COVID-19 Update, May 4: States announce deal to work together for medical supplies; new cases appear to be trending down
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...
COVID-19 Update, April 30: State case load stabilizes, county cases continue to grow
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
New cases of the COVID-19 virus continued bounce up and down statewide — up slightly on Wednesday — as Pennsylvania seems to be more in a plateau than a true decline — although Chester County has seen four straight days of higher numbers; meanwhile, state Labor and Industry Department officials are offering tips for those trying to navigate the...
COVID-19 Update, April 28: Wolf moves to reopen outdoor recreation facilities
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mmcgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf is slowly easing restriction prompted by the COVID-19 pendemic, announcing Monday a limited reopening of outdoor recreational activities including golf, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned camp grounds, as the latest new case numbers ticked up slightly.
As of May 1, the recreational facilities may reopen, but are required to follow...
COVID-19 Update, April 22: Case numbers continue to slide; Wolf pushes for mail-in voting
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
The slow — but downward — slope of new COVID-19 cases continued Tuesday, as it appears that Pennsylvania and Chester County continued to show signs Tuesday of having passed the worst in the current pandemic.
Still, even with the good news, state Department of Health (DOH) officials caution that social distancing measures “bent the curve” and folks...
COVID-19 Update, April 21: State’s death toll passes 1,500
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
While the toll on Pennsylvania and Chester County from COVID-19 is evident, new information gathered by the state Department of Health (DOH) suggests the amount of loss to the virus statewide has been heavier than originally thought.
DOH has been updating how it gathers information on COVID-19 deaths and added 360 new fatalities to the overall statewide...
COVID-19 Update, April 4: State passes 10K cases, 34 news deaths reported; Chesco number continue to grow
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
The rates of both infections and fatalities continues to grow statewide, as Pennsylvania saw 1,597 new cases and 34 additional deaths yesterday from the COVID-19 virus. There are now more than 10,000 cases — 10,017 — in 64 of the state’s 67 counties.
In Chester County, the rates of infection rose — according to the state Department of Health (numbers from the...
COVID-19 Update, April 3: Pa. death toll climbs past 100, more than 8K positive tests
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Pennsylvania passed a solemn benchmark, marking the 100th death in the state from COVID-19, as positive test results jumped 1,404 to a total of 8,420 statewide.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) reported 12 new deaths Thursday — bringing the state total of fatalities to 102.
“The continued rise in cases combined with our increasing deaths from COVID-19...
COVID-19 Update 3-27: Cases continue to climb in Pa.; primary election formally delayed
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
The steady growth in cases of COVID-19 and deaths continues in Pennsylvania, while growth in Chester County appears to have slowed for one day, while state government continues to add legislation and programs in order to aid the fight against the deadly virus.
The new numbers, as of midday Friday from the state Department of Health said that there are 531 additional...
Wolf flawed but OK on COVID-19, but DOH dropping the ball
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
I don’t want to nitpick, but…
Look, let’s be clear: Gov. Tom Wolf has done a solid job in reacting to COVID-19 crisis. Compared to knuckleheads like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, he’s been brilliant. Compared to President Donald Trump….well, he’s a super genius.
But, admittedly, that’s been kind of a low bar. Compare Wolf to New...
