BETHLEHEM

BOUTIQUE AT RINK CANCELED: Sadly, for the first time in its 45-year history, the Boutique at the Rink will not be held this year. Organizers say due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 virus and our desire to do our part in keeping our volunteers and patrons healthy, we have canceled the Boutique that was scheduled for this May. “We thank the community and our sponsors for their continued support, and we hope to be able to resume the Boutique in May 2021. We are deeply concerned for the organizations we support. Although COVID-19 is getting all of the attention right now, the needs of cancer patients and their families have not diminished. In lieu of supporting the Boutique this year, please consider making a donation directly to one of our organizations: the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley, St. Luke’s Cancer Center, and St. Luke’s Hospice.”

TUNES AT TWILIGHT ONLINE: Starting May 7, the Downtown Bethlehem Association will present the first of their signature concert series, “Virtual Tunes at Twilight”. Local artists and bands will either perform live or will showcase past concerts for their fans. Virtual Tunes at Twilight may be found on Heart of Bethlehem’s Facebook Page which is managed by The Downtown Bethlehem Association.

ASK THE MAYOR: Mayor Bob Donchez and city department heads will respond to written questions submitted by the public Thursday, May 7. The video response will be able to be viewed on the city’s website at www.bethlehem-pa.gov and other social media sites at noon Friday, May 8. The public can submit questions through email at askthemayor@bethlehem-pa.gov until noon May 6, 2020.

YARD WASTE: The City of Bethlehem yard waste facility reopened April 22. The facility will only be accepting drop-offs. There will be no loading of mulch or compost materials until further notice. The Theis/Cornfeld Recycling Drop-Off Center, 635 Illick’s Mill Road, is closed until further notice. Individuals utilizing the city facilities are required to wear a mask for their and city employees’ safety. Individuals not wearing a mask will not be permitted to enter the facility. They will need to leave and will lose their place in line. Anticipate long lines and possibly extended wait times. Individuals requiring assistance to offload their yard waste will need to bring someone with them. City personnel will not be able to assist. Yard waste paper bags will need to be emptied by each resident prior to leaving the facility. Only five vehicles will be allowed to unload at a time. Hours of operation: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As a cost saving measure, the city has eliminated Sunday hours from the yard waste facility schedule.

PARKING AUTHORITY: Beginning March 20, the Bethlehem Parking Authority began a free parking program in the North and New Street garages to help alleviate any potential pressures to the residential parking system due to the COVID-19 stay at home orders. Because of very limited use of these garages, the Bethlehem Parking Authority ended the free parking program May 4. On March 20, the Bethlehem Parking Authority also ceased all parking enforcement practices except for enforcing safety related violations throughout the city. As activities in the state begin to return, the Bethlehem Parking Authority will be starting a phased roll-out of enforcement practices began May 4 with parking meter, residential parking permit and street sweeping enforcement. As Bethlehem businesses shifted to a takeout and pick-up model, the Bethlehem Parking Authority began a Free 15-Minute Parking Space Pick Up program at parking metered spaces throughout the city. Any businesses that are interested in learning more about the Free 15 Minute Parking program are encouraged to contact the Bethlehem Parking Authority by phone at 610-865-7123 or email, info@bethpark.org, for more information. The Bethlehem Parking Authority is also announcing a promotion for new monthly account passholders beginning June 1. The promotion will offer three months of discounted parking rates for June, July and August for parking garage and lot monthly passes. Certain restrictions will apply; please see the Bethlehem Parking Authority website, www.bethpark.org, for additional information.

CITY MEETINGS: Mayor Bob Donchez announced that the order canceling all public meeting through April 30, is being extended through Friday May 15, at which time the situation will be re-evaluated. This includes the cancellation of the Mayor’s monthly “Open Door” May 11. Such re-evaluation may require additional cancellations. Notice will be provided once a determination is made. Note, this does not apply to city council meetings. City council will determine whether to hold or cancel council meetings.

CITY HALL: Reminder that city hall remains closed to the public until further notice. City hall will remain operational but closed to the public. City employees will be available to assist residents via phone and email. Please monitor the city’s website at www.bethlehem-pa.gov and social media for additional information on City facilities, public meetings and updates on COVID-19.

MESSAGE FROM LIBERTY HS PRINCIPAL HARRISON BAILEY: I would like to inform our seniors, their parents and our staff that we are postponing our June 8 graduation ceremony, due to the pandemic. The new date for this ceremony will be Friday, July 24 at 7 p.m., in the Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. The inclement weather date will be Saturday, July 25 with the time to be determined.

MESSAGE FROM FREEDOM HS PRINCIPAL MIKE LAPORTA: I would like to inform our seniors, their parents and our staff that we are postponing our June 8 graduation ceremony, due to the pandemic. The new date for this ceremony will be Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. in the Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. The inclement weather date will be July 25, with the time to be determined.

FROM BAILEY AND LAPORTA: During recent meetings, our seniors have expressed how important it is to experience this event and we want to do everything we can to make it happen. Hopefully, this postponement will provide enough time for community health conditions to improve to a point that allows us to bring people together for this momentous event.

We are currently making decisions regarding ways to celebrate our seniors. We would like to announce that each of our graduating seniors will receive a free yard sign for parents to display. An announcement will be made as we approach the end of the school year to coordinate sign distribution.

Finally, we would like to recognize our students for their dedication and academic engagement during these tough times. I know it can be difficult but it is critical that all students log into Schoology and complete their assignments each week. This is an incredible opportunity for students that truly struggled during marking period three to lift their grades and pass their courses. Please reach out to your teachers and counselors for support. Freedom and Liberty staff will be reaching out to homes, if students appear to be disengaged. Parents, please partner with us and check in with your children regarding their progress during these final months of school.

HOMELESS: Mayor Bob Donchez has announced that the city of Bethlehem has been actively working with community partners to ensure that the needs of vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, are addressed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city recently received additional funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health to support prevention, preparation and response activities related to COVID-19. As part of the overall plan, the city’s collaboration with New Bethany Ministries and Comfort Suites Bethlehem will provide hotel rooms for Bethlehem homeless individuals and families in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19 in the community. During this time, New Bethany Ministries will operate an additional transitional housing program to ensure that these families and individuals have a space to socially distance and self-quarantine, as well as have access to consistent showers, hand washing and bathroom facilities.

SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF: The City of Bethlehem has created a Small Business Emergency Relief Fund to assist city businesses impacted by COVID-19. Some $300,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding has been identified to be utilized by the program that will provide one-time grants of $2,000. Awarded funds can be used for operational costs, inclusive of rental assistance, payroll assistance and utilities.

The Small Business Emergency Relief Fund is supported with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money. CDBG is federal funding with specific eligibility criteria. To be eligible, businesses must be located in the City of Bethlehem, and comply with low to moderate income (LMI) funding requirements outlined in CDBG guidelines. Additionally, priority will be given to those businesses in the retail, food, and beverage, and personal service industries within the Central Business Districts and Limited Commercial zoning districts; however, all businesses are encouraged to apply.

Mayor Bob Donchez said, “These are unprecedented times, businesses are struggling and in need of support. We are fortunate to have funding available to be used toward this program and will continue to craft programs to provide support to our business community.”

Applications for the program are available on the city’s website at www.bethlehem-pa.gov. Applications will be reviewed by a committee for eligibility and evaluated based on funding priorities.

OCKTOBERFEST 5K: Runners rejoice - the Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K returns this fall. Registrations are now open for this seventh annual run/walk through historic Bethlehem, set for Oct. 4, at 10:30 a.m. Special early-bird registration of only $40 is open now through June 7. Registration June 8-Aug. 10 is $45 and registration Aug. 11-Oct. 3 is $50, while day-of entry fee is $60. The 2020 Oktoberfest race will wind its way through Bethlehem’s Southside and the Historic District. All registrants will receive a 5K T-shirt, an Oktoberfest 5K beer stein/mug filled with a complimentary Yuengling Oktoberfest beer for those 21 and older (root beer for those under 21) and more. The race will follow any state and city guidelines in place at the time regarding COVID-19 safety and mitigation efforts.

LEHIGH COUNTY

CEDARBROOK: As of May 4, both Cedarbrook facilities, located in Allentown and Fountain Hill, have confirmed cases of COVID-19 in both residents and staff. It is with a heavy heart that Cedarbrook Senior Care & Rehabilitation reports the deaths of 15 residents who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Other residents died who that were presumed COVID-19 deaths due to symptom profile, regardless of any testing results.

Cedarbrook Allentown: Positive residents, 47; active cases, 30; recovered residents, 7; Covid-19 deaths, 10; employees positive, 48.

Cedarbrook Fountain Hill: Positive residents, 18; active cases, 8; recovered residents, 5; Covid-19 deaths, 5; employees positive, 24.

LCCC STUDENT GRANTS: Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) students who have been impacted by COVID-19 will have access to grants through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that is part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The college has received nearly $2 million to be used for emergency grants to students who experience unexpected educational expenses or experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic while a student at LCCC. Students with a variety of needs can apply for these grants. Examples include computer and software purchases, internet access fees, books and supplies. In addition, grants can also assist with expenses such as food, housing and utility costs, transportation costs, childcare and healthcare.

Students can apply only once for a grant. Funding is limited and is not guaranteed. To apply, students need to complete an online application found at www.LCCC.edu/scholarships. They will need to include detail of the expenses incurred. Grants will not count toward the Estimated Financial Assistance, and financial need as determined by the FAFSA will not be a factor in award amounts. Students need to file a FAFSA and meet Title IV eligibility requirements to qualify. Students must be currently enrolled in the spring semester or have enrolled in the summer or fall semesters. The college has established guidelines for award amounts, which will be awarded on a case by case basis, with the total not to exceed a maximum of $6,195 per student.

LCCC EMT CLASS: Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) offers Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training programs for individuals who are likely to respond to pre-hospital emergencies or those considering a medical career. The Emergency Medicine Institute (EMI) located at 2100 Mack Boulevard in Allentown will hold a daytime accelerated EMT Basic class in Lehigh County, Monday through Friday, July 6-31, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee is $1,225 (text and equipment are extra). Registrations are currently being accepted. Acceptance into the EMT program includes the submission of a physician release form and proof of medical insurance.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

DRIVE-THRU TESTING SITE: Lamont McClure has organized a partnership between Northampton County EMS and Easton Hospital to set up a Covid-19 testing site for county residents. Northampton County is contributing $150,000 towards this effort. The risk of viral transmission at a drive-thru site is much lower than at a walk-in clinic. The Coronavirus testing site is located at the main parking lot at Easton Hospital, 250 21st St. in Easton. It will open on Wednesday, May 6 and has the capacity to test up to 60 patients a day. Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – p.m. Only residents from Northampton County will be accepted for testing and they must show at least one of the following symptoms to be eligible: fever, dry cough, shortness of breath. A prescription from a doctor is not required. Although insurance is not required to be tested participants should bring a photo ID and their insurance card with them.

COUNTY COURTHOUSE: Due to the continuing public health threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Lamont McClure has extended the closure of the Northampton County Courthouse and the Department of Human Services Building to the public until further notice. The courthouse has been closed to the public since March 19.

The public (wearing masks) may enter the courthouse for the following actions:

Anyone who needs to post bail. This includes a bondsman or a third party surety.

Any person and their legal representative(s) having business before the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County. (For questions as to whether you are required to appear, call Court Administration at 610-829-6700).

Any person needing to make an application for a ‘Protection from Abuse’ order will continue to be admitted.

Any person and/or their legal representative who believes, in good faith, that a statute of limitations pertaining to them may expire before the courthouse reopens to the public.

The courthouse will be open to citizens for Election related business beginning May 11

NATIONAL GUARD AT GRACEDALE: The National Guard began providing Gracedale Nursing Home with some short-term staffing assistance April 27. Their time at the facility cannot exceed 72 hours. There were 716 employee call outs at the Gracedale facility from April 1 to April 23. The National Guard will primarily assist with non-COVID-19 residents, allowing Gracedale employees to focus on residents who are positive for COVID-19 or have pending test results. Their mission is intended to last for no longer than 72 hours. When the Guard arrived they spent their first day getting acclimated to the facility and receiving instruction on the proper way of performing tasks in a nursing home. Guard assistance included 20 medics to work as CNAs from 7 a.m to 7 p.m., eight licensed nurses to work the 3 to 11 p.m. shift and assist with distributing meds, and additional staff to help with delivering food carts, making beds, etc. Guard staff focused on the tower building, which has the greatest need for help. The National Guard which arrived at Gracedale will extend their posting until May 10.

COUNTY PARKS OPEN: Northampton County’s park system is open to hiking, biking and walking beginning May 1. Community gardens at Louise W. Moore County Park and the Diefenderfer Tract also opened May 1. Facilities, including pavilions, playgrounds and restrooms will remain closed until further notice. Any person who reserved a pavilion during the mandated social distancing procedures will be refunded. Years of research has shown that being in the outdoors has a benefit to mental and social health. Northampton County’s outdoor areas are invaluable assets which will help assist in our recovery.

CORONER: Data collected from both Northampton and Lehigh County Coroners show that 107 Northampton County residents have died of COVID-19-84 passed away in Northampton County, 23 passed away in Lehigh County. (The Northampton County Corner recorded an additional 11 deaths of COVID-19 from residents of other counties and states.) This data reflects deaths recorded as of April 29th. Municipalities in which the 84 decedents lived: Bangor Boro (1); Bethlehem Twp. (16); City of Bethlehem (4); City of Easton (14); Forks Twp. (1); Hellertown (1); Lehigh (1); Lower Nazareth Twp. (2); Nazareth Boro (2); Palmer Twp. (15); Plainfield Twp (1); Tatamy (1); Upper Macungie (1); Upper Nazareth Twp. (20); Washington Twp (1); Williams Twp. (3); Wilson Boro (1); Astoria, NY (1); Bronx, NY (1); Lopatcong Twp, NJ (1); Millersburg, PA (1); Monroe County (3); Phillipsburg, NJ (1); Upper Macungie (1); Allentown (1); and Washington, NJ (1).

PPE SUPPLIES: On April 24, Northampton County Emergency Management Services (EMS) distributed, N-95 masks, surgical masks, cloth masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and protective clothing to the coroner’s office, the DUI Center, the Government Center, the Department of Human Services as well as EMS, Police and fire departments in Bangor Borough, Bethlehem Township, Forks Township, Hanover Township, East Allen Township, Nazareth Borough, Lower Nazareth Township, Upper Nazareth Township, Lehigh Township, Freemansburg, Hellertown, Wind Gap, Moore, Palmer, Pen Argyl, Portland, Roseto, Tatamy, Lower Mount Bethel, Upper Mount Bethel, West Easton, Washington Township, Wilson, Stockertown and the cities of Bethlehem and Easton.

HANOVER (NORCO) TOWNSHIP

Hanover Township, Northampton County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania continue to operate under a DECLARATION OF DISASTER EMERGENCY.

Yard Waste: They commenced yard waste collection in Zone 1 on Monday. We fully expect it to take extra time getting through each of the zones due to volume and limited staffing on the truck

STREET SWEEPING: Weather permitting, the sweeper will continue working north to south through the neighborhoods and developments. To make it easier and to ensure sweeping in front of, or beside your property, please park vehicles in your driveways during the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Follow the sweeper’s progress on the township website: www.hanovertwp-nc.org As of April 20 (at 10 a.m.) all that remained is south of Macada Road.

WASTE & RECYCLING: Continues on the normal schedule. Bulk items can again be placed curbside. Any issues, please contact Republic Services directly at 484.273.3940

SCHOLARSHIP: Northampton County Association of Township Officials is offering a scholarship for graduating seniors. If you are a township resident and have someone graduating from high school this year please email the township at hanover@hanovertwp-nc.org or call 610.866.1140 and leave a message. We’ll mail or email you the application.

PERMITS & INSPECTIONS: Zoning and building permit applications can be mailed or dropped off at the township office during normal business hours. Applicant will be notified if additional information is needed and when the permit is approved and ready for pickup. Building Inspections resumed May 1. Inspections that were canceled at the time of the Emergency Disaster Stay-At-Home order are being rescheduled first. All new inspection requests require at least a 48-hour notice. Please understand it may take longer to get you on the schedule as we work through the backlog. Any questions, please contact zoning at zoning@hanovertwp-nc.org or by calling 610-866-1140, ext. 229.

VOTING: If you would like to receive MAIL-IN or ABSENTEE BALLOT for the primary rescheduled for June 2, please apply at www.votespa.com

Voting/Poll Locations in Hanover Township are:

District #1 – Advent Moravian Church, 3730 Jacksonville Road

District #2 – Asa Packer School, 1650 Kenwood Drive

District #3 – Hanover Elementary School, 3890 Jacksonville Road

District #4 – Hanover Township Community Center, 3660 Jacksonville Road

District #5 – Hanover Elementary School, 3890 Jacksonville Road

District #6 – Hanover Township Community Center, 3660 Jacksonville Road

OTHER ITEMS: If you have a specific question please email the township at hanover@hanovertwp-nc.org or call 610.866.1140 and leave a message. We’ll get back in touch with you as soon as possible.

Staff Extensions: Township Secretary: 223; Township Treasurer: 235; Zoning Officer: 226; Waste and Sewer Billing: 231; Public Works Director: 227; Public Works Department: 224, and Township Manager: 222

LEHIGH VALLEY

HONORING LOCAL HEROES: AARP is launching a special Local Hero promotion in May to recognize everyday Lehigh Valley residents who are doing extraordinary things during the COVID-19 crisis. Lehigh and Northampton county residents are invited to share stories of individuals who are providing an invaluable service to the community during the current pandemic. AARP will choose three winners from all submitted entries to receive $100 Visa gift cards. Nominators of winning entries will also receive $50 Visa gift cards. For complete contest rules and to nominate someone for the AARP Local Hero award, visit https://local.aarp.org/lehigh-valley-pa/. All entries must be submitted by May 15.

MEALS ON WHEELS: MOW has fresh meals that will be made available to people in need. First priority will be people who are homebound due to age or a health condition. Eligibility is determined by need. Clients must be over the age of 18, be homebound and unable to prepare meals, be unable to meet basic nutritional needs either temporarily or permanently, have no reliable options for nutritious daily meals and reside in Lehigh County or Northampton County. It takes two days after receiving the phone call to make a delivery. There is a sliding fee for service, but meals are free through the end of May for low-income residents. Have the senior or family member call Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley at 610-691-1030.

US POSTAL SERVICE: Hold Mail service is designed for customers who plan on being away from their home or business for up to 30 days. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Postal Service suspended the 30-day time frame and extended all Hold Mail requests until May 30, 2020. Business and residential customers can rest assured knowing their mail and packages will be held safely at their local post office until that date. On or before May 30, customers can either pick up accumulated mail at their post office with proper identification or request redelivery. In these unprecedented times, the postal service understands that some customers may need their mail held beyond May 30. Therefore, the postal service will institute a two-week grace period, beginning June 1, during which customers can contact their local post office to make arrangements to have their mail held longer. We also understand that different parts of the country will be reopening at different times based on local conditions. If customers live in one of the areas reopening, we encourage them to contact their local post office as a part of their return to business and make arrangements to collect their mail on hold or make arrangements to restart regular delivery of mail, including mail still being held. On June 15, the postal service will revert back to its normal policy that allows for customers to have their mail held for 30 days. Customers with questions regarding Hold Mail requests can contact the postal service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (275-8777).

PPL RATES: PPL Electric Utilities customers who don’t shop for their electricity supply will see a drop in the price of that supply starting June 1. The new price to compare affects only the energy portion of electric bills for non-shoppers, not the delivery portion. About 60 percent of PPL’s 1.4 million customers don’t shop for electricity from a competitive supplier. Effective June 1, the new price to compare for residential customers will be 7.284 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), down from the current 7.632 cents per kWh. The new price to compare for small business customers will be 6.079 cents per kilowatt-hour, down from the current 6.360 cents per kWh.

KIDSPEACE: KidsPeace Hospital has been awarded an $8 million Hospital Emergency Loan Program (HELP) to provide short-term financial relief due to a surge of COVID-19 cases, according to Senate Appropriations Chairman Pat Browne.

NON-PROFIT GRANTS: The Greater Lehigh Valley COVID-19 Community Response Fund has issued more than $320,000 in emergency funding to 43 nonprofit agencies serving the residents of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties. The one-time, operational grants range from $500 to $20,000 and aim to strengthen safety-net services throughout the tri-county area. The initial phase of funding includes services providing food access, services for unsheltered residents and those at risk of homelessness and supports for those who are economically vulnerable to mitigate the effects of reduced hours or lost jobs.

PENNSYLVANIA

STIMULUS CHECK FEES WAIVED: Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella today announced that Wells Fargo and PNC, Pennsylvania Treasury’s two largest active depositories, have agreed to cash stimulus checks – for both customers and non-customers – without fees, and will not offset stimulus payments to customers against penalty fees. Torsella also called on other Pennsylvania financial institutions to do the same. Paper stimulus checks will arrive through mail over the coming days and weeks. Treasurer Torsella encourages all Pennsylvanians to contact their financial institution prior to cashing their stimulus check to inquire about any possible fees in an effort to preserve those funds.

HOSPITAL SUPPORT: Governor Tom Wolf has announced that nearly $324 million in funding has been awarded to 31 hospitals across the commonwealth through the Hospital Emergency Loan Program, or HELP, which provides short-term financial relief as hospitals combat the surge of COVID-19 cases in their area. The loan package was made available to the commonwealth’s hospitals to provide immediate financial support for working capital to ensure that these facilities have sufficient personnel, equipment, and personal protective equipment.

CONSTRUCTION: All businesses in the construction industry in the commonwealth are permitted to resume in-person operations starting May 1 – one week earlier than previously announced. Guidelines, developed with guidance from the General Contractors Association of Pennsylvania, provide universal protocols for all construction activity, as well as specific additional guidance for residential, commercial and public construction projects.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that in accordance with Governor Wolf’s plan for a phased-in reopening of public and private construction, PennDOT highway and bridge construction projects resumed May 1. PennDOT road and bridge construction projects will restart with limited exceptions based on project-specific factors, including location and feasibility for social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols at the jobsite. Work on all projects will be conducted in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance, as well as a project-specific COVID-19 safety plan, which will include protocols for social distancing, use of face coverings, personal and job-site cleaning protocols, management of entries to the jobsite, and relevant training.

FARMERS’ MARKETS: Farmers markets, like grocery stores, offer life-sustaining food and essentials and have been provided guidance from the department for how to continue operations safely and with minimal risk amid the COVID-19 public health crisis. The Department of Agriculture has issued guidance for farmers markets and on-farm markets with recommendations on how to continue operations safely and minimize contact for shoppers and employees. The guidance also offers farms the opportunity to open an on-farm stand to sell raw produce, eggs, or shelf stable packaged foods such as jams, jellies, or baked goods without additional food safety licenses.

STATE LIQUOR STORES: The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is continuing to expand access to wine and spirits to retail customers and licensees, all while maintaining social distancing and other Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention best practices in the interest of public health and safety. As of last Friday, the PLCB is resuming fulfillment of retail licensees’ orders for wine and spirits through its network of 13 licensee service centers and 580 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. Following Pennsylvania’s three-phased (red, yellow, green) approach to determine when counties are ready to begin easing some restrictions and allow certain business operations to resume, the PLCB is providing guidance today to licensees on protocols the PLCB will follow in fulfilling licensee orders in the various phases. As of last Friday, the six-bottle limit on curbside orders increases to 12 units per order. Additionally, next week the PLCB will open curbside pickup to 14 more locations bringing the total number of stores offering curbside pickup to 580. As of next week, only four Fine Wine & Good Spirits retail stores temporarily closed for renovations won’t be offering curbside pickup. Most stores support curbside service Monday through Saturday – taking a limited number of orders on a first-call, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m. each day and scheduling pickup appointments between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. those days – but some stores will operate on more limited days and hours. Many stores are continuing to take calls after 1 p.m., as they are able to continue fulfilling curbside pickup orders. All retail stores remain closed for public entry at this time, although additional information regarding store operations in counties moving from red to yellow May 8 will be provided.

HOUSING: The Wolf administration has outlined housing policies and recommendations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation efforts. The departments of Human Services (DHS) and Community and Economic Development (DCED), the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), and other state agencies have collaborated to issue recommendations to stem foreclosures, evictions and utility shut-offs, as well as serve the needs of those experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 emergency. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ordered a halt to eviction and foreclosure proceedings during the COVID-19 emergency, and the Office of the Attorney General has reiterated this policy.

LICENSES AND LEARNER’S PERMITS: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that expiration dates for driver licenses, identification cards and learner’s permits will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Effective April 30, expiration dates for driver licenses, photo ID cards and learner’s permits scheduled to expire from March 16, through May 31, are now extended through June 30. These extensions are in addition to those announced on March 27.

ELECTRONIC INCOME TAX FILING: The Department of Revenue is encouraging Pennsylvanians to take advantage of user-friendly electronic filing options for their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns (PA-40s). Even though the deadline for filing 2019 tax returns has been extended to July 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, filing now electronically is a good option, including for Pennsylvanians who are expecting a tax refund.

NATIONAL GUARD: Governor Wolf has signed into law House Bill 1869, which allows for National Guard members called to active duty to be covered under the Heart and Lung Act if they contract COVID-19 while performing their duties.

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION: With the historic surge in people seeking unemployment compensation (UC), Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak offered six tips to help Pennsylvanians more quickly receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.

1.Review COVID-19-related FAQs – Answers to many of your UC questions are in the Frequently Asked Questions section of L&I’s website, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

2.Check your claims status online – If you have your Personal Identification Number (PIN), enter it along with your Social Security number to check your claims status online.

3.Know what to do if you haven’t received your debit card – If you haven’t received your U.S. Bank ReliaCard debit card, log into your UC account online and verify your mailing address. Debit cards are valid for three years, if you already have a debit card from a previous claim, or reopen an existing claim, you will not receive a new debit card. You will continue to use the original debit card. If your card has been lost or stolen, call U.S. Bank at 888-233-5916. Contact the PA Treasury for basic information about the debit card or direct deposit questions at 877-869-1956.

4.Apply online now – Need to file a new claim and want to know if you’re eligible? Don’t delay by asking us. Submit your claim and let our staff determine your eligibility.

5.Wait at least three weeks before requesting a new PIN – If it’s been more than three weeks since you filed an initial claim and you haven’t yet received your PIN, you may request a new one here.

6.Other ways to reach us – If you have a genuine issue with your claim, there are several ways to contact UC staff. We have received nearly 1.7 million new claims in just six weeks, please know that others need our help too. You can also use:

Virtual assistant – Call 877-978-1295 to have our UC virtual assistant powered by Watson answer your frequently asked questions any time, 24/7. This system does not connect to our UC Customer Service Center staff and only provides virtual assistance.

LiveChat – Call 888-313-7284 for a secure 6-digit LiveChat code to reach UC staff Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Email – For claims questions, email uchelp@pa.gov and include your full name as it appears on your claim (including suffix used) and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Get email wait response times here. We respond to emails in the order we receive them, so sending duplicates will not result in a quicker response and will actually cause delays for everyone.

General contact form – To make a general comment on UC services, or if you have questions not covered by information on www.uc.pa.gov, use this form.

Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT) – This automated self-service system can be used to file biweekly UC claims, access specific benefit payment information, or learn about UC without needing to talk to a person. You can also use PAT to request/change federal withholding tax, get UC-1099G information, and change your PIN. For English, call 888-255-4728. For Spanish, call 877-888-8104.

TTY Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Call 888-334-4046 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Videophone service for ASL users – Call 717-704-8474 Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m.. Sign language is the ONLY means of communication provided at this number.

The UC Service Call Center phone – Call 888-313-7284 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to reach UC staff. The best time to try calling the UC service center is Thursdays and Fridays. Be prepared for heavy call volumes, busy signals, and potential delays in getting through.