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Pennsylvania coronavirus, COVID-19, updates

WGAL News 8 coronavirus updates

Pennsylvania coronavirus, COVID-19, updates

WGAL News 8 coronavirus updates

WITH MORE. JERE: SUSAN, DOCTOR LEVINE TOUCHED ON SEVERAL SUBJECTS TODAY. SHE REITERATED THAT SHE AND GOVERNOR WOLF RECOMMEND AL YOUTH SPORTS BE DELAYED UNTIL JANUARY AS THE PIAA PREPARES TO MAKE A DECISION LATER THIS WEEK ABOUT THE FALL SCHOOL SPORTS SEASON. DOCTOR LEVINE ALSO TALKED ABOUT THE STATE CLARIFYING SOME OF THEIR GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS THIS WEEK AS SOME SCHOOLS START TO OPEN AND OTHERS PREPARE TO DO SO IN THE COMING WEEKS. IN PARTICULAR THE STATE IS RECOMMENDING THAT STUDENTS WEAR MASKS AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN SCHOOL, EVEN WHEN THEY ARE SIX FEET APART FROM OTHER STUDENTS DR. LEVINE: WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE ORIGINAL LANGUAGE WAS UNCLEAR ABOUT STUDENTS AT THEIR DESKS AND SO WE’VE HAD QUESTIONS ABOUT IT AND WE HAD ENOU QUESTIONS THAT WE WANTED TO CLARIFY THAT WE MEAN THAT WHEN THE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE WEARI MASKS THAT THEY ARE WEARING MASKS. THAT THEY ARE IN THEIR CLASSROOM EVEN THOUGH THEY’RE SIX FEET APART THAT THEY SHOULD BE WEARING THEIR MASKS. JERE: THE HEALTH SECRETARY ALSO TALKED TODAY ABOUT A NEW APP THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PENNSYLVANIANS NEXT MONTH THAT WILL ALLOW PEOPLE TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN THEY MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19. USE OF THE APP, CALLED COVID ALERT P.A., WILL BE COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY. THE APP WILL USE POSITIONING DATA TO INFORM PEOPLE IF THEY’VE COME INTO CONTACT WITH SOMEONE POSITIVE FOR THE VIRUS. DOCTOR LEVINE SAID THE STATE IS WORKING VERY HARD TO MAKE
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Pennsylvania coronavirus, COVID-19, updates

WGAL News 8 coronavirus updates

Pennsylvania officials are holding periodic briefings on the coronavirus pandemic. When those briefings happen, WGAL will stream them on this page.Tuesday briefingOn Tuesday, Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine talked about the state's new app, which will be launching in the coming weeks.The app is part of an effort to break chains of transmission by notifying anyone who has been exposed to the virus faster.Coronavirus restrictions for Pa.In the July 15th briefing, Gov. Tom Wolf announced broad new statewide restrictions on bars and restaurants, and larger indoor gatherings. You can read more about the announcement and see a statement from the governor's office here.Breakdown of new restrictions:Restaurants' indoor capacity will be reduced to 25 percent.Outdoor dining rules remain in effect.On-premises alcohol consumption will only be allowed with meals.Telework must be implemented whenever possible.Indoor gatherings will be limited to 25.Outdoor gatherings will still be limited to 250.You can watch Wolf's full remarks from that coronavirus news conference in the video player below.Stay with WGAL for updates.Monday, July 13th briefingPennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine reminded residents of the commonwealth to wear masks, reviewed some of the lessons learned since the pandemic started and stressed that mitigating the virus will really come down to individuals making good decisions. You can watch Levine’s full remarks below.Coronavirus - What you should knowThe following information is from the CDC:What are the signs and symptoms?The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.CoughShortness of breath or difficulty breathingFeverChillsMuscle painSore throatNew loss of taste or smellReported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.How does COVID-19 spread?The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.Can someone spread the virus without being sick?People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.How easily does coronavirus spread?The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people. Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.It may be possible for COVID-19 to spread in other ways, but these are not thought to be the main ways the virus spreads.From touching surfaces or objects. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus.From animals to people. At this time, the risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is considered to be low. Learn about COVID-19 and pets and other animals.From people to animals. It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. CDC is aware of a small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.PreventionThere is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.The CDC recommends that people take the following precautions:Wash your handsWash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.Avoid close contactAvoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.Do not gather in groups.Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around othersYou could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public.Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.Do NOT use a face mask meant for a healthcare worker.Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.Cover coughs and sneezesIf you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.Throw used tissues in the trash.Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.Clean and disinfectClean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.Then use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.

Pennsylvania officials are holding periodic briefings on the coronavirus pandemic. When those briefings happen, WGAL will stream them on this page.

Tuesday briefing

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On Tuesday, Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine talked about the state's new app, which will be launching in the coming weeks.

The app is part of an effort to break chains of transmission by notifying anyone who has been exposed to the virus faster.

Coronavirus restrictions for Pa.

In the July 15th briefing, Gov. Tom Wolf announced broad new statewide restrictions on bars and restaurants, and larger indoor gatherings. You can read more about the announcement and see a statement from the governor's office here.

Breakdown of new restrictions:

  • Restaurants' indoor capacity will be reduced to 25 percent.
  • Outdoor dining rules remain in effect.
  • On-premises alcohol consumption will only be allowed with meals.
  • Telework must be implemented whenever possible.
  • Indoor gatherings will be limited to 25.
  • Outdoor gatherings will still be limited to 250.

You can watch Wolf's full remarks from that coronavirus news conference in the video player below.

Stay with WGAL for updates.

Monday, July 13th briefing

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine reminded residents of the commonwealth to wear masks, reviewed some of the lessons learned since the pandemic started and stressed that mitigating the virus will really come down to individuals making good decisions.

You can watch Levine’s full remarks below.

Coronavirus - What you should know

The following information is from the CDC:

What are the signs and symptoms?

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

    Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

    How does COVID-19 spread?

    The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

    Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

    People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

    • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

    How easily does coronavirus spread?

    The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people. Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.

    It may be possible for COVID-19 to spread in other ways, but these are not thought to be the main ways the virus spreads.

    • From touching surfaces or objects. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus.
    • From animals to people. At this time, the risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is considered to be low. Learn about COVID-19 and pets and other animals.
    • From people to animals. It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. CDC is aware of a small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.

    Prevention

    There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

    The CDC recommends that people take the following precautions:

    Wash your hands

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

    Avoid close contact

    Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

    • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
    • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public.
      • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
    • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
    • Do NOT use a face mask meant for a healthcare worker.
    • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

    Cover coughs and sneezes

    • If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
    • Throw used tissues in the trash.
    • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

    Clean and disinfect

    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
    • If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
    • Then use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.