)
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