Arguments in D.C. stall coronavirus relief in Pa. | Coronavirus Newsletter
Plus, learning from a South Jersey coronavirus survivor’s story
TL;DR: Until Washington decides on a second coronavirus relief package, Pennsylvania lawmakers say they won’t allocate the $1 billion in unspent federal aid to those who need financial assistance. A South Jersey man spent 15 days in the intensive-care unit at Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly, and barely remembers it. But the story of his recovery reveals how doctors are learning more about treatment options as the pandemic continues.
— Ellie Silverman (@esilverman11, health@inquirer.com)
What you need to know:
🏀 Fall high school sports in Pa. are in serious jeopardy after Gov. Tom Wolf recommended no competition until 2021.
💰 Some New Jersey renters could have their back rent forgiven, thanks to a new grant program announced Friday.
😷 Masks could have saved the lives of 66,000 Americans by Dec. 1. Here’s why.
🏥 Americans are more likely to report pandemic-related mental health concerns than other developed countries, survey finds.
❌ The Please Touch Museum laid off most of its staff and won’t reopen in 2020.
🎶 Watch the Philadelphia Orchestra rehearse in person for the first time since the pandemic shut everything down.
📰 What’s going on in your county? We organized recent coverage of the coronavirus pandemic by local counties mentioned in the stories to make it easier for you to find the info you care about.
Local coronavirus cases
📈The coronavirus has swept across the Philadelphia region and cases continue to mount. The Inquirer and Spotlight PA are compiling geographic data on tests conducted, cases confirmed, and deaths caused by the virus. Track the spread here.
Until Washington decides on a second coronavirus relief package, Pennsylvania lawmakers say they won’t allocate the $1 billion in unspent federal aid to those who need financial assistance. Restaurant and bar owners last week urged state House Republicans for help. “If we do not get grants or loans to pay our mortgages, employees, and local taxes, we will not survive,” Rui Lucas, general manager at Na’Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse in Horsham, told lawmakers. Read more here.
Radames Plaza spent 15 days in the intensive-care unit at Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly, most of it on life support, and barely remembers it. But the story of his treatment and recovery illustrates how health-care professionals have been learning, and sharing right away — even on social media — their discoveries in managing a ferocious, new disease with no proven therapies and no predictable course. Read more here.
Helpful resources
What are the first symptoms of the coronavirus?
Find coronavirus testing sites: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware
If your Philly garbage is still piling up, here’s where you can take it.
Here are 8 principles of social distancing to help figure out what you can and can’t do.
Have another question? Our reporters have tracked down answers.
You got this: Go on a day trip
Looking to get out of the house, while still staying safe during the pandemic? Our reporters have put together guides for day trips near Philly, including offbeat day trip destinations, day trips for photo buffs, wineries, craft breweries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and drive-in movie theaters. Read more tips for things to do here.
🌼 The PHS will move the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show outside in the summer.
🍸 Laid off by the pandemic, she returned home to New Jersey and launched a sweet new career in cocktail syrups.
🍅 Everybody Eats will give away free groceries in Southwest Philly on Saturday.
Have a social distancing tip or question to share? Let us know at health@inquirer.com and your input might be featured in a future edition of this newsletter.
What we’re paying attention to
The Washington Post published a simulation demonstrating how America can build herd immunity to the coronavirus. The answer: A vaccine, or 2.95 million deaths.
Rejected Philadelphia Police recruits told NBC10 they believe the system is racist.
A photo of a crowded school hallway in Georgia went viral, illustrating the hurdles of reopening classrooms during a pandemic. The New York Times reported that the student who posted the photo was initially suspended.
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