The COVID-19 death rate in Juniata and Mifflin Counties ranks at the top of all counties in the Commonwealth.  Data from the PA Department of Health listing the state’s 67 counties shows Juniata County with 254 deaths per 100,000 in population from December 1st to February 2nd.  Mifflin County has 249 deaths per 100,000 in the same period.  Other area counties include Perry County at 136, Huntingdon County at 133, and Snyder County at 119 deaths per 100,000. 

A comprehensive $912 million relief package to help restaurants, schools, employers, and tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic received final legislative approval on Friday and was sent to the Governor’s desk for enactment into law.  Senate Bill 109 amends the state Fiscal Code to allocate $569.8 million for Rental and Utility Assistance, $197 million for education programs, and $145 million to support Pennsylvania’s struggling hospitality industry as it copes with the devastation created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s mandated closings and restrictions. 

East Derry Elementary School remains closed today (February 8th) due to COVID-19 protocol. The school plans to reopen for in-person instruction on Tuesday (February 9th). The Mifflin County School District administration says the SKYLERT Messaging System has resolved texting issues, and is now able to send text messages to parents and guardians. To stay completely informed of all delays, early dismissals, and school closures, be sure to update contact information in Family Access. Instructions for families can be found here.