In a press briefing this week doctors at UPMC said a focus on the severity of the symptoms of COVID-19 is more important that counting cases in the state since they have found a majority people who are testing positive for the virus become much less sick. According to Dr. Donald Yealy, senior medical director and chair of Emergency Medicine, cases could increase in younger patients so they’re encouraged to remain vigilant by wearing masks and remaining distanced from others, especially the elderly. He said UPMC has 14 patients on ventilators in 40 of their hospitals, including six in Dauphin, Cumberland, York and Lancaster counties, but warns of a second wave of the virus and the need to not let our guard down on COVID-19.
An elderly man who police say went off the road after a rear-end accident and hit the vinyl siding of a house in Antes Fort, was hospitalized yesterday. According to the Sun Gazette, Tiadaghton Valley Regional police said the unidentified man was taken to Geisinger Medical Center by ambulance after going off the road following the rear-end crash near the 1200 block of Rt 44 South about noon. Police say three people were in the other car that was involved, but were not hurt.
In a 102 page report, Attorney General Josh Shapiro recommended better ways to regulate the natural gas industry and work with elected officials to bring badly needed changes following disregard for and pollution of private property during the shale boom with Marcellus Shale. According to Penn Live there was direct testimony in the report from more than 70 individuals who point their fingers at a state government that has failed, even touching on the governor’s Department of Environmental Protection and department of health for not collecting data about issues resulting from hydraulic fracking. The most recent document released Thursday did not assign any criminal blame, Shapiro has charges to file on other gas companies, as well including Range Resources Corp and Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.
The Troy Fair Board has regretfully announced that the 145th Troy Fair originally to be held July 27th of August 1st, must be cancelled due to current state restrictions over the pandemic. According to the Troy Fair website, since their property is owned by the Troy Borough Muncipal Authority, they made the final decision. Ticket and vendor deposit refund details will be posted as soon as the details are solidified.
There will be an increase in water and sewer bills this January after the Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority voted for the increase Wednesday. According to the Sun Gazette, executive director of the authority, Michael Miller said to the economic impact of the virus, the authorities deferred rate increases until January, according to Michael Miller, authority executive director. No late payment fees have been assessed since March and they had suspended shut-offs. For the average family the increase is about $1.05 per month. Increases are due to funding reservoir and dam maintenance and distribution system upgrades on West Fourth, East Third and other streets, he said.
Williamsport Businesses who are scrambling to stay afloat after COVID 19 may be helped by a revolving loan program led by the city Community and Economic Development department that was approved yesterday that makes $750,000 available to help city business and industry. These loans will be distributed through the Redevelopment Authority not directly given by the city. The loans are a maximum of $50,000 and a minimum of $5,000, said Stephanie Young, department director. According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter said the intent was to use the loans for impact from the virus on business and industry in the city. The loan applicants will be reviewed starting Aug. 7. The loans are expected to assist the businesses to create jobs, retain existing workforces, and cover payroll losses and other impacts from the virus pandemic.
The Selinsgrove Area Community Pool announced they are moving forward with temporary repair work after finding a substantial leak in May. This will allow them to reopen to the public hopefully by early July. The pool board released a statement saying the work is estimated at $200,000.Funds are needed and donation information and updates are posted at selinsgrovepool.org and on their Facebook page. The pool says they will follow CDC guidelines and safety precautions set forth during COVID-19. In contrast, the Lewisburg Community Pool announced that they would not reopen this season due to financial concerns.
A blood drive to resupply our communities with urgently needed blood products will be at the Mill-Green United Methodist Church on S State St & Walnut St. in Millville this coming Monday from 2pm til 7pm. According to a resource development associate at Camp Victory who is hosting the event, there are still appointments available since pre-registering is required. Blood needs are at critical levels after elective surgeries have resumed. Call 800-B-A-DONOR or visit GIVEaPINT.org today with code 8589 to participate.
SPORTS
NFL
The NFL has advised its teams to expect an on-time start for training camps next month, that means players will report no later than July 28 to begin preparing for the 2020 season. It’s possible the four-week preseason will be shortened to keep players healthy for the Sept. 10 start of the regular season. The Hall of Fame Game, the league’s annual preseason opener originally on Aug. 8, was cancelled by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
NBA
Vince Carter confirmed that he has retired from the NBA after his one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, ending his 22-year career. Carter is 19th all-time in NBA history in scoring and was the league’s Rookie of the Year in 1999. He averaged 16.7 points per game and played for eight different teams, most notably with the Raptors and Nets.
MLB
The San Francisco Giants are doing a Giants Fan Cutout Program to bring their fans’ presence to Oracle Park since the coronavirus will force the season to start without fans. Season-ticket holders were asked to send in an image of themselves to be placed onto a weatherproof cutout that will be displayed in the stands during home games. For $99 fee, the team will place a cutout of non-season-ticket holders. MLB announced earlier this week that it will play a 60-game regular season that is expected to begin July 23 or July 24 and last until late September.
