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COVID-19

Wolf signs pandemic relief bill

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed legislation approved Friday by lawmakers that carries over $900 million in pandemic-driven aid for hard-hit hospitality businesses, private schools and people struggling to pay rent or utility bills. This time around, landlords and advocates for renters hope the money is free of federal and state rules that plagued the rollout of the first lump of pandemic aid for renters. Both chambers passed the bill unanimously Friday, and Wolf signed it several hours later. In addition to distributing money, the bill carries a provision designed ...

State aims to increase vaccine sites

As more COVID-19 vaccines become available, and as long-term care facility staff and residents receive shots, the state will be looking toward regular pharmacy locations and community clinics to get the bulk of the population vaccinated, according to Blair County Emergency Management Director Mark Taylor, speaking to the Local Emergency Planning Committee on Thursday, and information provided in a joint State Senate committee hearing. For now, people who are 65 and older, or 16 to 64 with health conditions that qualify them for a shot, should keep in touch with their primary care ...

Senior advocates critical of vaccination rollout

The state Department of Health erred in not explicitly including personal care, assisted living and other congregate settings for seniors along with nursing homes in its plan for vaccinating residents and staff in long-term care facilities, according to advocates for seniors who testified at a joint committee hearing of the State Senate on Thursday. Those errors resulted in inconsistencies and delays in getting lifesaving shots to many in the group that accounts for more than half the coronavirus deaths in Pennsylvania, according to those advocates, including Aging & Youth Chairwoman ...

State welcomes changes to vaccine plan

The Biden administration’s new plan to increase its advance notice to states for how many COVID-19 vaccine doses they’ll get from one week to three is a major boon, according to Pennsylvania’s acting Department of Health Secretary Alison Beam. A week’s “visibility” is insufficient for planning at the department and a “limiting factor” for local providers, because it cramps their ability to set up logistically — with staff, space and other resources, Beam said Wednesday at a hearing of the state House Health Committee. Three weeks, however, will be “a tremendous ...

Blair COVID-19 testing site to reopen

Blair County will be getting a second pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic. The clinic at the Blair County Convention Center will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Tuesday, according to a news release from the state Department of Health. The center will accommodate up to 450 patients a day — with the option to drive thru or walk in. Testing is first-come, first serve, and it’s free. Appointments aren’t needed. Patients are encouraged to bring a photo ID or insurance card. Patients must be at least 3 years old and do not need to show COVID-19 symptoms. Results will be ...

State’s vaccine efforts criticized

HOLLIDAYSBURG — While state leaders have blamed the slow COVID-19 vaccination process on limited supplies, two Blair County commissioners on Tuesday criticized the state for its role in the delay. Commissioner Amy Webster said she remains “troubled” by the lack of COVID-19 vaccines available to Blair County’s residents. “The state seems to be falling short on their promises,” she said. “They have very few answers for us.” Commissioner Bruce Erb recommended development of a statewide registration system for those seeking COVID-19 vaccinations to replace the current ...