States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Wash. Gov. Inslee: We're in This Together - Washington State to Send Ventilators
OLYMPIA, Washington, April 6 -- Gov. Jay Inslee, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
Gov. Jay Inslee, recognizing the dire situation in other states, announced the state of Washington will return more than 400 ventilators received from the Strategic National Stockpile to the SNS inventory to help states facing higher numbers of COVID-19 cases.
"These ventilators are going to New York and others states hardest hit by this virus," Inslee said. "I've said many times over the last few weeks, we are in this together. This should guide all of our actions at an individual and state level
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OLYMPIA, Washington, April 6 -- Gov. Jay Inslee, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
Gov. Jay Inslee, recognizing the dire situation in other states, announced the state of Washington will return more than 400 ventilators received from the Strategic National Stockpile to the SNS inventory to help states facing higher numbers of COVID-19 cases.
"These ventilators are going to New York and others states hardest hit by this virus," Inslee said. "I've said many times over the last few weeks, we are in this together. This should guide all of our actions at an individual and state levelin the coming days and weeks."
Washington state continues to prepare for increased hospitalizations and the necessary treatment of serious cases of COVID-19. The state recently purchased more than 750 ventilators, which are expected to arrive over the next several weeks when Washington may need them most.
"I spoke with the governor after conferring with the Washington State Hospital Association to determine what help Washington could offer other states," said Vice Admiral (ret.) Raquel Bono, M.D., Director, Washington State COVID-19 Health System Response Management. "Thanks to the mitigation efforts the governor has put in place and the cooperation of Washingtonians, we have seen fewer infections in our communities than anticipated. Our current status allows us to help others who have a more immediate need."
It is important that Washingtonians continue to stay home, wash hands and maintain physical distancing. The data shows that current community mitigation strategies are working to slow the spread of COVID-19, and must be sustained to ensure Washington's continued success.
"We are especially concerned that physical distancing outside the Puget Sound needs to improve to sustain our gains as more cases are diagnosed across the state. Please do your part and remember that we are all in this together," Inslee said.
Pa. Gov. Wolf, Religious Leaders Encourage Alternate Forms of Religious Gatherings
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 6 -- Gov. Tom Wolf, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
* * *
- Stay-at-home order updated to reflect need to limit in-person religious gatherings
* * *
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and as significant religious holidays approach in the coming weeks, Governor Tom Wolf and religious leaders from across the commonwealth are encouraging alternative forms of faith gatherings.
Gov. Wolf and Department of Health Sec. Dr. Rachel Levine updated the stay-at-home order guidance to reflect the need for further guidance for religious gatherings.
Updated guidance
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 6 -- Gov. Tom Wolf, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
* * *
- Stay-at-home order updated to reflect need to limit in-person religious gatherings
* * *
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and as significant religious holidays approach in the coming weeks, Governor Tom Wolf and religious leaders from across the commonwealth are encouraging alternative forms of faith gatherings.
Gov. Wolf and Department of Health Sec. Dr. Rachel Levine updated the stay-at-home order guidance to reflect the need for further guidance for religious gatherings.
Updated guidancenotes that while nothing in the stay-at-home order should affect the operation of religious institutions, "Religious leaders are encouraged to find alternatives to in-person gatherings and to avoid endangering their congregants. Individuals should not gather in religious buildings or homes for services or celebrations until the stay-at-home order is lifted."
"I know that we're nearing several holidays, including major religious holidays like Easter and Passover," Gov. Wolf said. "I am encouraging religious leaders hosting a holiday celebration to consider an alternative that does not bring people together in-person.
"As a person of faith, I understand how important it is to worship, and that congregating, whether for a service or seder dinner, can be at the very core of one's faith. But I also understand how important it is to help neighbors, and the best way to help our neighbors right now is not by congregating. It's by staying at home."
Pennsylvania religious leaders joined Wolf in urging fellow leaders to embrace alternate forms of worship.
"Christians the world over are preparing to enter the holiest week of the year," said Most Rev. Nelson J. Perez, Archbishop of Philadelphia. "This year, Holy Week comes at a time when the coronavirus has abruptly altered our lives. For the common good, and for the preservation of each other's health, it is essential for all Pennsylvanians to heed the governor's call not to gather in large groups. We must embrace our common responsibility to one another and slow the spread of this virus. We are blessed with the gifts of technology and social media, which enable us to experience the richness of these Holy Days virtually."
"As we come into this season of renewal and celebration of new life where Christians typically come together in greater numbers than usual, we grieve that the COVID-19 crisis is preventing our ability to do so physically," said Rev. Sandra L. Strauss, Director of Advocacy & Ecumenical Outreach, Pennsylvania Council of Churches. "The most loving thing we can do for our neighbors is to keep them safe, so we continue to encourage our congregations to explore and engage in creative ways of gathering and sharing, such as live streaming, Zoom, and connecting via social media."
"In more than 2000 years the church has faced and survived many adversities, including two world wars, The Spanish Flu and The Great Plague," said Pastor Franky Rodriguez, CDA Community Church, Philadelphia. "The church is not going to go away because we the people of God are the church! In times of trouble the Church gets closer, not further apart. This is not a physical closeness, it's a spiritual one. Although we will not be in the same physical location, we have the technology to share the word of God. This Easter the Church is still united like every other Easter, with thanksgiving, prayer and supplication for the inhabitants of the world. So, let's be responsible and be together, apart."
"This is an excellent time for all of us to remember that the church is not a building, but the people who make up the congregation," said Senior Pastor Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D., Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Philadelphia. "We must do everything within our power to save the lives of those we've been called to shepherd. If that means livestreaming the worship services and holding Bible Study in video chat rooms, so be it. I fully support Governor Wolf's effort to keep Pennsylvanians safe and Mother Bethel AME Church is joining in the fight to slow the spread and flatten the curve."
"At our Passover seders this year, there will be many answers to the age-old question, 'Why is this night different from all other nights?,'" said Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan, Temple Beth Israel in York. "Under no circumstance is gathering at the home of another the right thing to do this year. Stay home. Use online meeting technology and remember, as the Passover Haggadah teaches us, 'Next year, may all be free!'"
"Judaism teaches us the highest value is to save a life, not only our own but how our behavior impacts others' lives, their freedom and their health," said Rabbi Aaron Bisno at Rodef Shalom in Pittsburgh. "It is in everyone's best interests to practice social distancing, so we are finding new ways to gather, support and celebrate one another. We have an obligation, a religious mandate, to recognize the responsibility we have to the wider community. Our preference to be together does not override our responsibility to stay apart until the threat has passed."
"Paradoxically, the most difficult aspect of social distancing for the Jewish community is simultaneously why it's so important," said Rabbi Daniel Swartz, leader of Temple Hesed in Scranton. "Judaism is practiced communally because we are all responsible to keep each other safe and healthy. Indeed, we're commanded to violate the Sabbath in order to save even a single life. How much more so must we practice social distancing, even in our worship, when doing so protects not only our own life, but lives throughout the community. For me, believing in one God means we're all in this together."
"During times of bad weather, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) used to order the muezzin (person who calls to prayer) to change the call from 'come to prayer' to 'pray in your home,'" said Imam Idris Abdul-Zahir, Resident Imam of Masjidullah. "This was because the Prophet was concerned of the harm his followers could encounter traveling to the masjid for prayer under potentially dangerous conditions. During this time, I encourage every religious leader to consider this unseen harm, the Covid-19 virus, in their locale and recommend actions that will keep their congregations out of harm's way. For it is written in the Quran that the saving of one life is as if you've saved all humanity."
Pennsylvania has more than 10,000 cases and 136 deaths since the first case was announced on March 6. Gov. Wolf has put in place measured, thoughtful mitigation efforts to save lives and stop the spread, include a statewide stay-at-home order.
"I know that Pennsylvanians are strong, resilient and care about their families, friends, neighbors and community, including their religious communities," Gov. Wolf said. "We must all continue to do our part to stop the spread of this deadly virus."
N.M. Gov. Grisham: Updated New Mexico COVID-19 Cases - Now at 624, One Additional Death
SANTA FE, New Mexico, April 6 -- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release on April 5:
New Mexico state health officials on Sunday announced 81 additional positive tests for COVID-19.
Per the state Department of Health, the most recent cases are:
* 21 new cases in Bernalillo County
* 2 new cases in Cibola County
* 6 new cases in Dona Ana County
* 1 new case in Los Alamos County
* 9 new cases in McKinley County
* 1 new case in Otero County
* 34 new cases in Sandoval County
* 4 new cases in Santa Fe County
* 1 new case in Socorro County
* 2 new cases
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, April 6 -- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release on April 5:
New Mexico state health officials on Sunday announced 81 additional positive tests for COVID-19.
Per the state Department of Health, the most recent cases are:
* 21 new cases in Bernalillo County
* 2 new cases in Cibola County
* 6 new cases in Dona Ana County
* 1 new case in Los Alamos County
* 9 new cases in McKinley County
* 1 new case in Otero County
* 34 new cases in Sandoval County
* 4 new cases in Santa Fe County
* 1 new case in Socorro County
* 2 new casesin Valencia County
Today's announced cases include additional positive tests from the La Vida Llena long-term care facility in Albuquerque, where one additional resident and two additional staff members have now tested positive for COVID-19.
The Department of Health on Sunday also reported one additional death in New Mexico related to COVID-19.
That case is:
* A male in his 40s from McKinley County who died April 5. The individual had underlying chronic medical conditions.
The number of deaths in the state related to COVID-19 is now 12.
Including the above newly reported cases, New Mexico has now had a total of 624 positive tests for COVID-19:
Bernalillo County: 246
Catron County: 1
Chaves County: 13
Cibola County: 14
Curry County: 6
Dona Ana County: 29
Eddy County: 4
Grant County: 1
Lea County: 2
Lincoln County: 1
Los Alamos County: 2
McKinley County: 40
Otero County: 3
Rio Arriba County: 6
Roosevelt County: 1
Sandoval County: 103
San Juan County: 58
San Miguel County: 1
Santa Fe County: 62
Socorro County: 5
Taos County: 13
Torrance County: 6
Valencia County: 7
County totals are subject to change upon further investigation and determination of residency of individuals positive for COVID-19.
As of today, there are 45 individuals hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19. This number may include individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 out of state but are currently hospitalized in New Mexico. This number does not include New Mexicans who tested positive for COVID-19 and may have been transferred to a hospital out of state.
As of today, there are 130 COVID-19 cases designated as having recovered by the New Mexico Department of Health.
The Department of Health has detected community spread and is investigating cases with no known exposure. The agency reports that given the infectious nature of the virus it is likely other residents are infected but yet to be tested or confirmed positive. To that end, all New Mexicans have been instructed to stay home except for outings absolutely necessary for health, safety and welfare. These additional restrictions have been enacted to aggressively minimize person-to-person contact and ensure spread is mitigated. All businesses except those deemed essential have been ordered to close. New Mexicans are strongly urged to limit travel to only what is necessary for health, safety and welfare.
The New Mexico Department of Health has active investigations into the positive patients, which includes contact-tracing and swabs of symptomatic individuals who have had contact with the positive cases.
Every New Mexican must work together to stem the spread of COVID-19. Stay home.
New Mexicans who report symptoms of COVID-19 infection, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, should call their health care provider or the NMDOH COVID-19 hotline immediately (1-855-600-3453).
Thanks to increased statewide testing capacity, the following people may now be considered for COVID-19 testing:
* Asymptomatic people who are close contacts or household members of
* New Mexico residents who have already tested positive for the coronavirus;
* Asymptomatic residents in nursing homes;
* Asymptomatic people in congregant settings such as homeless shelters, group homes, detention centers;
* Symptomatic people displaying the COVID-19 symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath.
New Mexicans who have non-health-related questions or concerns can also call 833-551-0518 or visit newmexico.gov, which is being updated regularly as a one-stop source for information for families, workers and others affected by and seeking more information about COVID-19.
The state Department of Health will update its dedicated COVID-19 webpage with additional tests as the state lab provides results.
Coronavirus Update: W.Va. Gov. Justice Expands Executive Order to Additional Counties to Further Protect West Virginians
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, April 6 -- Gov. Jim Justice, R-West Virginia, issued the following news release on April 4:
Gov. Jim Justice announced tonight at 9:45 p.m. that he has signed an Executive Order for Monongalia, Harrison, and Kanawha counties as COVID-19 continues to spread. This Executive Order expands the order issued last evening for Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties.
Click here to view the Executive Order. (https://governor.wv.gov/Documents/2020%20Executive%20Orders/SKM_C335120040508170.pdf)
"Right now, 38% of the COVID-19 positive cases in West Virginia are in these three
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, April 6 -- Gov. Jim Justice, R-West Virginia, issued the following news release on April 4:
Gov. Jim Justice announced tonight at 9:45 p.m. that he has signed an Executive Order for Monongalia, Harrison, and Kanawha counties as COVID-19 continues to spread. This Executive Order expands the order issued last evening for Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties.
Click here to view the Executive Order. (https://governor.wv.gov/Documents/2020%20Executive%20Orders/SKM_C335120040508170.pdf)
"Right now, 38% of the COVID-19 positive cases in West Virginia are in these threecounties," Gov. Justice said. "If you add in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties, its 62% of all the positive cases in our state.
"I have been monitoring this situation all day and decided to take this action tonight after my medical experts advised me that these counties are the next areas where community clusters may soon develop. The additional measures I took yesterday for the Eastern Panhandle need to be applied to these counties as well. Today, we had reports of crowds at stores with the nice spring weather, but to stop the spread of COVID-19 we MUST stay at home as much as possible and we MUST remember to socially distance when we go out for necessities. The stay-at-home order and the guidelines by our medical experts need to be taken very seriously at this time.
"Again, I am going to continue to do everything in my power to protect the health and safety of all West Virginians."
The Order expands to Monongalia, Harrison, and Kanawha counties and gives broad authority to their local health departments.
Provisions of the Executive Order include:
* Limiting groups to a maximum of 5 people.
* Directing ALL businesses to require employees to work from home to the maximum extent possible.
* Directing the Local Health Departments to establish the maximum occupancy of and proper social distance within essential businesses and taking action to enforce these health regulations.
* Directing the West Virginia National Guard to provide logistical support and services to assist county agencies.
* Directing the West Virginia State Police to assist with enforcement of local county orders.
The Governor has directed his medical experts to continue to work with local health departments throughout West Virginia to ensure each county has the tools they need to best respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ark. Gov. Hutchinson Issues Executive Order Requiring New Protocols for Commercial Lodgings, Short-Term Rentals
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, April 6 -- Gov. Asa Hutchinson, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release:
Governor Asa Hutchinson has issued an executive order mandating new safety measures for commercial lodgings, short-term rentals, and other institutions and operations in order to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference.
"Every day, we review guidance from state and federal health experts and evaluate additional steps we can take to protect Arkansans from the spread of COVID-19," Governor Hutchinson said. "I am grateful that Arkansans have taken extraordinary
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LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, April 6 -- Gov. Asa Hutchinson, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release:
Governor Asa Hutchinson has issued an executive order mandating new safety measures for commercial lodgings, short-term rentals, and other institutions and operations in order to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference.
"Every day, we review guidance from state and federal health experts and evaluate additional steps we can take to protect Arkansans from the spread of COVID-19," Governor Hutchinson said. "I am grateful that Arkansans have taken extraordinaryefforts to practice social distancing and flatten the curve. It is my hope that these new measures will provide further protection for Arkansans as we prepare for the peak number of COVID-19 cases in our state."
The Governor has directed that commercial lodgings and short-term rentals, including, hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, only permit occupancy for the following authorized guests:
* Healthcare professionals;
* First responders;
* Law enforcement;
* State or federal employees on official business;
* National Guard members on active duty;
* Airline crew members;
* Patients of hospitals and their families;
* Journalists;
* Persons unable to return to their home due to COVID-19 travel restrictions;
* Arkansas citizens unable to return to their home due to exigent circumstances, such as fire, flood, tornado, or other disaster;
* Persons in need of shelter due to domestic violence or homelessness;
* Employees of hotels, motels, or other service providers/contractors of a hotel or motel;
* and persons away from their home due to work or work-related travel.
Read the Executive Order, EO 20-13, HERE. (http://free-proxyserver.com/browse.php?u=IToUw1prkXDMWsXJJCOdw%2Bp%2BTMGwosDKldTRtkN4OqYVEHUITr35FaCNLwnXqZta7QAl4xYaHbedlJt%2BmO%2F7%2BDKtR3W6koE%3D&b=29)
Ariz. Gov. Ducey: President Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Arizona
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 6 -- Gov. Doug Ducey, R-Arizona, issued the following news release on April 4:
Governor Doug Ducey announced that President Trump in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Arizona's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the state. The declaration makes available additional federal assets and resources to aid Arizona's COVID-19 response efforts.
Governor Ducey wrote a letter to President Trump on April 1 requesting the disaster declaration.
"I'm grateful to President Trump for approving Arizona's request and for the
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PHOENIX, Arizona, April 6 -- Gov. Doug Ducey, R-Arizona, issued the following news release on April 4:
Governor Doug Ducey announced that President Trump in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Arizona's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the state. The declaration makes available additional federal assets and resources to aid Arizona's COVID-19 response efforts.
Governor Ducey wrote a letter to President Trump on April 1 requesting the disaster declaration.
"I'm grateful to President Trump for approving Arizona's request and for theAdministration's continued partnership," said Governor Ducey. "These resources will bolster our efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and help us bounce back afterward stronger than ever. This continued collaboration will be crucial as we utilize all tools to combat this virus."
Today's disaster declaration will provide Arizona access to expanded mental health care, supplement the efforts of tribal health care workers, provide grants to reduce the risk of loss of life or property during future emergencies, make available legal assistance to low-income Arizonans, expand food assistance and other services to low-income households impacted by COVID-19 and more.
More information about the Governor's request can be found HERE. (https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2020/04/governor-ducey-requests-major-disaster-declaration-additional-support-covid-19).
Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, N.Y. Gov. Cuomo Announces 1,000 Ventilators Donated to New York State
ALBANY, New York, April 6 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following news release:
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that 1,000 ventilators have been donated to New York by the Joseph and Clara Tsai Foundation. The Joseph and Clara Tsai Foundation and the Jack Ma Foundation have also donated one million surgical masks, one million KN95 masks and more than 100,000 pairs of goggles to the state. The Chinese government and Ambassador Huang Ping, Chinese Consul General, have facilitated these donations. The ventilators arrived at JFK Airport.
See the
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, April 6 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following news release:
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that 1,000 ventilators have been donated to New York by the Joseph and Clara Tsai Foundation. The Joseph and Clara Tsai Foundation and the Jack Ma Foundation have also donated one million surgical masks, one million KN95 masks and more than 100,000 pairs of goggles to the state. The Chinese government and Ambassador Huang Ping, Chinese Consul General, have facilitated these donations. The ventilators arrived at JFK Airport.
See thevideo here (https://youtu.be/5TH0OAiyLlo)
The National Basketball Association is also contributing one million surgical masks for New York's essential workers in collaboration with the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and China's New York Consul General Huang Ping.
Additionally, Oregon Governor Kate Brown has offered to provide New York with 140 ventilators from Oregon's stockpile.
This is a painful, disorienting experience, but we will get through it together and we will all be the better for it.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor Cuomo will also issue an Executive Order allowing medical students that are slated to graduate to begin practicing immediately to help with the state's surge health care force. To date, 85,000 health professionals, including 22,000 out-of-state individuals, have signed up to volunteer as part of the state's surge healthcare force during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"This pandemic has been stressing our nation on every level and we are doing everything in our power to prepare for the fight that will come at the apex," Governor Cuomo said. "Ventilators remain our greatest challenge, and we have received a generous donation of 1,000 ventilators from the Joseph and Clara Tsai Foundation and the Chinese government, as well as 140 ventilators from Oregon - and these ventilators will save lives. This is a painful, disorienting experience, but we will get through it together and we will all be the better for it."
Finally, the Governor confirmed 10,841 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 113,704 confirmed cases in New York State. Of the 113,704 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:
See table here (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/amid-ongoing-covid-19-pandemic-governor-cuomo-announces-1000-ventilators-donated-new-york-state)
* * *
- Donation Made to the State by the Joseph and Clara Tsai Foundation, and Facilitated by the Chinese Government and Ambassador Huang Ping, Chinese Consul General
- Joseph and Clara Tsai Foundation and the Jack Ma Foundation Have Also Donated One Million Surgical Masks, One Million KN95 Masks and More Than 100,000 Pairs of Goggles
- Also Announces the NBA is Contributing One Million Surgical Masks in Collaboration with Knicks and Nets
- Oregon Governor Kate Brown Has Offered to Provide New York with 140 Ventilators
- Governor Cuomo Issues Executive Order Allowing Medical Students Slated to Graduate to Begin Practicing
- 85,000 Health Professionals Have Volunteered as Part of the State's Surge Health Care Force to Date, Including 22,000 Out-of-State Individuals
- Confirms 10,841 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 113,704; New Cases in 47 Counties
