Statewide, there were 1,208 new confirmed cases on Thursday,
increasing the overall figure to 46,971. There were 62 more fatalities in
Pennsylvania, where the death toll stands at 2,354. Some 180,477 Pennsylvania
residents have tested negative for COVID-19.
After announcing the plan to loosen some of the restrictions
on business operations and other activity in some parts of Pennsylvania on May
8, Gov. Tom Wolf said Friday that more specifics on moving from the stricter
“red” to the “yellow” (aggressive
mitigation) phase in 24 counties will be released early in the coming week.
These counties will be first to open under yellow guidelines: Potter, McKean, Cameron,
Tioga, Clinton, Lycoming, Centre, Bradford, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford,
Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder,
Sullivan, Union, Venango, and Warren. Some businesses that were previously
considered non-life sustaining are expected to be able to reopen with
restrictions. Additional details on today’s announcement can be found here.
Golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately
owned campgrounds may immediately reopen statewide and are required to follow
updated life-sustaining business guidance. Those details are available here.
Frequently asked questions are addressed here. Campgrounds in state parks will
reopen on Thursday, May 14. Guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention on safely visiting parks and recreational facilities is
available here.
Potter County officials are continuing to work on a plan to
assist businesses that are being affected by the pandemic. An interactive map
which shows businesses that remain open under Gov. Wolf’s mandatory closing
order can be accessed here. Business owners who want to provide information on
special services they are providing, such as early shopping for seniors,
curbside pickup, etc. should click here. Another service is the Economic Impact
Survey being used to guide county leaders in advocating for local businesses.
The link can be found here.
Penn State Extension has stepped up its outreach service to
provide the public with easy access to helpful resources during the coronavirus
pandemic. A website available here provides access to prevention tips,
personal/family resources, food safety/food business resources, assistance for
agriculture, business resources, and resources for community non-profit
organizations and local governments.
