As coronavirus continues to surge across the Commonwealth, several Central PA counties have seen increases according to Pennsylvania Department of Health. Data shows Mifflin and Juniata counties rank among the highest in percent positivity and incidence rates. Juniata County currently has the highest percent positivity in the state at 21.1 percent, while Mifflin County ranks third at 17.7%. The Wolf Administration released a weekly status update detailing the state’s mitigation efforts based on the COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard

The Mifflin County School District will continue to operate on a remote learning schedule until Thanksgiving.  Students will continue to operate under remote learning through November 25th.

With COVID-19 still affecting many lives, healthcare professionals are concerned about a spike in flu and COVID-19 cases.  Also concerning is the risk of co-infection.  Because the flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, it is possible to get both at the same time. Both can result in serious illness, hospitalizations and even death. And having both at once could increase the chance of more serious outcomes, including pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Taking precautions during flu season is extremely important.  Flu season begins in the fall and ends in the spring, peaking between December and February.  Learn ways to get a no-cost flu shot at Geisinger by visiting Geisinger.org/flunews.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has temporarily expanded its ability to backdate Unemployment Compensation (UC) claims from six weeks to up to 52 weeks. The change is intended to allow staff to assist those who attempted to file claims during the first weeks of the pandemic but were unable to reach a staff member due to the sudden surge in claims. Claimants seeking to file a backdated claim should email uchelp@pa.gov with the subject line “Back Date Request.” Due to the anticipated high volume, you may experience a delay in a response. Additional information is available at www.uc.pa.gov.