Governor Wolf has announced that later today he will possibly be changing the designations for some of the 18 counties in Pennsylvania who remain in the red to the yellow phase; and that there is even a chance for some counties to move into the green designation – which bodes well for Lycoming County who has seen lass thatn 1,000 cases of COVID-19 for each of the last 11 days. According to the Secretary of Health, Dr Rachel Levine, says when the metrics for moving into the green phase are released, the criteria for what restrictions, if any will be announced. The stay at home order for counties in the red designation still stands until June 4th for more than 60% of PA’s 12.8 million residents in the eastern counties, including Philadelphia.
Drinks-to-go are now legal from Pennsylvania Liquor license holders like restaurants, bars and hotels who have lost at least 25% of their average monthly sales. According to Governor there will be limits for mixed drinks to be under 64 ounces, be in a sealed container and not be served after 11pm. Establishments can continue selling the drinks after the disaster order lifts as long as they are operating at less that 60% of their normal business.
Summer Day Camps and recreation programs in Williamsport have been cancelled according to Mayor Derek Slaughter, who also announced yesterday that Splash Cove at Memorial Park will not open for the summer. Other communities are on hold, waiting to hear what restrictions they must follow. According to the Sun Gazette, pools in Loyalsock, Jersey Shore, and Muncy are all getting ready but are on hold until the governor and department of health release guidance for the facilities.
This Memorial Day will be much quieter than any other Memorial day with no big parades, parties or cookouts this year. However, you can still do your part to recognize veterans despite the lack of togetherness. According to the Sun Gazette, area veteran’s groups are encouraging residents to have a silent observance for loved ones, donate to a favorite charity, call families of veterans or simply say thank you, from 6 feet away.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that there were 980 new cases of the coronavirus bringing the statewide total to 65, 392. There were 102 new deaths in PA, with a total of 4,869. Lycoming County has no new cases and no new deaths holding steady at 152 cases. We have had less than 1000 cases per day for 11 days in a row, which could help the Lycoming county be eligible for a move into the green phase today possibly to be announced during a planned press conference by Governor Wolf.
According to Corey Wright of Little League International, any and all Little League activities will not resume until all counties in PA are in the green. However according to the sun gazette there are best practices outline for when baseball does begin in Lycoming county. While baseball is a relatively safe sport amongst the pandemic due to the large distance between players, there are many things that could be implemented. Limiting things like spitting on the field, or high fiving, as well as spacing out players in the dugout, and doing away with concessions, will likely be impleented as things transition into the green.
A prayer vigil was held at ManorCare Jersey Shore last night for residents at the facility. About 70 people from Jersey Shore Presbyterian Church gathered to show love and support for the residents and staff there. According to the ManorCare administrators, there have now been 53 residents testing positive for the virus and 15 have died from it. Other parishioners from Mountain View Alliance Church were there to pray for residents and staff. Since mid-March visitors have been banned from visiting nursing homes and long term care facilities.
According to federal law, the US flag and subordinate flags should be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon. Then all flags should return to full staff at the end of the day. Governor Wolf announced in March that the Pennsylvania flag can be flown at half-staff to honor covid-19 deaths in the commonwealth during the pandemic.
As the lead agency in the state for emergency medical services the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Dr Rachel Levine has recognized EMS personnel week in her video press conference yesterday. She said over 42,000 certified EMS personnel and more than 1,000 licensed ground and air agencies in the commonwealth respond to more than 1 million requests for service each year.
Sports
NFL
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s championship super bowl ring recently sold for over a million dollars Thursday night during the largest virtual fundraiser in history called the All in Challenge. All proceeds are going to help feed those in need.
There will be a docuseries on Tom Brady that will air after the popular Michael Jordan series “The Last Dance” The 9 episode series will be called “Man in the Arena” and will account the pivotal moments in his career, including all 9 of his Superbowl appearances with the New England Patriots
Dak Prescott turned down a record deal from the Dallas Cowboys – a 5-year $175 million contract would have made Prescott the highest paid quarterback in NFL history. He is reported to be asking for a $45 million a year. If no deal is reached he will –play under the francise tag.
An adult website is bidding for the rights to name the home of the New Orleans Superdome after Mercedes-Benz said they won’t renew their contract with the team. There’s a $15 million dollar bid to name the Saint’s base Home the Stripchat Superdome
MLB
The Chicago cubs and Pittsburgh pirates will be issuing pay cuts while they await the fate of major league baseball this season due to the corona virus pandemic. No layoffs are expected as of now.
An autographed Bowman Draft Chrome Red Refractor – the 2009 rookie card of LA Angels Mike Trout, sold at auction Wednesday for $900K
