Dr. Rachel Levine
@SecretaryLevine
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Dr. Rachel L. Levine was the Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This account is retired.
Joined September 2015
I feel that I must personally respond to the multiple incidents of #LGBTQ harassment and specifically transphobia directed at me. Your actions perpetuate a spirit of intolerance and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals and specifically transgender individuals.
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It has truly been an honor to serve the people of Pennsylvania under the leadership of @GovernorTomWolf. He's a tremendous leader with an incredible vision for Pennsylvania, and it has been a highlight of my career to serve in his administration.
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The orders that @GovernorTomWolf and I put in place on mask-wearing, mandatory telework, worker safety, building safety and hospital safety are all still in effect to protect Pennsylvanians, especially our frontline workers.
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I have no room in my heart for hatred and frankly, I do not have time for intolerance. My heart is full with a burning desire to help people + my time is full working toward protecting the public health of everyone in PA from #COVID19. I will stay laser-focused on that goal.
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I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve Pennsylvanians, and all Americans, as part of the Biden Administration if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed to this position. Read my full statement:
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An apology is beginning of the conversation. I call on you + all Pa'ians to work towards spirit of not just tolerance, but acceptance toward LGBTQ individuals. We need to foster spirit of acceptance + welcoming to LGBTQ individuals + celebrate wonderful diversity of our state.
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While these individuals may think they're only expressing displeasure with me, they are hurting the thousands of LGBTQ Pa'ians who suffer directly from demonstrations of harassment. To perpetrators of these actions, if apologies are sincerely given, then I accept your apologies.
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All Pennsylvanians have an important role to play in stopping the spread of #COVID19 and saving lives. Your job right now is to stay calm, stay home and stay safe. #FlattenTheCurve
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I look forward to serving as president of @ASTHO and working with my colleagues to meet needs and create opportunities at the state, territorial, and local levels.
We are excited to welcome our new ASTHO president Rachel Levine of @PAHealthDept! Learn about @SecretaryLevine's career and work in #publichealth in our press release:
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These existing – and still valid – orders were put in place in the absence of any federal leadership at a time when life-saving decisions needed to be made. Saving lives has been the cornerstone of all of our decisions, including orders referenced in case that have since expired.
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These actions not only put the LGBTQ community at risk, they put our entire health care system in jeopardy. These continuous attacks on the rights of transgender Americans must stop.
The @GovernorTomWolf Administration today condemned the Trump Administration’s final rule stripping Americans of their right to health care because of their sexual orientation and gender identity that was previously guaranteed by the Affordable Care Act.
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At start of pandemic, we saw a higher number of cases in people ages 19-49, before it spread to those over age 65. This pattern is now repeating. There are things we can do right now to stop this cycle—wear a mask, stay 6 feet away from others + maintain healthy habits.
Today @SecretaryLevine warned the commonwealth is on the verge of repeating pattern that led to widespread community shut-downs in spring to mitigate #COVID19, urging residents to stop cycle by wearing a mask + making important choices to reduce exposure:
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We must do the right thing and continue to social distance, contain and mitigate this virus – all vital public health actions that are accepted worldwide to prevent the spread of disease.
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Being outside in nice weather is very healthy! Please continue to practice #SocialDistancing + avoid areas where people may gather. Instead:.• enjoy sunshine + fresh air from your porch.• ride a bike.• take a walk (keep 6' away from others).• play with your kids in your yard
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I am a parent; I am a doctor; I am a professor; I am the Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and I am a transgender woman. As an American woman, I have a right to equal protection under the law. @GovernorTomWolf believes this.
Following a recent Trump admin. memo on gender definitions, @SecretaryLevine and the Exec. Dir. of @GovernorTomWolf's LGBTQ Affairs Commission rallied to support transgender Pennsylvanians and decry the discriminatory proposed policy.
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We need everyone in Pennsylvania to take #COVID19 seriously. As case counts continue to increase, the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home. Stay calm, stay home, and stay safe. We will get through this if we do it together.
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Although it is the holiday weekend, Pennsylvanians should refrain from attending large gatherings, and if you do go out and interact with others, wear a mask. Wearing a mask shows that you care about others, and that you are committed to protecting the lives of those around you.
Although it's typically a time for people to gather for fun festivities, it's important for Pennsylvanians to AVOID large gatherings over the #FourthOfJuly weekend. If you do go out into public spaces, you must wear a mask. Read more:
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#COVID19 is still here—and we are at a critical point. If we ALL do not take steps to prevent the spread of this virus, we put our health systems and our friends, family and loved ones at risk.
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I urge every Pennsylvanian to download the COVID Alert PA so you can get a notification if you've been in close contact with someone who later tests positive for #COVID19, or anonymously notify other residents if you test positive. Learn more + download:
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I am calling on ALL Pennsylvanians to unite against #COVID19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing + downloading COVID Alert PA. This virus is still affecting our communities and it will not go away on its own. Together we can #StopTheSpread of COVID-19.
Today we + @PADCEDnews announced the launch of a public health awareness campaign—PA Unites Against COVID—to remind Pa'ians that they have the power to #StopTheSpread #COVID19 + provide resources to help educate others + join the fight against the virus:
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We will get through this if we do it together. What is most important for Pennsylvanians to do is to stay calm, stay home and stay safe. #COVID19 #StayHomePA.
Pennsylvanians are strong and resilient. We know this isn't easy, but we ALL need to stay home. The only way through this is together. THANK YOU to everyone on the front lines and to Pennsylvanians for practicing #socialdistancing and staying home.
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I want to express my sincere gratitude for the essential contributions + sacrifices that the Department's nurses have made throughout the #COVID19 pandemic + continually provide to people in Pennsylvania. Thank you to all PA nurses for your compassion, dedication + hard work.
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Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your child from a number of serious, life-threatening diseases. Getting vaccinations can also help protect those around you, such as those with compromised immune systems who cannot get vaccinated.
Parents! Make sure that your child’s immunizations are up-to-date as part of your back-to-school preparations. Vaccines are a necessary precaution needed to protect infants, children and teens from serious childhood diseases. Learn more:
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The rate of infection has been declining over the last 14 days across the state. That's good news for PA as we continue to move to a carefully-coordinated opening. It’s important to remember that as counties move to yellow, we still have to be careful + continue our efforts.
Good news, PA—the current #COVID19 outbreak has peaked in Pennsylvania. Thank you for your efforts!. Although we are on the decline, we must continue efforts, like social distancing + wearing masks in public, to help prevent a resurgence + keep counties moving in right direction.
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You're not alone—and it's okay to reach out for help if you need it. Contact the @CrisisTextLine by texting PA to 741-741.
If you’re feeling lonely, isolated, or down because of #COVID19, it’s okay to ask for help. 💬 Text PA to 741-741 for free and confidential help, available 24/7. #MentalHealthMatters
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Today I joined @GovernorTomWolf and @PennStHershey to thank health care professionals and staff for their extraordinary efforts to protect Pennsylvanians during #COVID19. THANK YOU to all health care workers for all you do to make our commonwealth a healthy Pennsylvania for all.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 in PA for #COVID19. Our state lab in Exton has the ability to test 125 to 150 individuals each day. Testing is done at our lab, then presumptive positive cases are sent to the CDC for final confirmation.
At first, #COVID19 testing was bottlenecked. But now that states can perform their own tests, they are able to turn them around in a matter of hours. @SecretaryLevine from @PAHealthDept contributes to this piece by @voxdotcom, more here:
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As Pennsylvania counties move into the yellow and green phases, we must take personal responsibility to protect others. Wearing a mask, continuing to maintain social distancing, and washing your hands frequently are all steps we can take to help protect others.
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Staying home + limiting our interactions is ONLY WAY we can: .• make sure people don’t need to be hospitalized.• make sure that we don’t strain our health care system to the point that it breaks.• make sure our economy recovers quickly. #FlattenTheCurve #StayHome #COVID19
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We must continue to take important steps to protect public health with the possible resurgence of COVID-19 and the flu in the fall and winter.
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While we are unable to come together with our families, we have come together as a state and nation to reinforce that the only way through this is with each other, even though we are physically apart. We will get through this because of each other and we will be stronger for it.
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Your mental health matters. If you need help coping or if you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:. ☎️ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.🎖️ Veterans in Crisis: 1-800-273-8255 + press 1.💬 Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741-741.
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Although 24 counties will move from red to yellow on Friday, we still need all Pennsylvanians to continue to follow social distancing + mitigation efforts. I'm proud of the work that Pa'ians have done so far, but we can't stop now. Together we can slow the spread of #COVID19.
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The most important thing for Pennsylvanians to do is stay home. If you don’t have to go out, don’t go out. Stay calm, stay home and stay safe. #FlattenTheCurve #StayHomePA #COVID19
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With more than half of PA now in green phase, it's essential that we continue to take precautions to protect against #COVID19. Each of us has a responsibility to protect ourselves and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently.
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I want to sincerely thank EMS providers who serve across the entire commonwealth. Thank you for the crucial work you do in making sure that Pennsylvania is a healthy, vibrant place to live.
There are over 42,000 certified EMS personnel + more than 1,000 licensed ground and air agencies in the commonwealth who respond to more than 1 MILLION requests for service each year. Thank you to our EMS heroes for all you do for Pennsylvanians! .#EMSStrong #EMSWeek
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Today I joined @GovernorTomWolf at @WellSpan to thank staff and discuss why wearing a mask and social distancing are necessary and effective to fight the spread of #COVID19. Stay alert, wear your mask and show the whole community that we are in this together. #MaskUpPA
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Each and every one of you has an important role in stopping the spread of #COVID19 and saving lives. That role is staying home. Don't go out unless you absolutely must. I know this isn't easy, but we all need to stay home. The only way through this is together. #StayHomePA
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It’s been almost a month since @GovernorTomWolf + I ordered non-life sustaining businesses to close physical locations + allow employees to work virtually when possible. This has been a hard sacrifice for Pennsylvanians, but the sacrifice is helping. #StayHomeSaveLives.
Is #socialdistancing working? .Our #COVID19 case count continues to grow, but we aren’t seeing a doubling of cases daily like other states. The number of deaths also continues to grow, but it could be much worse. Social distancing works + closures are saving lives. #StayHomePA
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Don't believe everything you see on the internet. Be sure that you're using trusted sources, like @PAHealthDept, for #COVID19 information: . 1️⃣ Follow:.Twitter: @PAHealthDept.FB: Pennsylvania Department of Health . 2️⃣ Visit PA's COVID-19 website:
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Across PA, we have dedicated public health pros who are the backbone of contact tracing, working alongside our regional partnerships, staff + volunteers. As #COVID19 cases increase, we continue our efforts to support, strengthen + expand in order to conquer any potential surge.
Contact tracing is critical to identify instances of community spread + prevent larger outbreaks to keep PA safe from #COVID19. We're continuing to expand + build infrastructure, including volunteers, regional partnerships + hiring contact tracing staff:
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Pennsylvanians are strong and resilient. Will get through this if we do it together. What is most important for Pennsylvanians to remember is to stay calm, stay home and stay safe. #COVID19 #FlattenTheCurve #Stayhome
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Testing, along with wearing a mask, washing your hands, maintaining social distancing and contact tracing are essential tools to reduce the spread of #COVID19 in Pennsylvania.
.@GovernorTomWolf and @PAHealthDept today highlighted ongoing efforts to expand testing across Pennsylvania to ensure that every Pennsylvanian who wants a test can get one.
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Your mask protects me from exposure and my mask protects you. A mask isn’t a pass to go back to visiting friends or going to back to work at a non-essential business. A mask is one more tool to protect ourselves against the spread of #COVID19.
My mask protects you, your mask protects me. Homemade masks protect everyone else from droplets created by the wearer. It's important that as many people as possible wear masks when leaving home. You DON'T need a surgical mask or N95—save those for front line responders.
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Across Pennsylvania, we have dedicated public health professionals who truly are the backbone of contact tracing, and this expansion of the contact tracing team will only support, strengthen and expand their efforts.
Today we announced a nearly $23 million federally funded contract with Insight Global to recruit, hire, train + support 1,000 paid contact tracing staff to further #COVID19 contact tracing efforts in collaboration with local + regional health entities:
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By staying home + staying apart, we are saving lives. This hasn't been easy, but your efforts are making a difference in slowing the spread of #COVID19. Please continue to stay calm, stay home + stay safe. We are strong + resilient—and we'll get through this together.
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I’m calling on ALL Pennsylvanians to answer the call to stop the spread of COVID-19. We need to wear a mask, practice social distancing + download COVID Alert PA. We can get through this but it requires each of us working together. We must be united in our fight against COVID-19.
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I am enthusiastic to announce that I was unanimously confirmed as @PAHealthDept Secretary of Health by the Senate yesterday! I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have the opportunity to live healthy lives.
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We are looking at trends in data to base our decisions and to see if social distancing is working. Our trends are showing that the sacrifice that Pennsylvanians are making to stay home is working.
We’ve expanded our #COVID19 reporting + added new data on our website:.📊 negative results at county-level.📊 regional data.📊 positive results + death information by gender.📊 positive results + death information by race/ethnicity. ℹ️ View the new data:
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I have issued a series of advisories and orders intended to help stop the spread of #COVID19 during this critical time, to protect our hospitals, our health care workers and the lives of our fellow Pennsylvanians.
With new modeling projecting 22,000 new COVID-19 cases per day in PA in December, @GovernorTomWolf and @PAHealthDept today announced new targeted mitigation measures to help stop the spread during this critical time.
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If you need to make a trip to the store for essential items, use these tips for safe grocery shopping during #COVID19 ⬇️.
Tips for safe grocery shopping during #COVID19:.🥫 plan for 1-2 weeks-worth of groceries.🚗 use delivery or pickup if possible.😷 wear a mask.🛒 wipe off cart handles.↔️ practice social distancing.👏 use hand sanitizer.🕘 respect designated shopping hours.🧼 wash hands at home
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On March 20th, 2018 I was confirmed as Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Excited to continue working to better heath for all of Pennsylvania.
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Naloxone has 1 function—to reverse effects of opioids on brain + respiratory system to save someone’s life. Every Pennsylvanian has a role to play as a potential first responder + can save a life by having naloxone on hand + using it if they come across someone who has overdosed.
Be ready to save a life by learning how to use #naloxone. Watch @SecretaryLevine's naloxone training video on TRAIN PA to get your certificate of completion that will protect you legally as a Good Samaritan trying to help someone in need: .#EndOverdose
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The actions are designed to be surgical and precise to prevent from repeating the cycle we saw in the spring. We have gained a great deal of experience since the start of this outbreak and have learned from best practices from other states as well as PA counties.
ICYMI: New statewide #COVID19 restrictions are effective today ➡️ Please continue to:.😷 #MaskUpPA when leaving home.↔️ social distance (at least 6 feet away from others).🧼 wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.#COVIDStopsWithMe
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We have seen more than 1,000 cases a day for the past nine days, which shows that we're at the start of a fall resurgence of COVID-19. We must be united to #stopthespread: wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance, avoid large gatherings, download COVID Alert PA + get flu vax.
Today @SecretaryLevine highlighted the work underway to prepare Pennsylvania for a fall resurgence in #COVID19 cases, and to make sure all Pennsylvanians are as protected as possible from both COVID-19 and #flu. Read more:
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#COVID19 knows no bounds—it doesn’t respect county or state lines and it certainly doesn’t take a holiday. Pennsylvanians should refrain from attending large gatherings, and if you do go out and interact with others, social distance, wash your hands frequently and wear a mask.
📢 Hey PA—avoid large gatherings this #LaborDay weekend + wear a mask around others to help prevent further spread of #COVID19. If you do gather with a small group of close friends or family, take precautions to keep everyone safe from COVID-19: #MaskUpPA
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Our latest data shows that the number of #COVID19 cases is increasing across the state. The virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones + others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing + washing hands often.
#COVID19 Update (as of 7/2/20 at 12:00 am):.• 832 additional positive cases of COVID-19.• 88,074 total cases statewide .• 6,712 deaths statewide.• 702,199 patients tested negative to date. More information:
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Our notable increase in #COVID19 cases over the last few days and our first death in Pennsylvania indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously. Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe. #SocialDistancing #StayHome
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Our EMS providers are on the front line from the opioid epidemic to the #COVID19 pandemic. When we wear our masks, we not only prevent the spread of COVID and save lives, but we are saying THANK YOU to these heroes. Please make sure you wear a mask any time you are in public.
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The most important thing that we all can do to slow the spread of #COVID19 is to stay home. If you must leave home, #MaskUpPA. Remember, even though you're wearing a mask, you still need to keep at least 6 feet between yourself + others. #StayCalmStayHomeStaySafe.#StayHomePA
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We must remain united in stopping #COVID19. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay apart and download the COVID Alert PA app. If you test positive, please answer the call of the case reviewer and provide information that can help protect others. It’s the selfless, right thing to do.
Today @SecretaryLevine announced targeted efforts to control the spread of #COVID19 in Pennsylvania, including:.▪️ Issuing memo to acute care hospital CEOs/CMOs outlining opportunity to work collaboratively + expectations if they don’t to ensure health systems can provide care
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We have a growing team of dedicated professionals equipped to do this work and make a difference, but we need our fellow Pennsylvanians to pick up the phone when they call. Please make the right choice to answer the call to help us mitigate the spread of #COVID19.
Weekly data for #COVID19 investigations, contact tracing + monitoring. Between Aug 9-15:.▪️ 5,644 cases in PA + >80% of all cases completed case investigation in 24 hrs of positive confirmation.▪️ 748 contact tracers across PA monitoring 12,220 contacts .
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Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse effects of opioid overdose. We know there are challenges in getting naloxone to people in need, particularly during a global pandemic + this standing order will work to assist with that. Treatment works + recovery is possible.
The @GovernorTomWolf Administration today announced that @SecretaryLevine signed an updated naloxone standing order which permits community-based organizations to provide naloxone by mail.
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We are thrilled that each of our approved academic clinical research centers now has a research contract with a clinical registrant. Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program continues to be a leader for the country as we conduct comprehensive research through this program.
Today DOH approved the eighth clinical registrant, Goodblend Pennsylvania, LLC, who will be part of the state’s first-in-the-nation research program for medical marijuana. Read more:
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We all play a part in stopping the spread of #COVID19. I am encouraging every Pennsylvanian to add their phone to the fight and download COVID Alert PA today:
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Even though the daily increases of #COVID19 cases in PA are not exponential, now is not the time to become complacent. We must continue to stay home to protect ourselves, our families and our community.
#COVID19 Update (as of 4/13/20 at 12:00 am):.• 1,366 additional positive cases of COVID-19.• 24,199 total cases statewide .• 524 total deaths statewide.• 105,593 patients tested negative to date. County-specific information + statewide map:
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We are committed to ensuring that vaccine is getting to Pennsylvanians as quickly as manufacturers get it to us. Both of these partnerships will help vaccinate most vulnerable residents + people who care for them more quickly so that we can move to other groups in our communities.
Today @SecretaryLevine announced that the commonwealth has activated Phase B of the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, to expand its mission to include personal care and assisted living facilities, among others, throughout Pennsylvania.
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Today I joined @GovernorTomWolf to discuss the fall resurgence of #COVID19 in PA. It's critically important to participate fully in the case investigation process if you receive a call from a contact tracer. Provide as much information as you can to help #stopthespread in PA.
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Violence is a significant public health issue that affects many people each and every year. This dashboard will assist in providing information on the scope of violence in Pennsylvania, and the populations affected by it.
.@GovernorTomWolf today announced that the @PAHealthDept has launched a violence data dashboard to collect data on the scope, frequency, geography, and populations affected by violence in Pennsylvania.
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We hope that this campaign will help Pennsylvanians understand the importance of getting vaccinated and encourage them to get their #flu vaccine so we can all stay protected together. I am urging all residents to skip the flu this year and get vaccinated today.
Today @SecretaryLevine announced the launch of DOH's statewide multimedia campaign to increase awareness of the #flu vaccine and encourage Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated this year. Read more: #protectedtogether
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Last flu season, a record-setting ~130,000 Pennsylvanians were diagnosed with influenza and many more people who had influenza but did not seek medical attention. This year, things will be even more dangerous with #COVID19 spreading through our communities. Get your flu vaccine!.
Each fall @SecretaryLevine reminds Pennsylvanians to get a flu shot to help avoid getting influenza. This year it's more important than ever. Anyone older than 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine, unless they have a medical condition that prevents them from getting one.
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This was an essential step to ensure that we further protect residents and staff within these vulnerable communities. We provided nursing home owners and operators with the resources they needed to complete this huge task and we are appreciative for their cooperation.
All 693 nursing homes in Pennsylvania have completed testing all residents and staff for #COVID19 at least once, in accordance with @SecretaryLevine's universal testing order issued June 8. Read more:
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There is no backlog of testing in Pennsylvania for #COVID19. Testing is done at our lab, then presumptive positive cases are sent to the CDC for final confirmation.
Q: What does presumptive positive mean?. A: Presumptive positive means that an individual tested positive for #COVID19 at our state lab. The sample is then sent to the CDC for final confirmation.
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We are taking every precaution to safely provide this critical public health service and prevent the spread of #COVID19. People are required to stay in their cars to get tested and drive directly back onto the highway to return home.
🆕 #COVID19 testing site at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza will open on Monday. Eligible for testing:.➡️ NEPA health care workers, first responders + patients 65 and older w/symptoms. 📝 pre-registration is required + testing is by appointment only. ℹ️
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The ability to test for potential cases of COVID-19 at our state lab allows us to better protect Pennsylvanians. This is a very important step for us as we continue to work to provide timely updates. To date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in PA.
🆕 Today @SecretaryLevine announced that Pennsylvania now can test potential #COVID19 cases in the state public health laboratory in Exton and has increased its capacity to test approximately 25 specimens a day. ℹ️
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It's important that people who need dental care to treat acute issues see a dentist. Dental guidance we released last week allows for that statewide. @cdcgov advises that non-urgent dental procedures, like routine cleanings, shouldn't be conducted now + delayed until it's safe.
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We are working on ways to increase access to #COVID19 #vaccine + pharmacists already play an important role in making sure Pennsylvanians are protected. Pa'ians continue to play an essential role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by masking up, washing up + social distancing.
As part of the effort to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov Wolf has approved a temporary waiver allowing pharmacists licensed by the @PAStateDept to order & administer COVID-19 vaccines without a physician’s order when vaccines are available to the public.
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.@GovernorTomWolf has laid out a plan that makes data-driven decisions in the best interest of public health. We have to be very careful to balance the needs of our economy with our health needs and I believe this plan does that.
Reopening PA will be a gradual process, not just flipping a switch. @GovernorTomWolf has a three-phase plan to slowly reopen the commonwealth in a measured, data-driven way. As conditions improve in areas, restrictions will lift. View the plan:
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We want anyone with symptoms of #COVID19 to get tested. Find information about testing and where you can get a test in your community:
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We want people to practice safe habits when going outside and enjoying the summer months. In addition to wearing cloth masks when you step outside, we encourage everyone to apply and reapply sunscreen often. It's also important to stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.
It's important for all Pennsylvanians to wear sunscreen and take additional steps to protect yourself and others from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and potentially deadly heat-related illnesses. Learn more about staying safe during the summer months:
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The incubation period for #COVID19 remains at 14 days + it's still most protective to quarantine for full 2 weeks. However @CDCgov has affirmed that quarantine can end after 10 days if person doesn’t develop symptoms, or after 7 days if person tests negative and has no symptoms.
📢 Effective now: DOH has aligned its quarantine guidance for people exposed to #COVID19 with new guidance from @CDCgov announced earlier this week that provides option for 10-day quarantine without testing or 7-day quarantine with negative test on or after day 5 of quarantine.
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In preparation for #COVID19 surge on our health care system, we continue to supply our hospitals, long term care facilities, EMS, county emergency + health agencies with PPE. THANK YOU to those in our health care system. Help support these health care heroes by staying home.
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It's more important than ever to get a flu vaccine amidst #COVID19 to protect yourself, loved ones + health care workers who are caring for people sick with respiratory illness. Flu vaccines are available at your doctor’s office, pharmacy, local walk-in clinic or grocery store.
Today @SecretaryLevine announced that as of Nov 7, there have been 383 laboratory-confirmed #flu cases + 1 flu-associated death statewide, the first of the 2020-2021 flu season. If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine yet, now is the time. Read more:
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We are urging all Pennsylvanians to be prepared for potential life disruptions. NOW is the time to restock your emergency kit. If you don't have a kit, build one and include these basic items ⤵️ .#COVID19
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This partnership will help ensure Pennsylvanians, no matter where they live or what language they speak, will have access to #COVID19 testing. It also furthers @GovernorTomWolf Administration’s commitment to creating pathways to health equity for anyone living in the commonwealth.
Today @SecretaryLevine announced a partnership w/ Latino Connection, Highmark Blue Shield + Independence Blue Cross Foundation to create the first-in-the-nation #COVID19 Mobile Response Unit to provide testing + education targeting minority + underserved communities throughout PA
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This order will ensure continuity across all life-sustaining businesses and will further our efforts to protect the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians. Together, we can all help mitigate the spread of #COVID19.
Today @GovernorTomWolf + @SecretaryLevine announced an order providing worker safety measures to combat #COVID19. Measures include:.😷 providing masks for employees to wear.🕒 stagger work start/stop times.📏 provide space for breaks/meals while maintaining social distance of 6'.
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We are so pleased to have this level of collaboration and assistance. #COVID19 is a particularly challenging situation for congregate settings. These teams are assisting us in our response in the hardest-hit areas as we work to protect public health and safety of Pennsylvanians.
Today @SecretaryLevine announced a partnership with General Healthcare Resources to assist with the #COVID19 response. They will be deploying onsite assessment teams to assist with infection control practices, staffing and PPE training needs. Read more:
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Contact-tracing is vital in the PA’s efforts to stop the spread of #COVID19 and we want Pennsylvanians to be confident that if they receive a call from a contact-tracer that the call is legitimate. If unsure, call DOH at 1-877-PA HEALTH to verify that caller is a contact tracer.
⚠️ Stay alert for #COVID19 contact tracing scams! Scams might include a caller asking for your Social Security number or payment for tracing services. If you're unsure + want to verify if the caller does actually work in contact tracing, call DOH at 1-877-PA HEALTH to verify.
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If you test positive for #COVID19, we encourage you to download the app and enter the random six-digit code given to you by a case investigator. This will allow people you encountered who have the app to know that they have been exposed to COVID-19.
📢 ICYMI: More than 500,000 Pennsylvanians have downloaded COVID Alert PA to help stop the spread of #COVID19. 📱 Add your phone to the fight: ➡️ Read the story:
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This dashboard provides communities with early warning to changes in COVID-19 infection so that we can take action to prevent spread. Recent increases in cases in parts of PA have shown the need for Pa'ians to continue to take simple steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Today we launched an online early warning monitoring dashboard that provides information statewide and county #COVID19 prevalence to track increases in disease in the community on a weekly basis. Learn more + see the dashboard:
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We've been preparing for this variant by working closely with the @CDCgov + have been sending 10-35 random samples biweekly to CDC since November to study sequencing + detect any potential cases for this new COVID-19 variant. There is still much to learn about this new variant.
Today @SecretaryLevine announced the first confirmed case of the #COVID19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, in Pennsylvania. The confirmed case is in Dauphin County. This variant is the same one that was first discovered in England in December. Read more:
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Thank you to all of the staff at .@UPMC_Pinnacle Community Osteopathic Hospital for your efforts that saved lives under extraordinary circumstances. Pennsylvanians can show how much they appreciate the hard work of health care staff by wearing a mask in public. #MaskUpPA
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Sadly, we have now seen deaths from #COVID19 in every county in the state, and our hospitals in many locations are at or near capacity. The steps each of us take, as part of our collective responsibility, are essential to protect us from the spread of COVID-19.
As COVID-19 cases continue to surpass record highs nearly every day, @GovernorTomWolf and @PAHealthDept today sounded the alarm to Pennsylvanians that mitigation efforts must be followed, or we risk tragic consequences.
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Contact tracing is an essential function of public health as we work to identify those who may have come into contact with cases of #COVID19. This is the first of many meetings with regions across PA to provide information about our plans and our needs to conduct contact tracing.
DOH, along with a number of outside organizations, brought together stakeholders last week at the first southwest contact tracing consortium to discuss contact tracing needs in southwestern PA. We're working to set up consortiums in each of the 6 regions in the state.
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If you need mental health resources because you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting PA to 741-741 or call the statewide support and referral helpline at 1-855-284-2494.
Anxious, stressed, depressed, scared, worried, lonely or in a crisis? Help + support are just a text away. 💬 Text PA to 741-741 to connect with a trained @CrisisTextLine crisis counselor for free 24/7 support.
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Our goal with implementing this universal testing in nursing homes is to rapidly detect asymptomatic positive residents, manage their care and prevent further transmission of #COVID19 in these living settings.
Today the @GovernorTomWolf administration issued a universal testing order requiring all nursing homes to complete initial baseline testing no later than July 24 + issued updated testing guidance to all LTCF. Read more:
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This is a pivotal development in the fight against #COVID19, in Pennsylvania and the nation. This limited supply of vaccine signals the start of the process to end COVID-19’s devastating impacts on every community in the commonwealth.
Today @SecretaryLevine announced PA is slated to receive 97,500 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech #COVID19 vaccine for 66 counties, with Philadelphia County receiving its own 13,650 doses, for a total of 111,150 doses for health care workers identified in PA’s vaccine distribution plan.
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This is not the time to become complacent in safety practices. Do your part to answer the call to wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance, download the COVID Alert PA app and follow all of the mitigation efforts in place to stop the spread of #COVID19 and the #flu.
NOW is the time to get your #flu vaccine if you haven't already. In addition to getting vaccinated, practice healthy habits like covering your mouth/nose when you cough/sneeze, washing your hands + disinfecting commonly touched objects. Read more:
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