Coronavirus category, Page 268
Israel takes step toward monitoring phones of virus patients
Israel has long been known for its use of technology to track the movements of Palestinian militants. Now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to use similar technology to stop the movement of the coronavirus. Netanyahu’s Cabinet on Sunday authorized the Shin Bet security agency to use its phone-snooping tactics on...
Consumers scramble as Pennsylvania liquor stores set to close over coronavirus concerns
All Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores will close at 9 p.m. Tuesday to help combat the spread of covid-19, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced. Stores in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties in eastern Pennsylvania — among the hardest-hit in the state — already were slated to...
Canada closing borders to non-citizens, Americans exempted
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he will close the country’s borders to anyone not a citizen, an American or a permanent resident — and even they have to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival — due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Let me be clear: If you are abroad,...
Here are some tips to healing your hands from excessive handwashing
Frequent handwashing, while necessary as protection from the coronavirus that causes covid-19, can lead to dry skin and irritation. “I’ve been noticing it myself,” said Dr. Laura Ferris, a UPMC dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh. It’s especially a problem for people who work in...
Trump administration tells older Americans to stay home, all ages to avoid crowdsVideo
WASHINGTON — The White House on Monday urged all older Americans to stay home and everyone to avoid crowds and eating out at restaurants as part of sweeping guidelines meant to combat an expected surge of coronavirus cases. President Donald Trump, in a marked shift in tone about a crisis...
These cleaning chemicals do not mix, warns Westmoreland hazmat team
As residents and businesses continue deep cleaning efforts, those attempting to eradicate germs as a part of battling coronavirus need to keep their own health and safety in mind. Mixing some cleansing agents and inhaling the vapors can be toxic, experts warn. The Westmoreland County Hazardous Materials Response Team 800...
WQED offers PBS KIDS resources on social media during closures
WQED Education says that, although its in-person programs and events at schools and libraries are curtailed until further notice due to coronavirus-related closures, it will continue to support teachers, parents and students through its social media platforms. “During this uncertain time, WQED is still the ‘school of the air,’ which...
Idris Elba says he has coronavirus: ‘no symptoms so far’
Idris Elba says he has tested positive for the coronavirus. The actor tweeted Monday that he has no symptoms so far and has been isolated since Friday when he found out about his possible exposure. Elba is the latest high profile celebrity to have tested positive for the virus. Last...
Movie releases postponed due to coronavirusVideo
Like every other industry, Hollywood is reacting to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus and the recommended measures to blunt the spread of the disease. The U.S. box office has begun to take a noticeable hit, while the global box office was already in a state of free fall as...
Gov. Wolf orders nonessential Pennsylvania businesses to shut down
Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday ordered nonessential Pennsylvania businesses to shut down to help curb the spread of coronavirus. Wolf said he expects the closures beginning Tuesday to last at least two weeks, but “we will be constantly reevaluating.” Wolf’s order came hours after New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and...
Easter Egg Roll on White House lawn called off
The White House is canceling its annual Easter Egg Roll over coronavirus concerns. The event, in which thousands of children and adults roll hard-boiled eggs across the lawn and play other games, had been scheduled for April 13. Melania Trump announced the cancellation Monday, saying it was being done “out...
City of Pittsburgh halts nonessential operations
Non-emergency city offices and buildings in the City of Pittsburgh closed at noon Monday in response to the covid-19 pandemic, which has already shuttered other public places in Allegheny County. The closures will bring to a halt all non-essential business in the city, according to a news release. Buildings including...
Coronavirus in Pennsylvania: Philadelphia children’s hospital doctor tests positive; cases jump again
All nonessential business activity and city government operations will be halted for two weeks in Philadelphia, Mayor Jim Kenney announced Monday, in an effort to contain the coronavirus from spreading in the city of 1.6 million people. In issuing the order, Kenney asked that residents and businesses observe the restrictions,...
Pa. Turnpike suspends cash toll collection for now
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced Monday afternoon that it will temporarily stop accepting cash at tollbooths in an effort to safeguard employees and travelers in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The change takes effect at 8 p.m. Monday. Drivers are instructed not to stop at tollbooths. Tolls will be assessed...
Images: Poignant moments, anxiety amid the coronavirus outbreak
It has been a week of global cancellations from vacations, to sporting events, to flights after the spread of the new coronavirus. Associated Press photographers from Washington state to Italy have captured touching moments, from family conversations through a window at a Seattle nursing home to home-bound Italians singing from...
Bored kids can take a virtual field trip via zoo websites
Spring is the time for school field trips and outdoor activities — but maybe not this year. How to replace those favorite activities for the kids while they’re on their extra-long “spring break”? One idea comes from zoos around the country. Kids can take a virtual animal safari via various...
As Penn State Beaver knows, not all college basketball national championships were canceled
In all her years of playing basketball, Penn State Beaver senior Cheyenne Lopez never cut down a net. That changed last Wednesday, and in earning that privilege, Lopez and the Lions might have become the answer to a trivia question. What was the only women’s basketball team to win a...
U.S. officials: Foreign disinformation stoking virus fears
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is alleging that a foreign disinformation campaign is underway aimed at spreading fear in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, three U.S. officials said Monday. On Sunday, federal officials began confronting what they said was a deliberate effort by a foreign entity to sow fears...
Players allowed to head home as NHL issues updated guidelines for potential return
The NHL offered further guidelines on Monday for a potential return to play as the world at large deals with the coronavirus that has brought countless walks of life to a halt. If the league returns this season, it won’t be until late April at the earliest. The NHL issued...
YMCA closes all 8 branches in Western Pa. in response to covid-19 outbreak
The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh announced it will close all eight of its branches beginning Monday night. “This is not a decision we wanted to make. We are a community organization that thrives on bringing people together and creating personal connections that change lives through membership and programs,” the YMCA...
Western Pa. towns declare states of emergency to prevent spread of covid-19
Communities in the Alle-Kiski Valley began declaring states of emergency Monday to prevent the spread of exposure to the coronavirus. New Kensington Mayor Thomas Guzzo said the emergency declaration he signed Monday morning will last for five days unless city council extends it. “The city will remain open to assist...
Millions holed up at home as U.S. routines shift profoundlyVideo
CHICAGO — Millions of Americans began their work week holed up at home Monday against the coronavirus outside their doors, as the escalating outbreak shifted the nation’s daily routines in ways never before seen in U.S. history. As wide swaths of the economy began shuddering to a halt, the financial...
Westmoreland County to limit courthouse business, close senior centers
A partial shutdown of the Westmoreland County Courthouse operations will start Wednesday, commissioners have ordered. Beginning mid-week only “essential” personnel will report to work to maintain government operations, Commissioners Chairman Sean Kertes said. “We don’t want people coming to the courthouse,” he said. The scaling back was delayed to accommodate...
IUP, Robert Morris go online for rest of spring semester
More area universities have extended online instruction for the rest of the school year, as hopes of returning to normal operation all but fade away during the covid-19 pandemic. Indiana University of Pennsylvania has suspended all face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the spring semester and has asked students living...
Pa. bumping up outreach to workers left unemployed by coronavirus pandemic
Pennsylvania officials are bumping up outreach efforts to workers facing unemployment from the rising coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, state Secretary of Labor & Industry Jerry Oleksiak said workers facing a job loss may be eligible for unemployment and workers’ compensation benefits. That prospect has hit home for millions nationwide as...
