COVID Conversations: Developing a vaccine and treating COVID-19, with UPMC and the PA Biotechnology Center

This week in our live COVID Conversation, I’m going to talk to a doctor from UPMC and the president of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center about developing a vaccine and treatments for the coronavirus. We’ll take your questions live too! Join the conversation on Thursday at 4pm.

Watch from your phone or computer here!

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance application LIVE NOW

Pennsylvania’s self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, and others not eligible for regular unemployment compensation (UC) can begin filing claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. PUA is included in the new federal expansion to unemployment benefits provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Pennsylvanians who meet PUA eligibility requirements can apply online. L&I anticipates a high volume of applications over the next few days which may temporarily slow the system. The department is continuing to add improvements to make it easier to use. L&I expects to begin making payments to approved claimants within two to four weeks after they submit their initial claim.

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Begins Limited Curbside Delivery Program

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board today announced it has begun offering limited curbside pickup service at 176 locations across the commonwealth to serve more customers seeking wine and spirits while maintaining social distancing practices in the interest of public health and safety.

The stores offering curbside service are identified in a list published by the PLCB, and these stores will accept calls for curbside pickup orders between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or until each store reaches the maximum number of orders it can fulfill each day, Monday through Saturday. Each store has its own unique inventory and will guide callers through the products available for purchase before finalizing each order and taking payment by phone.

Online Car Sales Now Permitted

Under the Governor’s and Secretary of Health’s business closure order has been amended to allow for online vehicle sales.

Automobile and other motor vehicle dealers were not permitted to continue physical operations. Dealers generally could not complete “online” or internet-based sales as the vehicle buying process traditionally requires certain in-person interactions, often with multiple individuals and live notarization.

Senate Bill 841, which was signed into law by the Governor today, allows for, among other things, remote notarization. Additionally, the administration recently updated its guidance regarding notaries to clarify that notaries who offer services in a business location that is authorized to maintain in-person operations under closure orders (such as banks and other depository financial institutions) may continue to offer in-person services at those locations.

File Your Taxes Online

The Department of Revenue is encouraging Pennsylvanians to take advantage of user-friendly electronic filing options for their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns (PA-40s). Even though the deadline for filing 2019 tax returns has been extended to July 15, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, filing now electronically is a good option, including for Pennsylvanians who are expecting a tax refund. 

The department recently announced the extension of the filing deadline to July 15, 2020 for taxpayers to file their 2019 Pennsylvania personal income tax returns and payments. The extension gave taxpayers an additional 90 days to file from the original deadline of April 15 as the commonwealth takes steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Facebook Live Q & A

As we navigate this health crisis together, I want to be as accessible as possible for your questions. Every Friday at 12pm, I will be live on Facebook to chat about what the state is doing to combat COVID-19. Join me! 

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