COVID-19 COUNT NOW DETERMINED BY CONFIRMED AND PROBABLE CASES
The Pa Department of Health has reported a total of 34, 528 total coronavirus cases in the state with 1,296 new positive cases. Health Department Secretary Dr Rachel Levine has reported in recent days they are reconciling data from various sources to get accurate numbers, and announced yesterday how they define cases of the virus; as confirmed or probable. “Confirmed”, being those who have had a positive test result and “probable” being those who have been in contact with those infected and who have symptoms. There are 360 new deaths reported bringing that total to 1,564. Deaths are also being counted as confirmed and probable. Statewide there are now 1,264 confirmed covid-19 deaths and 300 probable, with coronavirus as a secondary cause of death.
LYCOMING COUNTY CORONER UNSATISFIED WITH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REPORTING
As the Pennsylvania Department of Health reconciles data from various state sources and reports deaths of COVID-19, the Lycoming County Coroner told the Sun Gazette that he, along with other coroners in the commonwealth are frustrated with the way the Pennsylvania Health Department has been compiling data and not involving area coroners at all. County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr., who is head of the state’s PA State Coroners Association, says it’s flawed to classify the death of person on where they lived, not where they died. According to a coroners law in place since 1933, a county coroner or medical examiner has jurisdiction and must be notified of deaths in their county. Kiessling said that the health department did not notify him of the two deaths now reported in Lycoming County.
HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT INJURES WOMAN AND CHILD ON A BIKE
A woman riding a bike with an 11 month old child in a carrier on the back was struck in a hit and run Tuesday morning in Mifflinburg. According to North Central PA dot com, 23 year old Abigail Martin was operating the bike heading west on the 1100 block of Red Limestone Ridge Road. Police report a person driving a white sport utility vehicle hit Martin and the baby and fled the scene on Red Ridge Road. Life Flight responded to the scene. Police are asking if you have information about the incident or know of a white Ford Explorer model year between 2005 and 2010 with front end damage, call state police at Milton. Officials at Geisinger said Martin was in fair condition but no word on the condition of the child.
RECYCLING LOCATIONS TO OPEN IN COUNTY
Lycoming County Commissioners said in their meeting yesterday that they are preparing for two recycling locations to open in the county. According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming County Resource Management Services will collect recycling from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday until Saturday. At the Pennsylvania College of Technology parking lot on W. Third St., next to the Transfer Station), and the Kmart parking lot, on E. Third St. in Loyalsock Township. Residents are asked to wear masks while being at these sites.
LOW COVID NUMBERS MAKE ELECTIVE SURGERY POSSIBLE AT UPMC
UPMC announced yesterday they will resume some elective surgeries amid the absence of a predicted surge of COVID-19 patients in Central and Western Pennsylvania. Dr. Donald Yealy, UPMC’s chair of emergency medicine, said during a virtual press conference that coronavirus cases are on the decline in the communities the system serves. And that UPMC, has what they need as far as needed basic supplies. According to the Sun Gazette, the decision goes against the current recommendation of the Department of Health Secretary who said the state has begun talking to hospitals about resuming some surgeries but “we’re not there yet. Dr Yealy said The COVID-19 caseload remains at levels that are low, consistent and manageable at the UPMC facilities.
LOCYALSOCK SCHOOL BOARD TO MEET VIRTUALLY OVER BUDGET
The Loyalsock Township School board will meet tonight to go over the tentative 2020-21 school year budget. The district will meet virtually and invite the public to attend. Details on how to join the meeting on your computer will be posted at the districts website before the meeting at 7pm. www.ltsd.k12.pa.us
COMMS WANT ALL RESIDENTS TO HAVE FOOD DURING EMERGENCY
At the Lycoming County Commissioners meeting yesterday, they discussed working with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank so that families stay fed as unemployment claims in the state surge. According to the Sun Gazette, Commissioner Rick Mirabito is seeking to hear from any other agencies or groups who can make sure community members have food. Anyone who is facing food insecurities at this time is encouraged to call 211 and get help and advice from the Lycoming County United Way.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS CANCELLED FOR 2020
Special Olympics of Pennsylvania and Penn State University have announced that the 2020 Summer Games in State College that was to be in June, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. The “Be a Fan” Torch Run is also cancelled according to the news release, but they say a “Virtual Summer Games” is being planned so that the spirit of the athletes and volunteers can still be felt. Organizers at Penn State, where they’ve been holding the Special Olympics for 33 years say they are committed to a Summer Games in 2021.
SOIL REMEDIATION TODAY ON ROUTE 15 SOUTH
PennDOT will be working on Route 15 southbound in Lewis Township, Lycoming County to replace soil and fix the shoulder after a tractor trailer accident from the weekend. The wreck occurred at around 2am and blocked traffic and causing a detour through steam valley to trout run last Saturday morning. Crews will be at mile marker 144, today between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, weather permitting. Motorists should expect the left lane to be closed while the work is being completed.
Sports
NFL
The New England Patriots have agreed to trade Rob Gronkowski to the Buccaneers in a deal that reunites the retired tight end with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Gronkowski’s agent, said yesterday on SportsCenter that the five-time Pro Bowler has been feeling great physically since he retired from football nearly 13 months ago.
The Los Angeles Chargers on Tuesday became the latest NFL team to reveal new uniforms this offseason. The look includes a signature powder blue, gold and white color scheme. The design features a simplified bolt on the jersey and pants, and numbers have been added to helmets
NBA
Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill says his wife’s 85-year-old grandmother recently battled the coronavirus and beat it. Hill has been in San Antonio during the NBA’s pandemic-imposed hiatus.
Without any enforceable restrictions against large gatherings in place in the state over the coronavirus pandemic, Park Jefferson International Speedway — a dirt track in North Sioux City, South Dakota — is planning to hold the Open Wheel Nationals on Saturday with ticket sales capped at 700 for a track with a seating capacity of 4,000.
