The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted on a bill (SB 613) on Tuesday, 4/14, to allow some businesses in the commonwealth to reopen if they follow guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bill passed 107-95 with all Democrats voting against the bill. It will go to the Senate next. It will still need the signature of Gov. Wolf after that, which is unlikely. Governor Tom Wolf ordered all non life-sustaining businesses to close on March 19. Since then and unavoidably, unemployment in the state has skyrocketed as workers have been fired, laid off, or furloughed from jobs at businesses that are not open. However, stay-at-home orders have helped keep the number of infections down from cataclysmic rates.
UPDATE 4/15 The PA Senate passed SB613 29-21.
This bill (see Section 3) does not recommend that all business be opened, but does describe how some may be opened. First, the governor would develop a mitigation plan for businesses to reopen. Second, that mitigation plan would be based on CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and conform to the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advisory on essential critical infrastructure. Republicans argue that there are certain industries currently shutdown in PA that are open in surrounding states and are listed on the CISA advisory as essential. Auto sales and construction are two examples. Also, there are numerous small businesses shuttered that sell the same products as big box stores that remain open. Thirdly, the bill concludes that if a business meets the requirements of the determined mitigation plan they may operate in the commonwealth. This will get some people back to work and force their businesses to follow a safe plan when reopening. Most businesses will still be left off the list.
Philadelphia recorded the first prisoner death due to coronavirus COVID-19. Mayor Jim Kenney announced on Tuesday, 4/14, that a woman in her 40s with underlying health conditions died in the hospital. She had been hospitalized since April 8. Her identity has not been released to protect her family. She had been incarcerated at Riverside Correctional Facility for '500 plus days' and was up for parole in August. She was not eligible for early release.
76ers co-owner Michael G. Rubin announced the "All-In Challenge" to raise money to help those in need during the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. Rubin is also the owner of sports apparel manufacturer Fanatics who recently turned his Easton, PA, facility from a manufacturer of sports jerseys to masks and gowns for healthcare workers. The "All-in Challenge" is for sports stars, musicians, celebrities to go "all-in" and donate their prized possessions or a once-in-a-lifetime fan experience. All the items will go up for auction to raise money for the COVID-19 fight. "Together what we want to do is literally build the largest movement with all the best entertainers, celebrities, athletes, business titans coming together to make a real impact on this issue," Rubin said. "It's just brutal, it's so hard to watch everyone suffering. That has motivated me and some of my closest friends to say, 'How do we really do something about this?'" Some items are as low as $10 to enter a raffle while others start much pricier.
Some of the Philadelphia celebrities on board so far include: Meek Mill (Rolls Royce Phantom), Ben Simmons (complete NBA experience), Kevin Hart (speaking role in next movie), Zach and Julie Ertz (double date, dinner and court side Sixers), Jeffery Lurie (design/call preseason Eagles play).
(Thread): I continually say that it’s the responsibility of leaders in sports and business to step up and make a real difference during the most difficult times!! pic.twitter.com/olaoKnLmxI
Sports
Philadelphia Phillies legend Chase Utley surprised Dr. Mark Mikkelsen, the head of The Hospital of University of Pennsylvania's Covid-19 unit, on Monday's digital edition of Intentional Talk on the MLB Network.
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