DOH: Pa. mask mandate likely to end June 28
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Vector color chalk drawn illustration of medical mask on black chalkboard background.
One more month.
Pennsylvania’s mask mandates will end no later than June 28, the state Department of Health (DOH) announced Thursday.
Already, folks who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks in many situations — stores, businesses and such are still allowed...
County, state continue to clash over vaccine distribution
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
While President Joe Biden announced that states will have to allow universal scheduling of COVID-19 vaccine appointments after May 1 for everyone over age 18, local officials continue to express worry that the state Department of Health is still not sending the county its fair share of vaccine, leading to widespread frustration by those in the first phase...
Local officials blast Wolf Admin. over ‘shortchanging’ SE counties on COVID-19 vaccine
A Sunday meeting between local elected officials and officials from the state Department of Health (DOH) did little to convince officials from Chester, Montgomery, Delaware and Bucks county that DOH has not shortchanged the region when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine — and that the state will continue to shortchange the counties surrounding Philadelphia.
The meeting — with county commissioners, county...
County officials push state on vaccine numbers, explain guidance for schools reopening
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Chester County Commissioners’ chair Marian Moskowitz updates the public on the current status of COVID-19 vaccine in the county, Thursday.
WESTTOWN — The leaders of Chester County’s government expressed frustration at low supplies of COVID-19 vaccine — and pledged to keep pushing state officials to boost supplies locally, specifically to the...
Wolf’s budget proposal is great…and dead on arrival
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf introduced his 2021-22 budget, and I have to say it is audacious, ambitious and goes a long way to solve the root problems of much of what has plagued Pennsylvania for more than three decades.
It is also, sadly, deader than Elvis.
That says more about Pennsylvania and Republicans in the General Assembly than it does about Wolf. Not that...
COVID-19 Update, Dec. 9: Gov. Wolf tests positive for COVID
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf
Ahead of expected tightened restrictions in Pennsylvania, as COVID-19 cases continue to spike, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday that he has tested positive for the virus.
Wolf released the following statement, Wednesday afternoon:
“During a routine test yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19. I have no symptoms and am feeling well....
COVID Update, Nov. 23: Wolf issues stay at home advisory, new limits on schools, gatherings
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf warned Monday that the COVID-19 pandemic could worsen seriously in commonwealth with today’s peak cases that average more than 6,000 per day could spike to more than 22,000 per day by December and overwhelm the state’s hospital system, asking — but not ordering – residents to stay home as much as possible.
Wolf did announce some...
COVID-19 Update: Wolf lays down the law with rebel counties, even as Trump Tweets support for lawlessness
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times, @mikemncgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf
Gov. Tom Wolf laid down the law Monday, literally, making it clear that counties and states that chose to ignore his emergency pandemic business shut down orders would face consequences ranging from loss of federal COVID-19 recovery funding, loss of insurance, licenses and other civil penalties, even as President Donald Trump took to Twitter...
Chesco to start antibody testing of first responders, healthcare professionals
WEST CHESTER — After nearly a month of intensive efforts by Chester County Government to overcome restrictions imposed for antibody testing, the County confirms it is now able to begin point-of-contact testing for essential function individuals who are on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis in Chester County – although questions about both the reliability of such tests and whether infection provides...
COVID 19 Update, May 7: Wolf expected to add more counties to Yellow status
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
As statewide COVID-19 cases continue to sit at a relative plateau, as published reports said Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to announce more counties Friday that will move from closed (Red) to partially open (Yellow) but it seems unlikely that Chester County will be among those counties.
Meanwhile Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced an extension...
