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The coronavirus on Smart Talk Wednesday; Stay-at-home order, license renewal extensions, drug and alcohol treatment during COVID-19 and the history of nicotine use

Road sign alerts drivers of mandatory quarantine.

 Courtesy of Joy Marie

Road sign alerts drivers of mandatory quarantine.

Almost half of the counties in Pennsylvania are now under stay-at-home orders as the state moves to respond to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. See stay-at-home guidance here. 

Rachel McDevitt, WITF Host of Fresh Air and All Things Considered, will join Smart Talk to breakdown what that means for residents.

Also, in a major departure from business as usual, the Pennsylvania Department of State is giving health care providers and facilities a deadline extension for renewing their licenses.

The extension applies to other professions, too, like barbers and real estate professionals.

Appearing on Smart Talk Wednesday is Secretary of the Commonwealth Kathy Boockvar who will discuss easing licensing requirements and also the plan to move the Pennsylvania primary to June 2.

While all nonessential businesses, schools and organizations in the state have closed, drug and alcohol treatment programs are still open and available.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Drug and Alcohol Programs Jennifer Smith appears on Smart Talk to highlight the need for treatment and vigilance to combat substance abuse. Find drug and alcohol treatment by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Finally, WITF and PA Post multimedia producer Keira McGuire will join Smart Talk to explore the history of nicotine use and a program titled Smoking to Vaping,which airs on WITF-TV on Thursday, April 2, at 8pm.

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