The Pennsylvania House Majority Leader feels state officials should receive the COVID-19 vaccine with the general public. Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) sent a letter to Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine and Governor Tom Wolf asking that members of the PA General Assembly, elected and appointed state officials be removed from Phase 1C of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.   In the letter, Benninghoff stressed the importance of elected officials putting the well-being of their constituents first.  While the latest state vaccine distribution plan seeks to further align Pennsylvania with federal recommendations, the federal plan remains silent on when government officials should be eligible. 

Weis Markets has issued a recall for 48 oz. containers of Weis Quality Cookies and Cream Ice Cream and 3 gallon bulk containers of Klein’s Vanilla Dairy Ice Cream.  The products may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically metal filling equipment parts. There has been one report of a customer who discovered an intact piece of metal equipment in the Weis Ice Cream. The parts could present a choking hazard.  The Weis Ice Cream in 48 oz. containers has been removed from sale.  It was sold in Weis Markets’ stores in several states, including Pennsylvania.  The product has a ‘sell by’ date of 10/28/21.  Customers who have purchased this product may return it for a full refund.

The Pennsylvania State Police has issued a disturbing warning about scammers using COVID-19 vaccine distribution as a means to steal people’s money and personal information. Scams already circulating include emails claiming to offer a vaccine waiting list, early access or doses shipped to your home; texts, robocalls or messages containing links to websites that promise the vaccine but solicit personal information; and social media posts with false information.  To help protect yourself, never provide money or personal information to anyone who requests it in exchange for special access to the vaccine. Rely on public health agencies for information about vaccine availability. Also, be sure your computer has the latest updates and an antivirus program. Delete any email from people you do not recognize or that has attachments you are not expecting.