The coronavirus and COVID-19
Our goal is to equip you with the information you need. Rather than chase every update, we’ll try to keep things in context and focus on helping you make decisions.
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Keith Srakocic
Wolf offers $20 million relief plan for bars and restaurants
The plan requires approval by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
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Eric Gay
CDC reduces consecutive minutes of COVID-19 exposure needed to be a ‘close contact’
The CDC now defines a close contact as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.By Joe Neel, Barbara Campbell/NPR -
Matt Slocum
Allegheny County’s coronavirus numbers are “gloomy,” according to Health Department director
During the third week of October, numbers in Allgheny County began climbing sharply with the county averaging about 120 cases daily.
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Coburn Dukehart
COVID-19 spikes in rural areas across U.S., where hospitals face financial struggle
When the pandemic hit, most hospitals at risk were small hospitals with 25 or fewer general care beds that people in rural areas depend on for accessible health care.
By Lyle Muller, IowaWatch -
Are the risks of reopening schools exaggerated?
Despite widespread concerns, two new international studies show no consistent relationship between in-person K-12 schooling open and the spread of coronavirus. And a third study from the United States shows no elevated risk to childcare workers who stayed on the job.By Anya Kamenetz/NPR -
Wilfredo Lee
Do masks on plane flights really cut your risk of catching COVID-19?
So the big question is this: How well do the masks work? Do they make it safe to fly across the country for a family visit? Scientists are just beginning to answer that question. And their findings offer a glimmer of hope as well as fresh ideas about what’s most important for protecting yourself on a plane.By Michaeleen Doucleff/NPR -
Min Xian
Pa. coronavirus recovery: State confirms first COVID-19-positive cat in Cumberland County
The 16-year-old feline lived in a household with multiple people who’d been infected with COVID-19, and was humanely euthanized earlier this month after presenting with respiratory distress.
By Nina Feldman/WHYY and Liz Tung/WHYY