State police investigate false unemployment claim and theft of a pickup in Potter County…Elderly Elk County woman bilked out of $8300….PA House moving forward on Owlett’s bill for information on pandemic response….More than 8.9 million vaccines administered in PA…
Potter County
State police at Coudersport are investigating a fraudulent claim for unemployment. Someone used personal information of a 69 year old Harrison Township woman to obtain $198.00 in unemployment benefits on April 30.
The theft of a pick up truck in Harrison Township is also being investigated by troopers at the Coudersport barracks. A thief drove off in a 1998 black and gold Chevrolet S-10 . The truck owned by a 64 year old man and the truck was parked in his driveway when it was stolen. Anyone with information or who sees the truck is asked to call the Coudersport barracks at k814-274-8690.
Troopers also investigated the theft of a plastic garbage can from the home of Mary Mezzatestsa on Angel Lane in Sweden Township on the night of April 27.
Elk County
A 78 year old Benezette woman was bilked out of $8300 Monday night. As requested, the victim sent the money to an unknown person who claimed she needed to pay that amount to get her son released after an accident.
After more than a year of being stonewalled by the Wolf administration on information relating to virtually all aspects of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state House is quickly moving forward with legislation sponsored by Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) that would require an in-depth review of the Commonwealth’s response.
House Bill 1264, which requires a detailed report on issues related to COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and personal protective equipment (PPE), passed the House State Government Committee on Monday. It was brought up for second consideration in the full House Wednesday, where it was further improved by more than a dozen bipartisan amendments.
“The people of this Commonwealth have been kept in the dark about so much over the past year, most recently about the state’s stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the administration of COVID-19 tests and vaccines,” Owlett said. “We all deserve better. It’s time to shine the light on these issues so we can learn from them and move forward.
“I appreciate the bipartisan support of my colleagues in further strengthening this bill and look forward to getting it over to the Senate later this month so we can get the information we need,” he added.
As passed by the House State Government Committee earlier this week, the bill requires detailed information about the state’s PPE stockpile, including the types of PPE acquired and how many of each type, how much has been distributed, how much remains and how much money was spent on it. Several amendments were approved, most with significant bipartisan support, to expand the amount of information required in the report.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 6, there were 2,476 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,166,692. Please note, one lab is still getting caught up with backlogged data and another lab submitted just over 100 test results dating back to more than a month ago.
Confirmed cases:
CAMERON-198
ElK- 1547
MCKEAN-2722
POTTER-9507
TIOGA -2477
CATTARAUGUS-5460
ALLEGANY-3343
There are 2,131 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 467 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older.
The trend in the 14-day moving average number of hospitalized patients per day is starting to come down, after peaking at 2,661 patients which is slightly below what it was at the height of the spring 2020 peak of 2,751 patients on May 3, 2020. Statewide percent positivity for the week of April 23 – April 29 stood at 7.6%.
The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.
As of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, there were 57 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 26,447 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Pennsylvania hospitals began receiving shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 14 and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 21. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine was first allocated to Pennsylvania the week of March 1. On Friday, April 23, the CDC and FDA notified all COVID-19 vaccine providers that the pause in administering doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine has been lifted. Following the announcement, Pennsylvania resumed Janssen vaccinations. Vaccination numbers for Pennsylvania do not include Philadelphia, which is its own jurisdiction, or federal facilities, which are working directly with the federal government.
Vaccine highlights
Federal data representing all 67 counties:
According to the CDC, as of Thursday morning, May 6, Pennsylvania has administered first doses of vaccine to 51.2% of its entire population, and the state ranks 10th among all 50 states for first doses administered by percentage of population.
According to the CDC, as of Thursday morning, May 6, 42.7% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.
According to the CDC, as of Thursday morning, May 6, Pennsylvania ranks 5th among all 50 states for total doses administered.
Statewide data representing the 66 counties within the Department of Health’s vaccine jurisdiction:
Vaccine providers have administered 8,939,043 total vaccine doses as of Thursday, May 6.
3,710,362 people are fully vaccinated; with a seven-day moving average of more than 81,100 people per day receiving vaccinations.
1,825,025 people are partially vaccinated, meaning they have received one dose of a two-dose vaccine.
5,535,387 people have received at least their first dose.
This week, a total of 8,938,480 doses will have been allocated through May 8:
323,520 first/single doses will have been allocated this week.
288,320 second doses will have been allocated this week.
To date, we have administered 8,939,043 doses total through May 6:
First/single doses: 5,535,387 administered
Second doses: 3,403,656 administered
Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Fully vaccinated people are permitted to participate in some activities without a mask based on CDC guidance released yesterday. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
There are 155,502 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 639 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.
There are 4,438,842 individuals who have tested negative to date.
In licensed nursing and personal care homes, there are 71,083 resident cases of COVID-19, and 14,901 cases among employees, for a total of 85,984 at 1,588 distinct facilities in all 67 counties. Out of total deaths reported to PA-NEDSS, 13,166 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here. Note that the number of deaths reported to NEDSS is not exactly the same as the COVID-19 related deaths reported by the death registry. The number of deaths among nursing and personal care home residents and employees is taken from the PA-NEDSS death data, as this information is not available in the death registry data.
Approximately 27,926 of our total cases are among health care workers.
Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, May 5:
Gov. Wolf visited Happy Valley to discuss vaccine hesitancy
Human Services employees were recognized for their development of programs to support long-term care facilities during COVID-19
General Services employees were honored for their work during COVID-19 pandemic
Regional vaccination clinic in Centre County will resume operations today
The Department of Health is working to ensure the vaccine is provided in a way that is ethical, equitable and efficient to all Pennsylvanians:
All Pennsylvanians age 16 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. The provider map is available here.
A commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination guide explains the current process for getting one. Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
Vaccine provider map to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.
All of the locations that received vaccine and how much they have received can be found on the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution webpage.
Vaccine dashboard data can also be found on the website to find more information on the doses administered and showcase demographic information.
The Unite Against COVID Weekly Update is a round-up of news you can use and answers to your most pressing vaccine questions – delivered directly to your inbox every week.
Pennsylvanians can provide feedback on the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan by clicking on the Plan Feedback Form square under Popular Vaccine Topics here.
Frequently asked questions can be found here.
The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
Get vaccinated with one of the three safe and effective vaccines available to provide the best layer of protection.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
Clean surfaces frequently.
Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing. Fully vaccinated people are allowed to participate in some activities without a mask.
Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play StoreOpensIn A New Window and the Apple App StoreOpens In A New Window by searching for “covid alert pa”.
Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics
Daily COVID-19 Report
Press releases regarding coronavirus
Latest information on the coronavirus
Photos of the state’s lab in ExtonOpensIn A New Window (for download and use)
Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
Community preparedness and procedures materialsOpens In A New Window
MEDIA CONTACT: Barry Ciccocioppo – ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa.—Robert C. “Bob” Harris, 85, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in the Green Home in Wellsboro, after a long illness.
Born on Friday, December 20, 1935, in Corning, N.Y., he was a son of Frank and Ellen Wellington Harris.
Bob was a graduate of East Rochester High School. He was a US Army veteran having proudly served his country from 1958 to 1964. He was employed as a lithograph pressman for the American Can Company in Fairport, N.Y.
Bob was a life member of Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and visiting the casino.
Surviving are a sister, Dawn Carol (Robert) Smallridge of Oakridge, Tennessee; two nieces, Cheryl Kress and Julie Dallas; and a cousin, Gloria Cornelius.
In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by a nephew, Timothy Smallridge; and an aunt, Virginia Holland.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on a date and place to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oswayo Valley Senior Center, PO Box671, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; to the Oswayo Valley Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 186, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; or to the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530, 1364 SR 44S, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Bob entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Bob, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.