Protest Planned at Governor Wolf's Residence on Saturday

According to Harrisburg100, a peaceful protest will take place on Saturday at noon outside of Governor Tom Wolf's residence.  It's an understandable but possibly counterproductive reaction to his continued refusal to open the state for business. First, I have reservations about protests outside anyone's private residence, which smacks of intimidation. Second, this rally will result in unfavorable coverage demonizing those who attend as right-wing kooks. Third, a much more effective response is a federal lawsuit challenging  a months-long deprivation of property rights in violation of procedural due process clause of the US Constitution.  Wolf  arbitrarily shut down businesses with no notice or opportunity to be heard. He failed to discuss the matter with his own workforce development board, prompting one member to resign. Democrats on the Pa. Supreme Court ruled that Wolf's waiver process satisfied procedural due process, but that has been attacked as completely arbitrary. Wolf has thus far resisted efforts to obtain a list of the waivers granted and denied. 

Though I think protests outside someone's home are tacky, small business owners and the self-employed are growing increasingly upset by the lockdown. Governor Wolf has been feeding bullshit burgers to the public, claiming that the self-employed can now file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. What he fails to say is that those who have filled out an application are unable to file a claim, and are instead greeted by a message stating that we'll be notified "when the system is ready to accept claims in a few weeks."  

It's been a few weeks.

Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Utah have implemented the PUA program and started paying benefits. Governor Wolf thinks we in Pennsylvania can survive on bullshit burgers.

Instead of Covid-19, Are We All Getting Cabin Fever?

April 9 in Easton

Since the lockdown began, I've spent a lot of time outdoors to work on my fitness. I've shared monkey bars (from a social distance) at school playgrounds with cops who shame me with their ability to do pull-ups and chin-ups. I've visited the fitness trail at Louise Moore Park, which has some great exercise stations. I've promenaded the streets of Nazareth and run at the bike trail in Tatamy. I also had my bike tuned up and have been out and about, riding the streets and trails. Ironically, I think I am more fit now than I was when I could still use the gym. Plus, I just love being outside. Rain and wind are the enemies this time of year, especially on a bicycle. The cyclists's biggest enemy - the car - has been missing. But starting on Monday, my very unscientific observation is that traffic is beginning to pick up again. Despite the lockdown, people seem to be getting impatient about being cooped up in their houses. Instead of Covid-19, a lot of us are coming down with a serious cases of cabin fever. The best remedy for that is getting outside.

Yesterday was a rare day in which I both "ran" and cycled. I wanted a heavy cardio workout because heavy rain is forecast for the next few days. So I rode my bike to Tatamy, locked it up, went for a run and then continued riding along the trail and then climbed the hills back to home. I noticed a lot of heavy traffic, both from cars and trucks. In addition to the usual delivery trucks, there were heavy load tractor trailers carrying slabs of concrete and steel beams. There were also loads of the smaller trucks carrying gravel. Obviously, the construction industry is gearing up.

Grist Mill bridge

Along the Tatamy Trail, I saw the bridge construction at the Grist Mill, which looks like it is well underway. I failed to bring my phone, but a friend who happened to be there took and sent me the picture you see. Further down the Tatamy trail, I saw a home contractor doing a project at someone's property. His truck was parked in the yard. Yeah, he might be in violation of the lockdown, but I won't rat him out. He's trying to feed his family because the state has pretty much failed the self-employed and gig workers.

In addition to the increased traffic on the roads, the trails are usually packed. In the middle of the work week, there was no room top park at the terminus of the trail in Tatamy, unless you had a bike. The trail was packed with runners, walkers and cyclists of all ages and types. Some wore masks, while others did not. I see lots of lovebirds, both young and old, who are enjoying their time with each other. I see entire families along the trail, with kids on scooters while mom and dad try to keep up. But the happiest people have been man's best friend - the dog. They are going for lots of walks, which they tell me is their favorite past time. If they could vote, they'd demand that the lockdown continue forever.

I can walk and even run in very cold and wet weather. But I never ride in the rain, and yesterday was about as cold as I can tolerate. In the pic above, you see a yellow windbreaker. I didn't think I needed it yesterday. I was wrong.

This lockdown has been tough on our finances, and has exposed major weaknesses in the federal and state responses. The people I've seen outside, however, have always smiled and said Hi.

I only wish I got paid for goofing off.   

Bethlehem's Mixed Signals - It Continues to Cancel Meetings, But Will Start Ticketing Overtime Parkers Again

Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez announced yesterday that he's cancelling all public meetings, except for City Council, through Friday May 15, 2020 . This includes his monthly “Open Door” on May 11, 2020. But at the same time, the Parking Authority intends to start enforcing meter and street sweeping again, starting on May 4. You'll also have to pay to use the City's garages.

According to the so-called parking experts, the reason for meters is to prevent people from lingering at a business. But since nearly all business is shut down, it's ridiculous to penalize residents for parking wherever they want, so long as it is no threat to public safety.

Parking enforcement should be delayed until Governor Tom Wolf allows businesses to function again.

Besides, unless you are a City worker, it's very unlikely that anyone on Bethlehem has any spare change. no one has any spare change

Allentown Offering $5,000 Grants to Neighborhood Businesses

From Allentown: The city of Allentown Department of Community & Economic Development is offering a $500,000 Small Business Stabilization Program.

Through this program, grants of up to $5,000 will be offered to neighborhood businesses that are suffering financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The primary objective of the program is to help neighborhood businesses survive this health crisis and assist employers with emergency cash flow needs. 

The program intent is to help retain and continue to pay small neighborhood business employees where possible and to continue to provide goods and services to Allentown’s residents to the maximum possible extent.

Funding for this program has been made possible through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development – CARES Act. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

This program is intended for City-licensed neighborhood businesses located in the City of Allentown, with strong preference for businesses owned and operated by city residents.   Eligible businesses should:

1) have under $1,000,000 in most recently reported annual gross revenue.  (Note:  No less than 50% of total grant funds awarded will be directed to businesses with annual gross revenue of $500,000 or less).

2) have a demonstrated or projected reduction in monthly revenue of more than 25% as a result of COVID-19.

3) can demonstrate that grant funds will be used in promoting the interests of this program and of their business.

(Note:  This program can be used in conjunction with an SBA loan or grant as long as it does not duplicate coverage of expenses.  Preference may be given, however, to small businesses for whom the SBA loan processes may not be practical.)

WHAT CAN GRANT FUNDS BE USED FOR:

Grant funds are intended to provide emergency operating funds for neighborhood businesses that are closed or have had their foot traffic significantly reduced.  Eligible activities include rental or mortgage payments, utilities, payroll, real estate taxes, and outstanding vendor invoices.

Applications will be available on the city website www.allentownpa.gov on Friday, May 1.

The city intends to direct the funds to the small businesses that likely were passed over by the larger SBA programs.  Applications will be reviewed, and funds awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

Big Brother Government: Have You Received Any Pandemic Relief?

According to news accounts, over 88 million people have received stimulus checks thus far. Have you received yours? So far, I've received nothing although I believe it will come soon. Although self-employed people like myself are finally able to apply for pandemic relief, the state system refuses to allow the filing of a weekly claim. Instead, for the past two weeks, this has been the response: "Continued Claims filing is not yet available, but we will notify all applicants when the system is ready to accept claims in a few weeks."

While Governor Tom Wolf refuses to allow self-employed people like myself to file claims, his Department of Health has set up an online complaint form so you can rat out the few businesses still permitted to operate.

NorCo Has Received 25,000 Mail-in Ballot Applications

On Monday, I told you that you can still register to vote, if you do so by May 18. I also told you that you have until May 26 to apply for a mail-in ballot. You then have until Election Day (June 2) to make sure it is in the hands of elections officials. I also urged you to vote by mail. I could scare you and say it's because of Covid-19, but the real reason is that I'm a very lazy election judge. It's going to be a long day, and I want to be able to take several naps.

I'm lazy, but the elections office has been overwhelmed. Registrar Amy Cozze reports that her office has been hit with 25,000 applications for mail-in ballots thus far. That's quite a jump from March 19, when she had 5,700 applications. That was already a record. Her office is keeping up. She's mailed out 20,000 ballots. That includes a ballot sent to me. I've voted.

Starting May 11, the courthouse will be open to the public in case you need to return your ballot and don't mind having a mask and allowing someone to check your temperature on the way in. Hopefully, the courthouse will be open to the public for all purposes starting that day.

Allentown Signs on to Ring Bells Across Pa.

Yesterday, I told you Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez has issued a proclamation to urge all churches to sound their bells on Sunday at 7 pm. Allentown Mayor Ray O’Connell is urging houses of worship in the city to take part in the Bells Across Pennsylvania Day initiative as well.

The idea for this comes from the Pennsylvania State Mayor’s Association, which is encouraging the ringing of bells for three minutes. It's being done primarily to honor first responders, grocers and health care workers who have continued to serve their community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

No word on whether the bells must wear masks.

“I have often said in the last seven weeks that we are all in this together,” said O’Connell. “It will be nice to show so many of those folks who have shouldered a great burden how much we appreciate the effort.”

Pennsylvania State Mayors' Association President Jim Norwalk says the first minute will recognize and honor first responders, healthcare workers, and employees of grocery stores, pharmacies and other life-sustaining businesses who have maintained essential services to the general public while at risk of infection from COVID-19, and deserve to be celebrated as "hometown heroes."

The second minute is intended to show solidarity with elected officials and residents of municipalities across the Commonwealth, all of whom are fighting COVID-19 on the frontlines together in their communities.

The third minute is to demonstrate a collective resolve that Pennsylvanians will prevail over COVID-19 and work tirelessly to ensure that their businesses and civic life will thrive once again.

O’Connell said, “We are all learning that we have a great part to play in the success of our city. When we social distance, we are doing our part to stop the spread of the disease. We are no doubt finding new appreciation for our first responders and the doctors and nurses who are staring the crisis in the face when they answer every call or greet every patient. I ask our houses of worship to be heard on Sunday at 7:00 p.m.”

O’Connell will be issuing a proclamation designating Sunday, May 3 as “Bells Across Pennsylvania Day” in Allentown.

NorCo's Parks Will Re-Open May 1

At the last Northampton County Council meeting, Executive Lamont McClare said the most pushback he's received during the Covid-19 crisis was regarding his decision to close the county's parks. He shut them down April 7. He's decided that, effective May 1, he will re-open them.

In a statement announcing this decision, McClure said he "felt it was necessary to protect public health as cases in our area were expected to peak between April 9th and 15th.” Well, that peak never materialized. I've also heard that McClure felt he had no choice because people in the parks were refusing to follow social distancing guidelines.

There have been several studies demonstrating that you're much more likely to be infected by the Covid-19 virus indoors than outdoors. A recent Chinese study (not peer reviewed) concludes transmission of Covid-19 is almost entirely an indoor phenomenon. This is corroborated by a Japanese study demonstrating that respiratory viruses like Covid-19 are less virulent in higher temperatures and humidity. Most recently, Homeland Security's Science and Technology Department has produced emerging research showing that sunlight, can seriously weaken Covid-19 in about two minutes. At lesser intensities, it takes a little longer. In addition to the ultra violet rays from sunlight, heat and humidity also play a role in weakening and killing Covid-19.

A scientific basis to justify park closures is basically nonexistent.

Though the parks will be open, facilities like pavilions, playgrounds and restrooms will remain closed until further notice.

NorCo Sets Record of 136 New Covid-19 Cases

According to Northampton County's Covid-19 dashboard, we've set a record of 136 new Covid-19 cases. The previous record was 122 new Covid-19 cases on April 4. This is about 1/8 of the total new cases reported statewide, and is completely at odds with results over the past several weeks and what is happening elsewhere.

I suppose this could be explained as the result of tests administered over the weekend. It could be a keystroke error. This anomaly is cause for concern. It this becomes a trend, we will remain in the red zone for a very long time.

Pa. Supreme Court Directs Local Courts to Restore Some Operations

From Administrative Office of Pa. Courts: In an Order issued today, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court directed county courts to restore a wider range of operations, while giving priority to critical matters and remaining focused on protecting the health and safety of court users, personnel and the public.

“Courts play a central role in our constitutional democracy, and it’s important to ensure that they are available to those seeking vindication of their rights or resolution of disputes,” said Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Saylor. “The COVID-19 health emergency has forced everyone to adapt, and courts have quickly adjusted to handle a wide range of matters remotely.”

“While the Court has extended the judicial emergency through June 1, 2020, in order to provide President Judges with authority to address varying local conditions, we recognize the need to move beyond emergency matters to a much broader range of court functions. We do so, however, giving priority to our most critical functions and in a manner consistent with public health and safety.”

With the exception of speedy trial calculations under Rule of Criminal Procedure 600, the statewide suspension of time calculations and deadlines provided for in the courts previous orders will end effective May 11, 2020. President Judges are given substantial discretion in the enforcement of deadlines, with due regard for public safety.

The Court’s previous orders regarding dispossession of property are extended until May 11, at which point they will end. As today’s order notes, however, there may be restraints on some actions related to dispossession of property imposed by other sources, including the federal CARES Act.

Jury trials (both criminal and civil) remain suspended and will be scheduled for a date in the future.

In an effort to ensure access to open courts in light of remote proceedings, the Supreme Court continues to encourage the use of advanced communication technology that permits access for the public and press.

In addition to identifying the same critical functions outlined in previous orders, the Court’s Order provides the following guidance:

Safety of Judges, Court Staff and Users

Court leaders must implement and maintain procedures that limit potential COVID-19 exposure, including restricting in-person access to court facilities;
Subject to constitutional limitations, any state or local rule that impedes a judge’s ability to utilize available technologies to limit in-person contact is suspended through June 1, 2020; and
For proceedings that must be held in person, appropriate safety measures, consistent with federal and state executive guidance, should be employed. All courts are encouraged to consider deciding matters on the papers and/or to conduct proceeding through the use of advanced communication technologies, to the extent constitutional requirements can be satisfied.

Court Filings and Time Limitations and Deadlines

Suspension of time calculations and deadlines outlined in the Court’s previous Orders will end May 11, 2020;
Prior orders related to payments to Magisterial District Courts are extended until May 11, 2020.
Court filings should be by means other than in-person delivery whenever possible;
Self-represented litigants or attorneys who believe the enforcement of time deadlines pose a danger to health and safety may file a certification with the court for consideration;
Attorneys are encouraged to conduct depositions remotely; and
Deposition of and required appearances for doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals substantially involved in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic are suspended through June 1.

Additional information about the impact of COVID-19 on court operations is available online, at @pennsylvaniacourts and @PACourts.

Bells Across Pa on May 3

Bells Across Pennsylvania Day by BernieOHare on Scribd

As Poe would tell us, the tintinabulation of clanging bells has different meanings at different times, from a "world of merriment" to "world of solemn thought." Perhaps all these emotions are appropriate when the iron tongues of church bells toll on May 3 at 7 pm. We certainly should be grateful to those who have continued feeding us as well as those who've kept us out of harm's way. Yet at the same time, the sobbing of the bells can express how many of us feel about both lives and liberties lost.

Susan Wild, Now Is Not The Time To Ask For Money

Lisa Scheller

Three candidates are running for Congress in Pa.'s 7th District - Republicans Dean Browning, Lisa Scheller and Democrat Susan Wild.  Let me tell you what they're doing.

Dean Browning is holed up in his underground lair somewhere with Dr. Evil, complaining about his "captivity" and praising Donald Trump. If you have trouble sleeping, tune into his weekly Facebook presentations. It's ten times better than Ambien.

What about Wild? believe it or not, this supposed Democrat and champion of the underclass is dunning people for money. Her campaign is running ads on Facebook claiming she needs money because it's the end of the month. Yeah, Susan, that's when most people have to pay something called rent. Perhaps you've heard of it. She is insulting 1.65 million Pennsylvanians  who are seeking unemployment benefits. Many are being ignored and are having trouble putting food on the table. 

The third hopeful is Lisa Scheller. She and her friends are busy collecting and donating food for people in need, like the over 1 million people screwed over by Governor Tom Wolf. "We need to come together as a community, be united, be optimistic, and united, we will defeat Covid-19."

Which of these three sounds like she belongs in Congress?

Eight Oaks Deserves Your Patronage

Regular readers of this blog know that I only rarely recommend a business. Especially one that sells booze. But I'm about to make an exception for Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, located in New Tripoli. Since the Covid-19 crisis began, this purveyor of fine spirits has donated the equivalent of over 60,000 plus 8 oz bottles of sanitizer to hundreds of mission-critical organizations.It is producing over 4,000 gallons of hand sanitizer a day, and it's going to Emergency Management Directors, nonprofits, and essential businesses. If you fall in any of these categories, Eight Oaks will help you. Just email them at sanitizer@eightoaksdistillery.com. They 0will take your order, and coordinate pick up for you at their distillery.

Starting Wednesday, individuals and families can order 64 oz bottles of hand sanitizer online website and pick up curbside at the distillery. Limited amounts will also be available at their Easton Public Market and Harrisburg Broad Street Market locations, starting Thursday, April 30, 2020.

But it just begins with hand sanitizer. Starting Wednesday, you'll be able to order the hard stuff for pickup at the distillery. And on Thursday, you'll be able to e to purchase spirits at the Easton Public Market and Broad Street Market locations. I'm talking bourbon, rye, rum, gin, vodka and even applejack.

But no Everclear.

The Big Northeast Might Be Sidelined by Governor Tom Wolf For Some Time

The Lehigh Valley is part of the Big Ten. I wish this were a sports league because we'd crush everyone, but this is actually a conference in the Pa Pandemic League. We are one of ten counties that make up what Governor Tom Wolf calls the "Northeast." The ten participating counties are Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Pike, Wayne, Susquehanna and Wyoming. Total population is estimated at 1,611,500.

In the Big Ten, there's a Big Two, and that's Lehigh and Northampton County. Together, we are 42% of the population of the Big Ten.

Right now, we've been red-shirted. Before we can get in the game of actually working again, we need to drop to a new -case rate of 806 for 14 consecutive days.

Dr. Steve Thode, the retired Director of Real Estate Studies at Lehigh University, has kindly prepared a colorized chart showing the daily new Covid-19 cases over the past two weeks. As you can see, the virus has been strongest in the Lehigh Valley.

In a second chart, Dr. Thode shows the 14-day new case rate for the 10-county region. The peak occurred on April 15 - the first half of April was fugly. As the number of new cases continues to drop (hopefully), so, too, will the 14-day rate. Still, a long way to go to get to 806.

I sure would hate to be Wayne or Susquehanna County.

They are totally screwed.

Upper Mount Bethel Livestreams on Facebook

Upper Mount Bethel Township's Supervisors met remotely last night at a meeting that was livestreamed on Facebook. Notice of this meeting was posted on the Township's website on April 24. Recent changes in state law relax public notice requirements during the Covid-19 emergency. Advance notice must be posted on the township's web page or advertised in the local newspaper. If a plan is up for approval, there should be five days advance notice.

Last night's meeting did include a small subdivision approval, so five days advance notice was required. Only three days advance notice of this meeting format was given. I was unable to find an advertisement of a remote meeting anywhere. I nevertheless think the meeting complied with the new law. Township staff was at the municipal building for the meeting. Any member of the public who appeared for the regularly scheduled meeting would still be able to participate.

At this meeting, insurance agent Randy Crane was appointed to a vacancy on the Planning Commission.

Supervisors also voted to join local officials across the river in expressing reservations about a controversial $50 million rockfall fence that New Jersey's Department of Transportation is planning along Route 80.

Pa. National Guard At Gracedale (Updated)

On Friday, I told you that 62 of 596 Gracedale residents have tested positive for Covid-19. Sadly, eight have died. In addition, 26 staff members have been infected, although seven have finished their quarantine periods and are now back at work. What's really bad is that between April 1 and April 23, there were 562 call-offs. As understandable as this might be, it threatens the county's ability to serve those who are in its care.

So today, the Pennsylvania National Guard will be assisting at the county nursing home. A contingent of one RN, 50 medics and five generalists will be on-hand to assist with meals and bathing. The RN will dispense medication. They will work on the non Covid-19 floors.

From the County (10 AM) - The National Guard will primarily assist with non-Covid-19 residents, allowing Gracedale employees to focus on residents who are positive for Covid-19 or have pending test results. Their mission is intended to last for no longer than seventy-two hours. When the Guard arrives they will spend their first day getting acclimated to the facility and receiving instruction on the proper way of performing tasks in a nursing home.

Guard assistance will include twenty medics to work as CNAs from 7 AM to 7 PM, eight licensed nurses to work the 3 PM to 11 PM shift and assist with distributing meds, and additional staff to help with delivering food carts, making beds, etc. Guard staff will be focused on the tower building which has the greatest need for help.

When Will Wolf Allow the LV To Go Back To Work?

When will Governor Tom Wolf allow the Lehigh Valley to go back to work? That's hard to say. He has placed the Lehigh Valley in the northeast section of the state, consisting of 10 counties. Going to "Yellow" will be based on the 14-Day New Case Rate for these 10 counties combined. The 10 counties are: Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Pike, Wayne, Susquehanna and Wyoming.

These 10 counties have an estimated total population of 1,611,500.

The "Big 5" are Lehigh, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Northampton with a total of about 1,371,600.

Lehigh and NorCo combined are a little less than 42% of the total population of the 10 counties.

Given the total population of the 10 counties is 1,611,500, the "magic number" is 806 new cases over a 14-day period. As of today, the 10 counties have had 3,175 new cases the past 14 days. So, currently, we're at about 4 times the level to get to "Yellow."

Alrighty then.

The Coronavirus Stakes

You Have Until May 26 To Apply For A Mail-in Ballot

Governor Tom Wolf has crippled Pa.'s economy with his lockdown, something he did and without even bothering to discuss it with business leaders. He wants everyone to shelter-in-place, but has thus far refused to use his emergency powers to make the June 2 primary a mail-in event only. You can never tell with this guy, but it's probably too late to do anything now. So if you are one of the hopefully few hardy souls who insist on voting in person in the June 2 Presidential Primary, let me give you the following advice:

First, you now have until May 18 to register to vote or change your registration. You can do so online. To be eligible, you musty be a U.S.. citizen who has lived in the state at least 30 days before the election.

Second, you now have until May 26 to apply for a mail-in ballot. This is something you can do online as well. Once you receive a mail-in ballot, you have until 8 pm on Election Day (June 2) to return it. It must be in the elections office by that date and time or your vote will not count. If you take it to your polling precinct on Election Day, that is not good enough. It must be in the elections office itself. Mailing it on June 2 is not good enough either. It must be received by the elections office by June 2 at the latest.

Third, the mail-in ballot ballot has no postage affixed. If the county really wants you to vote, it should at least put a stamp on the damn envelope, but is too cheap. Never fear. According to postal service officials, they'll deliver mail-in ballots regardless whether postage is affixed, and then bill the county. Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, nor lack of a stamp, stays these couriers from the swift delivery of mail-in ballots.

Fourth, Governor Tom Wolf is supposedly giving counties 6,000 free "infection protection" kits. I'll believe that when I see it. These kits will supposedly include antibacterial wipes, gloves, surgical masks, hand sanitizers, headset covers, scalpels, ventilators, hydroxychloroquine, toilet paper, bleach with paper cups, and a few cans of disinfectant with syringes.

Do yourself a favor. Vote by mail. 

NorCo Reports Covid-19 Death Toll is 57, Including 8 at Gracedale

From NorCo Exec Lamont McClure: “We are providing the following information to give our residents the maximum amount of information permitted by law and in keeping with sound epidemiological standards,” says Lamont McClure. “It is a sad and grim duty to report this data, but we continue to do so, so that our fellow residents have the information they need to make sound decisions. What the new sad total of fifty-seven tells us is that we are not yet done experiencing the devastation of Covid-19 in Northampton County.”

“As with many other nursing homes around the country, the administration at Gracedale is working hard to limit exposure to residents and staff. At this time, sixty-two of the 596 residents have tested positive for Covid-19. Tragically, eight have passed. Six patients are in recovery and will return to their units when they are no longer infectious. Twenty-six staff members have tested positive; seven have finished their quarantine periods and are now back at work. Forty staff called out of work on April 23rd.”

"This data comes from the Northampton County Coroner’s office and only reflects the number of people who have died of COVID-19 within the county’s borders as of April 23rd. It does not reflect those Northampton County residents who died of the virus in another county. Six of the fifty-seven deaths recorded were residents of other counties or states.

Municipalities in which the 57 decedents lived:
Forks Twp. (1)
Lower Nazareth Twp. (2)
Bangor Boro (1)
Palmer Twp. (13)
Upper Nazareth Twp. (10)
Williams Twp. (2)
Nazareth Boro (1)
Bethlehem Twp (11)
City of Bethlehem (3)
Washington Twp (1)
City of Easton (3)
Plainfield Twp (1)
Wilson Boro (1)
Lehigh (1)

Phillipsburg, NJ (1)
Bronx, NY (1)
Millersburg, PA (1)
Lopatcong Twp, NJ (1)
Astoria, NY (1)
Monroe County (1)

"Average age of the Deceased: 79.3 years.

"Gender of the Deceased: 49% Female, 51% Male

"Race of the Deceased: 77% White, 11% African American, 5% Hispanic,
7% Asian/Pacific Islander

"The GIS department has put together a dashboard to track Covid-19 infections and related deaths in Northampton County. It can be accessed at:
https://northampton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/a90733c6c4e1469289ec826f3f59dc23

"Please note—the 57 unfortunate victims of Covid-19 do not provide enough data points for a statistically significant sample. Younger people remain at significant and serious risk, and should stay-at-home. All Northampton County residents should continue to practice social distancing.

"This information is being provided as they are the facts as they exist on the ground as of today. These profound losses to our community do not provide us with enough scientific evidence to draw any conclusions."