By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
The chart of new cases, blue and negative tests, in aqua, from the Chester County Health Department as of May 4.
As the state Department of Health (DOH) continues to report a gradual slowing of new COVID-19 cases, residents in 24 counties prepare to enjoy a bit more of an open life later this week — as health officials cautioned the importance of social distancing and mitigation.
Also, State officials announced Pennsylvania will be part of a multi-state consortium to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), testing materials and medical equipment, Sunday.
Pennsylvania joins New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the new agreement. The same states are working together to coordinate the states’ reopening planning.
“By working together we can combine our strengths to build the capacities we all need,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “We can exploit our market size to encourage producers to make what we need, we can exploit our financial strength to give that encouragement added weight, and we can exploit the great research institutions and the brainpower in our region to increase our chances of success. I look forward to working with my fellow governors—and my neighbors-to build a strong regional supply chain.”
Meanwhile, DOH report 825 new cases Monday, bringing the statewide total to 50,092. DOH reported 14 new fatalities, bringing the state death toll to 2,458.
“As we prepare to move a number of counties from red to yellow, we need all Pennsylvanians to continue to follow the social distancing and mitigation efforts in place,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “We must continue to protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, which includes our seniors, those with underlying health issues, our healthcare workers and our first responders. I am proud of the work that Pennsylvanians have done so far, but we cannot stop now, we must continue to take the necessary steps to protect ourselves from COVID-19.”
New numbers from Chester County were higher, but still somewhat encouraging, indicating at least a plateau in new cases. In recent weeks, county numbers have shown a spike every three or four days — of late that number has been in the low 70s for new cases. Sunday saw a spike, but at a lower level: 59. Taken as a larger trend line over two weeks, it indicates a slight lowering of new cases. Right now, Chester County Health reported one new fatality Sunday, for a total of 118 deaths in the county.
In other COVID-19 related news, on Monday, the Wolf Administration announced it would be applying for $523 million in emergency funds for the state’s schools.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today submitted its Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund application to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) to obtain approximately $523.8 million in emergency, one-time funds to help schools respond to COVID-19 impacts.
“Pennsylvania’s educators have been working under extraordinary conditions from the onset of the coronavirus, first helping students and families to receive food and then setting up systems to provide continued education,” said Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera. “Unfortunately, this crisis has also placed tremendous financial pressures on our schools. These funds will provide an initial measure of relief, and we appreciate the quick action by Congress. At the same time, emergency educational needs require Congress to pass another significant appropriation for states and schools.”
