So it was probably just a matter of time that Gov. Tom Wolf, who has slowly been expanding his stay-at-home order to include more Pennsylvania counties, announced today that he was shutting the whole state down.
Previously, 33 counties had been under the order and those counties accounted for the vast majority of the state’s residents. The order is effective through April 30. “This virus is spreading rapidly," Wolf said. "It’s in every corner of our state.”
No doubt the governor’s decision was helped by the latest numbers, which were announced at noon today: nearly 1,000 new coronavirus cases, raising the total in the state to 5,805, with 74 deaths.
Those weren’t the only disconcerting numbers that came out today, as the stock market went down another 4.4 percent. The price of oil tumbled to near $20 a barrel, and automakers also reported sharp drops in U.S. sales for March, including a 43 pecent plunge for Hyundai.
Was there any good news? Well, Pennsylvania is reopening its liquor and wine portal for online sales. Maybe by tomorrow, there won’t be quite the backlog that developed right after the announcement.
As for other coronavirus stories on PennLive today:
Where are Pennsylvania’s coronavirus cases? Map, details on known cases as of April 1, 2020
Pa. stands to receive $14 million from federal stimulus bill to assist with voter education
Alternate health care sites could open in central Pa. to combat hospital shortages from coronavirus
PA Game Commission cancels annual seedling sales in coronavirus response
NASA launches website loaded with at-home activities for kids during coronavirus school closures
Students, women spare seniors the need to take dangerous trips to stores: coronavirus heroes