Health care providers, schools, businesses and others in the Commonwealth who followed COVID-19 public health directives would be protected from unfair lawsuits under legislation approved by the Pennsylvania Senate.  House Bill 1737, as amended in the Senate, aims to head off waves of lawsuits that could bankrupt already struggling employers and unfairly harm institutions who did their best to follow the changing and sometimes conflicting guidance provided by state and federal governments. The measure applies to health care providers, PPE manufacturers, schools, universities and childcare providers, as well as business and government service providers who took good-faith actions they took during the pandemic. House Bill 1737 also provides liability protection for farmers who want to host agritourism events like hayrides, farm tours and corn mazes.

Punxsutawney Phil’s annual February prediction will be virtual in 2021.  In early fall, the Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club formed a Special Committee to monitor the COVID pandemic and stay ahead of options for Groundhog Day.  Phil, along with the Inner Circle, will be making the annual Prognostication from Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2021, without in-person attendance due to COVID-19.  Officials are developing numerous live internet, website and virtual events that will take the place of the traditional events.  Information can be found at www.groundhog.org.