Coronavirus category, Page 217
Trump says he’ll act to increase swab productionVideo
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he will use the Defense Production Act to increase manufacturing of swabs used to test for the coronavirus. Many governors have for weeks urged the White House to further evoke federal powers to increase private industry’s production of medical supplies as health officials work...
As Pennsylvania mask order takes effect, most say they’ll follow the mandate
If it helps keep people healthy during the coronavirus pandemic, the statewide order requiring customers and employees of businesses to wear masks makes sense, people in the region said Sunday evening. It went into effect at 8 p.m. The order, announced Wednesday by Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine,...
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine calls for federal help with testing materialsVideo
COLUMBUS — The governor of Ohio called on the federal government to help provide crucial materials that would allow a dramatic increase in testing for coronavirus in his state — and later reported a “very positive” response from the agency concerned. Gov. Mike DeWine said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the...
Kristy Trautmann: Help victims of domestic violence
Across the country and around the world, rates of domestic violence have soared during the coronavirus crisis. People who abuse are taking advantage of social distancing to isolate victims from their friends and family. Over the past month, domestic violence calls to the Pittsburgh Police have increased by 20% to...
Governors say Trump continues to be wrong on coronavirus testing
WASHINGTON — Even as President Trump on Sunday continued to tout the nation’s capacity for adequate coronavirus testing, several governors took to the airwaves to vehemently challenge his assessment and to complain that the federal government has been laggardly in helping provide support for health systems and local economies. “I...
Global health crisis pits economic against health concernsVideo
WASHINGTON — The global health crisis is taking a nasty political turn with tensions worsening between governments locked down to keep the coronavirus at bay and people yearning to restart stalled economies and forestall fears of a depression. Protesters worrying about their livelihoods and bucking infringements on their freedom took...
France to unveil end-of-lockdown plan within 2 weeks
France will unveil within two weeks a plan to progressively lift restrictions on travel and business that aimed to curb the coronavirus epidemic, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Sunday. After May 11, when the lockdown starts to get lifted, “our lives won’t be exactly the same as before,” Philippe warned...
Judge blocks Kansas rule limiting religious gatherings amid outbreak
TOPEKA, Kan. — A federal judge signaled he believes there’s a good chance Kansas is violating religious freedom and free speech rights with a coronavirus-inspired 10-person limit on in-person attendance at religious services or activities, and he blocked its enforcement against two churches that sued over it. The ruling Saturday...
Allegheny County reports 3 more coronavirus deaths; total cases up to 1,035
Allegheny County on Sunday reported three more deaths from the coronavirus, bringing the countywide total to 50. The 50 people who have died range in age from 56 to 103 years old, with the most deaths occurring in people over 70, county data show. The county also reported 26 new...
High schools plan graduation ceremonies through uncertainty of a pandemic
It’s a challenge to stay optimistic, but Lauren Michaels, 18, is doing her best. The Kiski Area High School senior was disappointed when she learned schools would not reopen this academic school year. She doesn’t mind finishing her courses online, but the prospect of missing out on certain year-end rites...
Dr. Lawrence John: Covid-19 could devastate medical practices
We have all seen the images of crowded hospitals overrun with patients infected with covid-19. As a result of covid-19 regulations, another significant health care dilemma is developing, as medical practices witness a significant decline in patient visits during this pandemic. Government-mandated cutbacks on elective procedures and routine check-ups have...
Pa. deaths from coronavirus jump to 1,112, the result of reporting changes, officials say
More than 275 additional people in Pennsylvania have died from covid-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,112, state health department officials said Sunday. The Health Department said the majority of the 276 new deaths reported did not occur overnight and are a culmination of data being collected through different reporting...
3 new deaths, 4 new covid-19 cases in Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County reported four new positive cases of covid-19 on Sunday and three new deaths, according to the state health department. That brings the countywide total to 284 positive cases and 16 deaths, state data shows. The state continues to report lower numbers of coronavirus deaths in the county compared...
Editorial: Timing the pandemic reopening
It is no surprise that people are ready for this to be over. For five weeks, Pennsylvania has been a tiger in a cage, prowling back and forth, frustrated by remembered freedom and eager to get out. We know that coronavirus put us here. We know all the simple reasons...
Gov. Andrew Cuomo set to allow video weddings in New York
NEW YORK —For those in New York looking for something to celebrate amid the coronavirus pandemic, the state is untangling some red tape around tying the knot: New Yorkers will be able to get marriage licenses online and wed via video during the crisis. Many marriage bureaus have been closed...
Pennsylvania to reopen some liquor stores for curbside sales
Pennsylvanians can buy a limited amount of liquor or wine from state stores starting Monday, marking their first chance to do so in more than a month because of the coronavirus pandemic-spurred lockdown. A limited number of stores across the state will take orders by phone and provide curbside pickup...
Orthodox churches empty for Easter amid pandemic
KYIV, Ukraine — Orthodox priests in much of Europe held Easter services in churches empty of parishoners because of restrictions imposed to block the spread of coronavirus. In Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kyiv, priests at the services that began late Saturday night wore the elaborate robes that characterize Orthodoxy’s most...
Louisville adjusts to new date, season for Kentucky DerbyVideo
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Postponing the Kentucky Derby was jarring enough for a city that draws much of its identity from hosting horse racing’s marquee event. Canceling it, well, that’s unthinkable in the Bluegrass State. The move of the Triple Crown’s first leg to Labor Day weekend because of the coronavirus...
US-Canada border to remain closed for another 30 days, Trudeau says
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday that Canada and the United States had agreed to keep their border closed for all nonessential travel for another 30 days. “Canada and the United States have agreed to extend by another 30 days the border measures that are currently in place,” Trudeau...
‘Holy Fire’ ceremony held in empty Jerusalem church
JERUSALEM — A small group of Christian clerics celebrated the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem on Saturday as the coronavirus pandemic prevented worshippers from taking part in the ancient ritual. They entered the Edicule, a chamber built on the site where Christians believe...
Stream ‘One World: Together at Home’ here featuring Lady Gaga, Elton John, Rolling StonesVideo
The “One World: Together at Home” special is here, and you can stream it now. The event, broken up into a streamed and broadcast event, is an effort from Global Citizen to raise money for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization. The WHO’s mission for covid-19...
With no school, child abuse in the home can too often go unreported
HELENA, Mont. — With schools closed and teachers unable to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect, child welfare agencies have lost some of their best eyes and ears during a stressful time for families who have lost jobs and are locked down together during the coronavirus pandemic. April is...
Horse racing gets more TV time with other sports on hold
Socially distanced crews in New York and California are keeping horse racing on television in the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic. Horse racing is one of the few sports ongoing, albeit in a limited capacity at a handful of empty tracks, but its TV presence has expanded because of the...
6th Port Authority employee tests positive for covid-19; West Mifflin garage closed for ‘deep clean’
A Port Authority of Allegheny County maintenance worker has tested positive for covid-19, marking the second employee at the West Mifflin garage to contract the disease in two days, officials said Saturday. The latest employee to learn of the positive test result last worked on Monday, Port Authority spokesman Adam...
Walk, run or surf — but don’t sunbathe on Florida beaches
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Kevin Sweeny took his 2-year-old daughter on St. Augustine Beach on Saturday for the first time in weeks. It was something that used to be routine. He lives a short bike ride from the shore, and he and his family like to enjoy it as often as...
