Philadelphia Free Press • 03-25-2020

Local Distillery is lending its hand to combat hand sanitizer Shortage New Liberty Distillery’s HighProof Alcohol is Being Produced in Bulk for PA Residents With essential items like toilet paper and disinfecting wipes flying off store shelves as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Liberty Distillery is shifting it operation to produce, high-proof alcohol

The hand sanitizer is being produced in bulk and is available at distribution centers based hand sanitizer at its designated by the Department South Kensington craft distill- of Health. ery.

“As President of the PennFederal and State Governsylvania Distillers Guild, ment agencies along with the this hand sanitizer effort is a Governor’s office and US Con- statewide mobilization being gressman and Congresswom- coordinated to do our part in en are actively working with this crisis. Currently we are and supporting the product working with state and fedamid the COVID-19 related eral representatives, senators, shortage.

the Governor’s Office, PLCB, TTB, etc. for a statewide coordinated effort to cut the red tape, and put 100,000 bottles of hand sanitizer into the public’s hands in the coming days, with targets of one million bottles within seven to ten days.

We are currently taking stock from all 130 plus distilleries in the state on the amount of 95% ethanol they have on site, as well as the daily capacity we can use until the situation is resolved. We are pooling together all of our liquid reCo-founder, New Liberty Distillery, Robert Cassel

Center City Philadelphia's Community Newspaper

March 25, 2020

sources, and initially focusing them to a few points of manufacture around the state where we will be bottling the ethanol based (World Health Organization Formula#1) hand sanitizer. From there, we are coordinating a distribution plan with the PA Department of Health on appropriate distribution centers, starting with hospitals. This will be rolled out as an initiative with many participating partner distilleries across the state. This is a massive lift, but by pulling together as an industry we believe we can have an impact on the fight against the coronathe report of professional, dedi- virus and safety of everyone,” cated, health-care professionals says Co-founder, New Liberty working as usual provided me Distillery, Robert Cassell. with a sense of safety and secuNew Liberty Distillery is lority. Our institutions, while by cated in a vibrant north Philano means perfect, are made up delphia neighborhood, just of fellow citizens, doing their minutes from Center City. Our best, even under unprecedent- building once served as a staed circumstances. ble, and much of its architecOur institutions, while by ture, including the horse stalls, no means perfect, are made up have been preserved.

The X of fellow citizens, doing their building now provides a home best, even under unprecedented ...to our custom-made still, as circumstances. well as the rick house where As the news develops and we barrel age our whiskey. restrictions mount in our In light of COVID-19, New country’s containment efforts, Liberty Distillery has opened we hope all of our goals are an online store offering member’s hospitalization, espe- aligned. Stop this threat, keep direct-to-doorstep shipping cially one in the high risk group people safe and healthy and, to customers the state.

Page within x susceptible to the current threat, continued on page 4 Offering online sales gives customersCHRISTENDOM an opportunity to support this Sebastianlocal distillery and its employees Barry may during this difficult time, without not be exactly even leaving the Each bottle sold keeps and abnormal eating practices after spending time in public ahouse. household the distillery’s of people in a remote region of spaces. name here in staff working and earning wages while the A manager at a Rite Aid in China.

America... tasting room is closed. my Fishtown neighborhood Whatever the origin, the told me that while cashing out virus has succeeded in turna long line of customers, he ing the world upside down.

Page 6 In Philadelphia, with bars and heard someone in line menLAZARETTO tion that the store sold a bug restaurants closed, there’s a spray that was used as a sort ghost town feel to once viDuring our brant Center City. The quiet is of prophylactic when the West national emerespecially noticeable at night, Nile virus first appeared in gency, the the United States in 1999. (The Preservation especially with Mayor Kenney’s new ‘stay at home’ order. West Nile virus, if you remem- Alliance joins ber, was spread by infected Everywhere you turn there mosquitos). When the person you... is a feeling of desolation and

Philadelphia and all of Pennsylvania needs to take a path that makes as many of our citizens as possible independent and self-sustaining Point of view: Linda A. Kerns: Catastrophes remind us that long term economic reliance on government cannot sustain us

By Linda A. Kerns For Broad + Liberty

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n Friday, one of my family members over the age of sixty had to be hospitalized for a brief illness completely unrelated to the pandemic. She reports that the medical personnel exhibited care, compassion and efficiency.

While she noticed a plethora of Famous Philadelphia Love Park sculpture. hand sanitizer and hand washon COVID-19. ing, the doctors, nurses and Notwithstanding the anxistaff concentrated on treating ety that accompanies a family her condition, not persevering

City Safari: COVID-19. Where did it come from?

Masked transit.

from a biological lab in China or that it was a sinister “gift” to humanity from the so-called Deep State. The most scientifiild speculations cally sound answer is that it and predictions suggest that it came originated from the wicked

By Thom Nickels Contributing Editor

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fear. My brother, who lives in the Malvern-Exton suburbs, tells me that some people there have even taken to drinking Clorox to cleanse their throats and clear their nasal passages

in line indicated where the Page 7 product was sold, half the line made a beeline to purchase the CRIME/POLITICS...........................3 spray, “a spray,” as the clerk A&E............................................7 told me, “that has absolutely FUNDRAISER................................8 continued on page 2

CLASSIFIEDS..............................11

2 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • MARCH 25, 2020

CITY SAFARI

hazard where dogs are concerned. Where will continued from page 1 pet owners dispose of the poop? The mayor insists this is not martial law nothing to do with CObecause people will not VID-19.”

One week ago I heard be arrested but be issued citations with fines. reports that COVID-19 The dangers of cofear is highest on the east and west coasts but vid-19 cannot be minimized but sensationalin America’s midland and in the South, people istic overreactions like the stocking up on toilet are behaving in a much less fearful fashion. This paper, a pandemic within was certainly true when a pandemic, is a twisted spring break millennials act that’s done nothing crowded Florida beaches but empty store shelves.

Panic buying is unconin orgies of drink and trolled narcissistic hoardrevelry. When a local ing. This evaporation of Florida reporter asked common sense is what one party girl why she happens when people had little regard for let fear grip them like an covid-19 restrictions, elliptic seizure. Filling she replied, “This is my time,” meaning of course three shopping carts with toilet paper should be a that her youth trumped punishable offense. all social and medical As the Plague continconcerns. As Jonathan Swift once observed, “No ues to peak (hopefully wise man ever wished to it will have reached its peak by April 9) the be younger.”

Orange County Mayor fear mongers among us Jerry Demings (Orlando, might suggest we need to Florida) announced a 11 stock up on other necessities, like toothpaste or p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, shaving cream. Perhaps proving that the tables a marketing genius will are turning in the once “less fearful” south. Just announce that Jello-0 is especially crucial to have a few days ago families during a plague. If the with young children covid-19 crisis has taught were congregating in us anything, it’s that “I Liberty Lands park in can buy as much as I Northern Liberties but want” capitalism comes such innocent gatherto a halt when a plague ings are now history.

Solitary walkers (a stroll begins.

COVID-19 became around the block or serious business for walking the dog) are likely to be banned from Philadelphians when the City of Philadelphia ancity sidewalks, creating nounced that all non-esanother sort of health

sential businesses would be closed. The closure of restaurants and bars put scores of food service industry workers, most of them millennials, in the unemployment line.

For a number of years now, self-styled “urban influencers” have been questioning whether Philadelphia has put too much emphasis on being a great restaurant town.

What else does the city have to offer those seeking employment besides jobs in bistros and cafes?

Waiting tables is something one used to do in high school or college. In the United States it was never (until now) a serious permanent profession on a par with going to medical or law school.

In mid-March it was announced that Pennsylvania Wine and Spirit stores would close. Wine and Spirits stores were declared “nonessential businesses” in Pennsylvania but in New York they were classified as “essential businesses.”

Why the difference? I attribute this to the legacy of Pennsylvania’s old Blue Laws (the Blue Laws acting as a DNAlike imprint). Perhaps the old Quaker prohibitions against alcohol helped to form this policy. The decision to close the Philadelphia state stores came a day or two after the decision to close state stores in 5 surrounding Pennsylvania counties.

City consumers had little time to make a bee line to their local state store to stock up before the closure. If there’s any common denominator about this virus, it’s that everything seems to be decided at the last minute.

New decisions on how we are to behave change from hour to hour.

With that said, nobody should have to drink lemonade or Coca Cola during a mass extinction event.

The city’s arts and culture scene has been decimated like those toi-

let paper store shelves.

The trickle started when small theater companies began announcing they were closing for the season. Larger companies followed. The Walnut Street Theater, which had been planning to revive Gore Vidal’s classic, The Best Man, canceled the play two days before the official press opening.

This was probably the greatest theater disappointment of 2020. The Arden Theater and the Wilma also canceled live productions although many companies have reinvented themselves with the formation of virtual online events and workshops.

The Museum of the American Revolution announced its “Explore the Museum from Anywhere” virtual campaign where viewers can view the museum’s free digital resources without leaving home.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art announced that it would close until March 30. Assuming that Cov-19 is brought under control by then, the closing should not affect the Sean Scully exhibition, The Shape of Ideas, scheduled to run from May to August 2020. In October 2020, PMA is slated to open the much anticipated Jasper Johns exhibition, Mind/Mirror, which will run until February 2021. The Barnes Foundation has also shut its

doors, shutting down the Marie Cuttoli: The Modern Thread exhibition which had been scheduled to run until May 2020. The Barnes Foundation plans to reopen Wednesday, April 1.

The much anticipated Philadelphia Travel and Adventure Show held annually at the Philadelphia Convention Center was also canceled. The show attracts exhibitors from all over the country and many parts of the world, including the Republic of Ireland.

The Philadelphia Flower Show’s 2020 presentation, Escape to the Riviera, managed to open and close before the COVID-19 guillotine had a chance to gut it.

Churches throughout Center City shut their doors. Many parishioners, however, are able to attend virtual worship services via live streams on Facebook or You Tube. A friend of mine who is a member of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Center City had to quit going to daily Mass but he learned to take comfort in being able to tap into daily virtual Mass. My own parish of Saint Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church in Northern Liberties continues to hold private Great Lent services but only for clergy and designated assistants.

Regular services will re-

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MARCH 25, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 3

Crime Blotter

Review UNIVERSITY

Crime Statistics & Crime Report Updates. If you have any crimes to report, please send them to N.C. at newsdesk@pressreview.net by press time, Monday at noon. Note: this crime report does not cover the entire boundaries for each police district. Instead, it reflects statistics in or near our circulation areas.

The following crimes occurred between Thursday, March 12th to Wednesday, March 18th

Political updates on the State & Local Level The UC Review and Philly Free Press compile political news that affects voters each week on the city and state level to keep readers more abreast of local politics. If there’s an issue you would like included in this column, please email it to newsdesk@pressreview.net by the Monday, noontime deadline!

3rd DISTRICT: To report a crime in the 3rd District, please call South Detective Division at 215-686-3013. Reporting 3rd District crimes from South St. to Mifflin St. and Delaware Ave. to Broad St.

Evans bill would generate $7 billion more for Small Business Economic Injury Disaster Loans, speed up panies do, and I want to program make sure they and their

Arrest: 600 S. Columbus Blvd.

Assault: 800 South St; 1200 S. 12th St; 1100 S. Front St. Burglary: Front & Fitzwater Sts. Theft: 1300 South St; 600 S. Clifton St; 900 S. Broad St; 700 S. 4th St; 1100 S. 10th St; 500 Titan St; 9th & Reed Sts. Vandalism: 1300 Bainbridge St. Other Offenses (Any incident that does not fit into other definitions, and may include public drunkenness, runaways, loitering, weapons offense or missing person): 100 S. 7th St. 6th DISTRICT: To report a crime in the 6th District, please call 215-6863060. Reporting 6th District crimes from Spring Garden St. to South St. and Front St. to Broad St. Assault: 600 Spring Garden St; 200 Market St; 100 Chestnut St; 500 S. 4th St. Burglary: 400 Arch St. Robbery: 300 N. 13th St; 1300 Market St. Theft: 1100 Spring Garden St; 1000 Hamilton St; N. Front & Nobel St; 900 Arch St; 800 Arch St; 700 Appletree St; 1300 Market St. (two incidents).

Vandalism: 300 N. Randolph St; 700 Race St. Other Offenses (Any incident that does not fit into other definitions, and may include public drunkenness, runaways, loitering, weapons offense or missing person): 700 Race St; 1000 Appletree St; 100 N. 12th St; 1100 Chestnut St. 9th DISTRICT: To report a crime in the 9th District, please call 215-686-3090.

Reporting 9th District crimes from Fairmount Ave. to Lombard St. and Broad St. to the Schuylkill River.

Arrest: N. 16th & Arch Sts; 1500 Market St. Assault: 2000 Pennsylvania Ave; 1400 JFK Blvd. (2 incidents), 1600 Market St; 1600 Chestnut St; S. 18th & Locust Sts. Burglary: 100 S. 15th St. Robbery: 1600 Market St; 1600 Chestnut St. Theft: 500 N. Broad St; 2200 Market St; 1900 Market St; 1500 Chestnut St; S. 22nd & Walnut Sts; 100 S. 18th St; 200 S. 17th St; 200 S. Broad St; 2300 Locust St; 1500 Locust St; 1800 Pine St. Other Offenses (Any incident that does not fit into other definitions, and may include public drunkenness, runaways, loitering, weapons offense or missing person): 1800 Walnut St. 12th DISTRICT: To report a crime in the 12th District, please call 215-6861320. Reporting 12th District crimes within Southwest Philly bounded by Baltimore & 50th St. to Bartram Dr. & 60th St. Assault: 5600 Hoffman St; 5600 Willows Ave; 5400 Regent St; 2200 S. 58th St. Theft: 5600 Whitby Ave; 1400 S.

Paxon St; 5200 Baltimore Ave; 4700 Paschall Ave.

Vandalism: 1200 S. 18th St; 2600 Gerrit St; 2100 Moore St.

Vandalism: 4800 Baltimore Ave; 4700 Upland Ave; 1500 S. 53rd St; 1900 S. 58th St; 5700 Kingsessing Ave.

Other Offenses (Any incident that does not fit into other definitions, and may include public drunkenness, runaways, loitering, weapons offense or missing person): 1200 Pt. Breeze Ave. (two incidents).

Other Offenses (Any incident that does not fit into other definitions, and may include public drunkenness, runaways, loitering, weapons offense or missing person): 4800 Baltimore Ave; 5200 Pentridge St; 5600 Hadfield St; 5800 Willows Ave; 5600 Chester Ave; 5300 Woodland Ave; 2000 S. 60th St. 16th DISTRICT: To report a crime in the 16th District, please call 215686-3160. Reporting 16th District crimes from Girard Ave. to Market St. and from the Schuylkill River to 52nd Street.

Arrest: 5100 Westminster Ave; 4900 W. Thompson Ave. Assault: N. 44th St & Lancaster Ave; 500 Aspen St; 4500 Haverford Ave; 4400 Holden St. Burglary: 4900 Olive St; 4900 W. Thompson Ave. Robbery: 200 N. 34th St. Theft: 4500 Westminster Ave; 4600 Westminster Ave; 4900 Ogden St; 700 N. 42nd St; 3600 Melon St; 5000 Race St; 4900 Market St; 3500 Market St. Vandalism: 38th & Market Sts; 44th & Market Sts. Other Offenses (Any incident that does not fit into other definitions, and may include public drunkenness, runaways, loitering, weapons offense or missing person): 4900 Wyalusing Ave; N. Ogden and N. 42nd Sts; 4000 Olive St; 3800 Mt. Vernon St; 4000 Lancaster St; 600 N. Preston St; 4000 Lancaster St; 3700 Brandywine St. (two incidents), 600 N. 35th St. 17th DISTRICT: To report a crime to the 17th Police District, please call 215-686-3170. Reporting 17th District crimes from South St. to Mifflin St. and Broad St. to the Schuylkill River.

Arrest: 1200 S. 23rd St; 2600 Wharton St; 1500 S. Bailey St; 2600 Dickinson St; 1700 Moore St; 2800 Snyder Ave. Assault: S. Broad & South Sts; 1800 Montrose St; 1700 Manton St; 2200 Titan St; 1200 S. Broad St; 1500 S. Hicks St. Burglary: 1100 S. Broad St; 1500 S. Taylor St; 1200 S. 18th St; 1800 S. 22nd St. Theft: 2500 Federal St; 1700 Ellsworth St; 1200 S. 18th St; 1600 S. Chadwick St; 1700 S. 23rd St; 1800 S. 22nd St.

18th DISTRICT: To report a crime in the 18th Police District, please call 215-686-3180. Reporting 18th District crimes from Market St. to Woodland Ave. and 30th St. to Cobbs Creek Pkwy.

Arrest: 5800 Walnut St; 200 S. Frazier St. Assault: 5000 Market St; 4000 Ludow St; 3900 Market St; 4500 Osage Ave; 600 S. 43rd St; 3400 Spruce St; 3400 Civic Center Blvd; 4500 Kingsessing Ave. Burglary: 400 S. 54th St; 500 S. Melville St. (two incidents).

Theft: 54th & Market Sts; 52nd & Market Sts; 51st & Market Sts; 48th & Market Sts; 4400 Market Sts; 5200 Chestnut St; 4300 Locust St. Vandalism: 5700 Spruce St; 1000 S. Frazier St; 1100 S. 46th St; 1100 S. 52nd St. Other Offenses (Any incident that does not fit into other definitions, and may include public drunkenness, runaways, loitering, weapons offense or missing person): 5400 Osage Ave; 400 S. 54th St. (2 incidents); S. 56th & Christian Sts. 19th DISTRICT: To report a crime in the 19th Police District, please call 215-686-3190. Reporting 19th District crimes from City Ave. to Market St. and 52nd St. to 77th St. Arrest: 1200 Atwood Rd; 6200 Lansdowne Ave; N. 52nd St. & Girard Ave; 5500 Vine St; 6100 Market St; Market & Edgewood Sts; 5900 Market St. (three incidents).

Assault: 1600 N. 54th St; 5600 Lansdowne Ave; 6500 Harlan St; 1400 N. Felton St; 1200 N. 58th St; 500 N. 54th St; 100 N. 62nd St. Theft: 700 N. 64th St; 1400 N. Edgewood St; 7500 Brockton Rd; 1300 N. Frazier St; Market & Dewey Sts. Vandalism: Market & Yewdall Sts. Other Offenses (Any incident that does not fit into other definitions, and may include public drunkenness, runaways, loitering, weapons offense or missing person): 6400 Lebanon Ave; 6000 Lansdowne Ave; 800 Atwood Rd; 7400 Brockton Rd; 500 N. Felton St; 400 N. 59th St; 5300 Westminster Ave; 400 N. Salford St; 500 N. 53rd St; Market & 61st Sts.

Philly Lawmaker’s Bill is Part of Package to Aid Small Businesses

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ongressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) today introduced a bill that would generate $7 billion more in financing for Economic Injury Disaster Loans through the Small Business Administration and speed up the program, which is also available to many nonprofit organizations.

“As vice chair of the House Small Business Committee, I am focused on helping small businesses and their employees get through the Covid-19 outbreak. Small businesses often don’t have the same access to capital that large com-

employees get the help they need during this difficult time – as quickly as possible,” Evans said.

To get economic injury disaster loan proceeds into borrowers’ hands faster and easier, Evans’ bill would make the following enhancements to expedite the EIDL process: • Direct a preliminary injection of up to $10,000 within three days of the application being filed based on basic eligibility criteria: small, and a business or nonprofit.

The remainder of the application would be processed afterward; • Allow the use of credit scores to expedite processing; • Allow waivers of affiliation rules;

continued on page 5

CITY

218 South 45th Street

218 South 45th Philadelphia, PA Street, 19104 Philadelphia, PA 19104 Tel (215) 222-2846 Tel (215)222-2846 Fax (215) 222-2378 Fax (215)222-2378 Email editor@pressreview.net Email newsdesk@pressreview.net editor@pressreview.net graphics@pressreview.net graphics@pressreview.net Editor & Publisher Editor Publisher Robert& Christian Robert Christian Associate Publisher Assistant Editor Claudia Christian Jack Firneno Bookkeeping Associate Publisher Alexandra Christian Claudia Christian Graphic Designers Bookkeeping Kelly Kusumoto Tina Davis Kasia Gadek Graphic Designers Contributing Writers Kasia BobGadek Behr Kelly Kusumoto Haywood Brewster Marc Holmes III Contributing Writers Richard Lord Dea Contosta Mallin Nicole Thom Bob Nickels Behr David Traub Haywood Brewster Napoleon F. Kingcade Columnists Nathan Lerner JohnMallin Lane Dea Henry Lazarus Thom Nickels Tim Legnani Tim Legnani Paulina Malek Contributing Editor Thom Nickels Columnists Jennifer Jones Correspondent John Lane Nicole Henry Contosta Lazarus Nathaniel Lee Kam Williams Sales Sales Claudia Claudia Christian Christian Tim Legnani Social Media Social Media Kelly Kusumoto Kelly Kusumoto

Pennsylvania governor reconsidering liquor store closures

so the shutdown leaves customers with virtually no access to alcohol beBy Christen Smith the decision.

The Center Square “We are looking at that yond wine and beer.

“Pennsylvania’s hospivery seriously,” Wolf tality industry, including ennsylvania Gov. said. “I’m trying to uncraft distillers, is already Tom Wolf said derstand the thinking in under enormous strain Sunday night he’s other states. On the one due to the U.S. tariffs reconsidering his order hand, this can be considto shutter liquor stores as ered a nonessential func- on EU spirits and wine products,” he said. “It part of the state’s corona- tion. On the other hand is the only channel of virus mitigation effort. … this sometimes gets distribution that PennsylThe Pennsylvania to be a health issue for vania consumers have to Liquor Control Board those with a substance distilled spirit.” closed 600 wine and use disorder.”

Swonger sent a letter to spirits stores across the Pennsylvania is the the governor Thursday state Tuesday under only state nationwide urging him to consider Wolf’s social distancing to close liquor stores, alternatives to a complete directive. Since then, in- according to Chris shutdown – like allowing dustry trade groups and Swonger, CEO of the restaurants to sell liquor the Department of Drug Distilled Spirits Council to takeout customers, and Alcohol have raised of the United States. The reducing operating hours concerns about blanket PLCB bans spirits sales at state stores or only shut downs, encouraging outside of bars, restauWolf himself to revisit rants and the state stores,

P

continued on page 5

4 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • MARCH 25, 2020

KERNS

response would be much different. continued from page 1 During 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and previous viral of course, learn so we can epidemics, we scrambled, prevent it from recurring. for sure, but disaster and contingency plans curWe may not agree with everything our leaders are rently being instituted by doing or saying but, gen- hospitals and bureaucraerally, speaking, we have cies came about as a direct some level of trust in both result of other times of their intentions and their crisis. Once we overcome this troubling situation, decision-making, even no doubt exists that govwith those whose poliernment at all levels must tics differ. By and large, study and learn what we people are following the government’s and medi- did well and where can we improve. cal professionals’ direcHere in Philadelphia tions. If we as a society had lost complete trust in and the surrounding our leaders, our collective counties, many seem-

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ingly intractable problems become magnified as we address the pandemic.

Here in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, many seemingly intractable problems become magnified as we address the pandemic.

Especially vulnerable are those in poverty. Catastrophes, whether man-made, natural or a combination of both, reveal that persistent and long term reliance on government for our daily needs is simply not sustainable.

If schools close, whether for days or weeks, we should be focusing on how we can continue our children’s education, not their only regular source of nutrition. While an economy in contraction will always result in belt tightening in households, we should not have broad swaths of citizens in panic mode because next week’s paycheck might be missing or reduced.

If we need local municipalities to step in and stop evictions or foreclosures because of the threat of a short term recession, we have larger cultural problems that must be addressed.

When we contain this horrible virus, and I have no doubt that we will, in addition to tightening up our disaster and contingency plans, I hope Philadelphia and all of Pennsylvania takes a path

PECO expands assistance programs to support all customers during coronavirus ith customers customers to waive late pandemic potentially payment fees, avoid havLaunches additional programs designed to help customers with temporary or extended hardships, including those impacted by COVID-19 pandemic

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impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, PECO understands and is taking steps to help.

Effective today, PECO is suspending service disconnections and waiving to makes as many citizens new late payment charges as possible independent through at least May 1, and self-sustaining.

2020. In addition, PECO When we contain this will continue to remind horrible virus, and I have customers of existing bill no doubt that we will, in assistance resources and addition to tightening up energy assistance proour disaster and contingrams to support gency plans, I hope Phila“We are committed to delphia and all of Pennhelping every customer sylvania takes a path to through difficult times, make as many citizens as and we know there will possible independent and be many challenges asself-sustaining. Rather sociated with this panthan feeding our children demic,” said Mike Innotheir meals at school, let’s cenzo, PECO president develop an economy such and CEO. “We are taking that government safety important steps to supnets do not turn into long port our customers and term solutions. We need communities throughout government for some this time of uncertainty. things but not for everyPECO remains committhing – and we certainly ted to delivering safe should not depend on it and reliable electric and not for basic sustenance. natural gas service to our Hopefully, Pennsylvania customers in the commucan learn to be a leader in nities we serve.” its citizens’ long term viCustomers who may ability. be challenged to pay www.broadandliberty.com their energy bill or have a Linda A. Kerns is an atdisconnect notice should torney and a co-founder of contact PECO Customer Broad + Liberty. She can be Care as soon as possible reached at lkerns@broadat 1-800-494-4000. PECO andliberty.com. Follow @ will work closely with lindakernslaw.

ONLINE

SUPPORT L O C A L BUSINESSES We cannot say “Shop Local” in these extraordinary days, but we can ask everybody to support local businesses, restaurants, and the arts , and to support one another.

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ing their service shut off, and determine eligibility for assistance programs.

In addition, the company offers payment options, like budget billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, or flexible payment arrangements that offer individually tailored payment installment plans.

Throughout the year, PECO offers many other programs to help customers manage their energy costs and save money.

Existing assistance programs include: Customer Assistance Program (CAP): This program provides a credit based on household income and energy use.

Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federal grant program to help low-income customers manage their energy costs and ensure service during the heating season.

Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF): A hardship program funded by voluntary contributions of customers and matched dollar for dollar by PECO for up to $1,000 in total assistance for those who qualify.

Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP): A program that provides year-round conservation and weatherization assistance for qualified households.

Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES): A referral and information service designed to assist customers who have special needs or extenuating circumstances that prevent the payment of their utility bill.

To ensure customers receive the most up-todate information from PECO, they are encouraged to register for “My Account,” an easy, online interactive tool that provides customers with the ability to set alerts and provide important contact information. Sign up at peco.com/myaccount.

PECO customers who are not eligible for low- and fixed-income assistance but are having trouble managing their continued on page 6

MARCH 25, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 5

DCNR Extending Closure of State Park and Forest Facilities Statewide, Open Spaces will Remain Accessible as Part of COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts

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arrisburg, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced that all facilities at state parks and forests in Pennsylvania will be closed until April 30 to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The public will still be able to access trails, lakes, forests, roads, and parking areas for passive and dispersed recreation, such as hiking.

Dunn noted this includes campgrounds, cabins and all overnight

accommodations. Anyone with reservations in this time period will be contacted, and full refunds will be made.

“During the past week we’ve seen many people hiking trails and heading to the outdoors as a way to get exercise and relieve stress,” Dunn said. “We remind everyone that it’s OK to go outside, but we should still be practicing social distancing to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“This means we should spread out for outdoor activities – if you visit a public place and the parking lot or trailhead

EVANS BILL LIQUOR

is crowded, try another spot, or head back to your neighborhood to take a walk if that’s possible,” Dunn said.

If you are looking to be outdoors, stay as close to home as possible including your backyard, neighborhood, or local park or trail unless they Closed DCNR facilities are crowded (check first include: to make sure they are • Park and forest offices open, as some local parks and visitor centers are closed).

• Restrooms • Campgrounds, cabins Visitors can help keep and all forms of overstate parks and forest night accommodations lands safe and clean by • All reservable facilities following these practices: • Public programs, • Avoid crowded parkevents, and trainings ing lots and trailheads are canceled through • Use the bathroom beApril 30 fore you visit The best advice to slow the spread of the coronavirus is to stay home.

waivers for businesses petitioning to stay open. continued from page 3 continued from page 3 “What we are trying to do is buy time,” • Bypass the governor keeping a few select loca- Wolf said Sunday of the certification process; tions open. tightening restrictions on • Allow start-up busi“Many restaurants public life. “We can’t let nesses to apply; and are now selling take what happened in Italy • Appropriate $1 bilaway food only, and happen here.” lion in new subsidy to the loss of patrons is fiThe Pennsylvania Desupport additional $7 nancially harming their partment of Health said billion in EIDL lending businesses,” Swonger Sunday that 479 residents and $177 million for the said.

“These restaurants have tested positive for administration of the are already licensed to program.

COVID-19 in 33 counties. sell spirits and already Evans’ bill is part of About 10 percent of paa package being introare trained in proper ID tients require hospitalizaduced today by the Dem- verification. As restaution, Secretary of Health ocratic majority on the rants across the state are Dr. Rachel Levine said.

House Small Business suffering huge financial The caseload continues Committee. Evans also losses due to lack of doubling about every 48 supports the other bills business, the ability to hours, she said, underin the package, which also sell distilled spirits scoring the need for resiinclude: would help offset their dents to “stay safe and • A new $100 billion losses and could potenstay home.” direct loan program for small businesses to help tially prevent permanent “This is more than them pay off or refinance restaurant closures.” just a catchy phrase,” existing debt, provide While Wolf said he’s Levine said. “This virus employee benefits, pay reconsidering the liquor is deadly.” employee wages and store issue, he’s holding related taxes, and acquire firm to an order shutChristen Smith, technological and other tering all nonessential Staff Reporter resources that enable businesses indefinitely Christen Smith follows continuity of operation. in an effort to control the Pennsylvania’s General • Recovery Grants of spread of COVID-19.

The Assembly for The Center up to $100,000 to small state will begin enforceSquare.

She is an awardbusinesses that could ment action on noncom- winning reporter with demonstrate losses due to the outbreak, for pur- pliant businesses begin- more than a decade of poses such as providing ning 8 a.m. Monday. The experience covering sick leave, maintaining Department of Commu- state and national policy payroll and making rent nity and Economic Deissues for niche publicaor mortgage payments; velopment said Sunday tions and local news• Providing an adit had processed 10,000 rooms alike. ditional $75 million to small business development centers and an award process so affected Evans represents Pennadded $25 million to contractors could begin sylvania’s 3rd Congreswomen’s business cengenerating revenue. sional District, which ters; More details about the includes Northwest and • Requiring the fedWest Philadelphia and eral government to grant legislative package will be available at https:// parts of North, South, flexibility to its small Southwest and Center business contractors and smallbusiness.house. gov/news/ City Philadelphia. expedite the contract

• Bring a bag and carry out your trash • Clean up after pets • Avoid activities that put you at greater risk of injury, as there is limited staff to assist • To help avoid exposure to COVID-19 and still enjoy the outdoors: • Don’t hike or recreate in groups – go with those under the same roof, and adhere to social distancing (stay 6 feet apart) • Take hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly

• Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow • If you are sick, stay home Pennsylvania has 121 state parks, and 20 forest districts.

Information about state parks and forests is available on the DCNR website. Updates also are being provided on DCNR’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

City Announces Closure of Martin Luther to stay indoors sure of MLK Drive will King Drive residents as much as possible. provide additional space

M

artin Luther King Drive is closed to vehicular traffic from East Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval, in the interest of facilitating social distancing among trail users.

The 24-hour closure will last until further notice.

The City of Philadelphia strongly encourages

However, we recognize that physical activity is important to well being, and under current restrictions, are providing opportunities for park and trail use. We encourage residents to please maintain social distancing in the course of outdoors recreation. The clo-

for these activities to be conducted safely.

Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer is advised after every visit to an open outdoor facility.

Visit phila.gov/covid-19 for more guidance and information.

6 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • MARCH 25, 2020

Social distancing tips: 15 ways to stay both sane and safe

PECO

continued from page 4

energy costs should also consider taking advantage of PECO’s Gift of Energy program, which allows anyone to make a payment towards a friend or family member’s energy bill. The gift will appear on a future bill as a credit to the recipient’s account.

Customers can visit peco.com/help and peco. com/gift to find out more about these programs.

Social Distancing

By Haywood Brewster Staff Reporter

Control and Prevention has issued guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 that include recommendations for social distancing—a term epidemiologists use to refer to a conscious effort to reduce close contact between people and hopefully stymie community transmission of the virus.

“Social distancing can be tough on people and disrupt the social and economic fibers of our society,” Khubchandani

said. “Given the existing crisis of isolation in societies—with probably the loneliest young generation that we have today— social distancing can also take a personal health toll on people, causing psychological problems, among many others.”

Jagdish Khubchandani

distancing should not disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, working hours, and racticing social daily activities. distancing to Make social distancmitigate the COing a positive by taking VID-19 pandemic may the time to focus on your sound scary or impospersonality and personal sible to do, but there are health, reassessing your ways to appropriately Khubchandani recom- work, training, diet pathandle the process, says mended 15 ways to coun- terns, physical activity Jagdish Khubchandani, terbalance the effects of levels, and health habits. a health science professor Carve time to cook for social distancing: at Ball State University yourself and others in Maintain a routine. As in MUNCIE, Indiana. need.

Add more fruits, much as possible, social The Centers for Disease vegetable, vitamins, and proteins to your diet (most adults in the United States do not consume enough fruits and vegetables). Get 2-3 meals a day.

Go for a walk or exercise at home. Definitely go out in nature as much as possible. Only half of American adults today get enough exercise.

Do not let anxiety or being at home lead you to indulge in binge eating or alcohol and drug use. Don’t oversleep, but do sleep at least 7 hours.

Our recent study found that more than a third of Americans sleep less than 7 hours.

Social distancing can cause anxiety and depression due to disruption of routines, isolation, and fear due to a pandemic.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are ways to get help from a distance.

Think forward and try to make best use of technology to finish your work, attend meetings, and engage with coworkers with the same frequency that is required during active office hours. The good news: Working from home can https://www.facebook.com/CopaSouth/ make people more pro-

P

ductive and happier.

Small breaks due to social distancing are also times to reassess your skill and training- think of an online course, certification, training, personality development, or new language to learn.

Engage in spring cleaning, clear that clutter, and donate non-junk household stuff. Household clutter can harbor infections, pollutants, and create unhygienic spaces.

Social distancing should not translate to an unhealthy life on social media. While you can certainly become a victim of myths, misinformation, anxiety, and fear mongering, you may also inadvertently become a perpetrator, creating more trouble for communities.

Based on American Time Use Survey and leisure related timespending patterns worldwide, we spend too much time on screen. Except for 1-2 times day to watch national news for general consumption and local news to check spread of COVID-19 in your own community, you are likely over-consuming information and taking away time from yourself and friends and family.

Reach out to people and offer help. Social distancing should also help reinvest in and recreate social bonds. Consider providing for and helping those at risk or marginalized (e.g. the elderly, disabled, and homeless; survivors of natural disasters; and those living in shelters). You will certainly find someone in the neighborhood who needs some help, this can be done from a distance,

on phone, or by online activities and giving.

Check your list of contacts on email and phone. Certainly, there are people you have not talked to in a while—time to check on their wellbeing and connect. This will also help you feel more connected, social, healthier, and engaged.

Be kind to all; you never know who is struggling and how you can make a difference.

Engage in alternative activities to keep your mind and body active such as: listening to music and singing, trying dancing or biking, yoga or meditation, taking virtual tours of museums and places of interest, sketching and painting, reading books or novels, solving puzzles or engaging in board games, trying new recipes and learning about other cultures, etc.

Do not isolate yourself totally (physical distancing should not become social isolation). Don’t be afraid, don’t panic, and do keep communicating with others.

About Ball State Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for tsoche state. Ball State’s 22,500 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University.

Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly! Follow Ball State University Website: www.bsu.edu

MARCH 25, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 7

The Historic Lazaretto: 2020 Grand Jury Award Winner

use transformed into a leisure and recreation center for the Athletic Club of Philadelphia. It Western Hemisphere functioned with this use and one of the area’s until 1912. In 1913, the most historic--yet least recognized--landmarks. building was sold to the Essington School of FlyErected along the Delaware River just south of ing. The property functioned as a flight school/ the city in 1800 by the seaplane base until it was Philadelphia Board of sold for the third time in Health, this handsome Federal-era structure was 2000. In 2004, the Lazaretto was placed on the the second quarantine Preservation Alliance’s station constructed in Philadelphia and served list of ten most endanas the gateway to the city gered buildings in the region. In 2005, Tinicum during a crucial period Township stepped in to of the nation’s growth purchase this turn-of-the (1801-1895). Each vescentury structure and sel scheduled to deliver saved it from being torn goods or passengers to down and the site being the city was required to developed as another stop at the quarantine airport satellite parking station so the passenlot. After a faithful restogers could be examined ration, the building now for yellow fever and/ serves as the town hall or other contagious illHistoric Lazaretto. Photo: Courtesy of the Preservation Alliance for Tinicum Township. nesses. Anyone found Engineering; Specialty with symptoms was uring our nathis year’s Preservation Owner: Tinicum Plaster; VITETTA; Watts In these challenging quarantined until they eitional emergen- Achievement Award Township Restoration; West Chestimes, we can think of ther recovered or passed cy, the Preserva- winners. ter Mechanical; WMG few buildings more woraway. The building contion Alliance joins you in Please enjoy! More to Project Team: DEDC Restorations; Wm M thy of recognition.

– Paul tinued to serve as the wishing for a return to follow over the coming Engineers; Fifty Three Dunleavy & Co.; Wu & Steinke city’s quarantine station normal life soon. days.

Restorations; H B Frazer; Associates. for nearly 100 years.

In the meantime, Herbert E MacCombie, Jr, The Historic Lazaretto http://www.preservaIn 1895, the buildwe hope to provide an The Historic Lazaretto PA, Consulting Engineers is the oldest surviving tionalliance.com ing was sold and the interesting diversion 99 Wanamaker Avenue, and Surveyors; Kreilick quarantine facility in the by sharing news about Essington, PA Conservation; MacIntosh

D

Governor Wolf and Health Secretary Issue ‘Stay at Home’ Orders to 7 Counties, including Philadelphia, to Mitigate Spread of COVID-19

Governor Tom Wolf

By Haywood Brewster Staff Reporter

G

overnor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, Sunday, issued “Stay

at Home” orders to Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, as the state seeks relief to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19.

This order took effect at 8:00 PM, Monday,

March 23, 2020, and will continue until April 6, 2020.

All schools statewide will also remain closed through at least April 6, 2020.

“I remain deeply concerned about this public

continued on page 12

8 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • MARCH 25, 2020

Celebrate our Upcoming 32nd Year with us!

A FUNDRAISING APPEAL

H

appy New Year 2020 from the University City Review in West Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Free Press in Center City!

Pennsylvania Extends Personal Income Tax Return Filing Deadline to July 15, 2020

Electronic Filing for a Fee - Paid tax preparers and commercial tax preparation software providers that offer electronic filing, or e-filing, for a fee are an option for As we enter our 32nd Pennsylvania taxpayers. year of publishing free E-filing offers advancommunity newspatages not available to pers, we are reaching taxpayers filing by paper, out to you, our readers including error-reducing and advertisers, to ofPhoto of first staff automatic calculators, fer our many thanks $15,000, extended instant confirmation of for your enduring supIn 1998, we celebrated through the end of port and interest. We successful filing, faster March 2020, in order to our tenth anniversary are happy that we have with a fundraising party achieve our goals. Alrefund processing and been successful in bedirect deposit options. at the Woodlands Cem- though we are not a ing able to deliver free July 15 Deadline- All etery and we were able non-profit institution, local news, as well as, we have functioned as taxpayers who received to raise over $10,000 feature stories and local that helped carry us for- a community resource, more than $33 in total advertising on a weekly ward at that time. giving voice to neighgross taxable income in basis for all of these borhood interests and Now, 21 years later, calendar year 2019 must years. It has truly been we are entering a period concerns. Please help those who plan to meet he Department file a Pennsylvania pera great feat, along with, dedicated to improving us to preserve your comwith a tax professional of Revenue has sonal income tax return as we like to say, “a munity newspapers. our sustainability. We to prepare their returns, (PA-40) by midnight announced the touch of madness.” But, are preparing financially deadline for taxpayers to the new deadline will above all, it’s been a on Wednesday, July 15, With appreciation and file their 2019 Pennsyland organizationally for help everyone follow labor of love of which 2020. gratitude,

the future. Our goals are the Governor’s guidance vania personal income we are proud! It is truly to increase our stable of Estimated Payments gratifying to have met - The deadline for taxRobert Christian, Edi- tax returns is extended to to stay at home as we writers, to increase our and worked with so July 15, 2020. This means all work to prevent the payers who make quarprint and digital distri- tor and Publisher and many wonderful peospread of the virus.” taxpayers will have an Claudia Christian, Asbution, to stabilize our terly estimated personal ple, many of whom are cash flow, and to create sociate Publisher Although the filing additional 90 days to income tax payments is now good friends. deadline has been exfile from the original a Digital 32-year Comalso extended to July 15, As we go forward, we munity History Public P.S. Look for upcom- deadline of April 15. The tended, the Department 2020. That means estiwill be looking to you ing information about Archive. We are again Internal Revenue Service of Revenue is encourag- mated payments for the for your continued sup- asking for your financial our 32nd year celebraalso extended the federal ing taxpayers who are first and second quarters port, not only as cheer tion in March 2020! support. filing deadline to July 15, able to file their returns leaders and readers, but of 2020 will be due by To this end, we electronically to do so.

2020. also as donors.

July 15, 2020. have set about to raise This will enable the The Department of Any individual who Revenue will also waive department to continue expects to receive more penalties and interest on to process returns as Name: than $8,000 of Pennsylcommonwealth offices 2019 personal income vania-taxable income are closed. Additionally, not subject to withholdtax payments through Address: the new deadline of July if you are expecting a ing by a Pennsylvania refund from the com15, 2020. This extension

employer must estimate applies to both final 2019 monwealth, filing elecMethod of contribution: and pay personal income tronically will help avoid tax quarterly. Estimated tax returns and pay Check (Please make checks out to either Philadelphia Free Press or University a delay in the release of ments, and estimated City Review, and mail to 218 South 45th Street, Phila., PA 19104. Phone tax due dates for indiyour refund. payments for the first 215.222.2374) viduals are typically Padirectfile- Taxpayand second quarters of  Credit Card April 15, June 15, Sept. ers can electronically file 15 and Jan. 15, or the first 2020.

Name on credit card: their Pennsylvania tax The filing deadline is following business day being extended at a time returns for free through if any deadline falls on a Address: Padirectfile, a secure, when Governor Tom weekend or holiday.

Wolf has ordered all non- state-only electronic in Filing for an Extenlife-sustaining businesses come tax filing system sion - If additional time that is available through to file is needed, taxpayto close to help prevent Credit Card Number: the spread of COVID-19. the Department of Rev- ers still have the option enue’s website. For more to file a request for an Under Pennsylvania Expiration date: Security Code: information or to begin law the filing deadline extension to file their for personal income tax filing, visit Padirectfile.

Billing Address: If it is different from your address Pennsylvania personal Electronic Filing for returns is tied to the fedincome tax return. The eral income tax due date. Free - Free electronic fil- extension is available

ing options are available for up to six months. As “This is a necessary step that will give Penn- to file state and federal

an important reminder, sylvania taxpayers extra returns using software an extension of time to time to file their returns from a reputable venfile does not extend the and make tax payments dor (income limits may deadline to make a payapply). More vendor during a difficult time ment if you owe taxes to for everyone,” Revenue information is available the commonwealth. on the Department of Secretary Dan Hassell Paper Filing - AlRevenue’s website. said. “Particularly for

T

You can also go to GoFundMe.com and search for “Keeping Community Papers Alive in Philadelphia”.

continued on page 9

MARCH 25, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 9

TAX RETURN

on or before the new deadline of July 15, 2020. continued from page 8 Taxpayers who do submit their returns via though the Department paper should know that of Revenue is strongly there will be delays in encouraging taxpayers the processing of their to electronically submit returns, due to the fact their personal income tax that Department of Revreturns, taxpayers who enue’s offices are closed file paper returns will as part of mitigation still be able to do so. The efforts to help prevent returns will be considthe spread of COVID-19. ered timely filed as long This could impact the as they are postmarked processing of a tax-

payer’s refund if they are expecting one.

Appeal Deadline Because commonwealth offices are currently closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, there will be additional time in certain cases for taxpayers who wish to appeal a tax assessment issued by the Department of Revenue or file a petition for a tax refund with the Board of Ap-

peals. A petition for appeals of all tax types will be accepted as timely filed if it is filed by the later of the following dates: 30 days after the reopening of the Board of Appeals offices; or The original appeal deadline.

Please know that If the appeal deadline fell on a date prior to the closure of commonwealth offices

City of Philadelphia and PIDC Open Applications to Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund

Tax filing extensions for businesses and residents also announced

in annual revenue. Tiers include: Microenterprise Grants — $5,000 per busihe City of Philaness for businesses with delphia and the less than $500,000 in anPhiladelphia nual revenue.

Industrial Development Small Business Grants Corporation (PIDC) — Up to $25,000 per busitoday launched the CO- ness for businesses with VID-19 Small Business annual revenue between Relief Fund, a more$500,000 and $3 million. than-$9 million grant and Small Business Zeroloan program designed Interest Loan — Up to to support Philadelphia $100,000 per business for small businesses, help businesses with annual maintain payroll obliga- revenue between $3 miltions, and preserve jobs lion and $5 million. impacted by the spread “We are acutely aware of the virus. of the potentially devIn addition to the $9 astating impact that the million commitment of spread of COVID-19 is City and PIDC funds, having on small busian additional $250,000 nesses in Philadelphia has been donated by the and around the country,” Daniel B. and Florence E. said Mayor Jim Kenney.

Green Foundation.

These businesses are The Philadelphia COV- the backbone of our city’s ID-19 Small Business Re- economy, and this fund lief Fund will be a tiered will help some of our program providing tarsmall businesses survive geted support for small the COVID-19 crisis businesses, which face while also retaining as an unprecedented chalmany jobs for workers as lenge due to the ongoing possible.” global pandemic. The The COVID-19 Small fund offers a mix of new Business Relief Fund was grants and zero-interest developed to respond to loans for businesses that needs identified in the make under $5 million COVID-19 Business Im-

T

pacts survey, which was sent out last week. More than 2,500 business owners responded.

“Philadelphia’s business community has been severely impacted, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that capital continues to flow to small businesses during this critical time,” said Sylvie Gallier Howard, Acting Commerce Director for the City of Philadelphia.

“Acting quickly will help get businesses the funding they need to continue operations and preserve jobs.”

Businesses can now apply for assistance from the fund at www.phila. gov/COVID-19-business-relief. There is one application for all three tiers of the fund, and it is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Once all final application materials are received, the review, award decision and disbursement process is targeted to take approximately two weeks. Priority will be given to businesses that

demonstrate a loss of over 50 percent of average revenue, a plan for recovery, and a commitment to retaining their employees as long as possible.

“With this new fund, we are sending a message to entrepreneurs and small business owners across Philadelphia, and to the many people who rely on these employers for their livelihood, that we will do all that we can to support them during this unprecedented crisis,” said Anne Bovaird Nevins, President of PIDC. “Our team stands ready to put these much-needed resources to work and help as many people as we can as quickly as possible.”

PIDC will continue to offer its existing lending programs for small and midsize businesses on flexible terms to provide working capital, fund contract receivables, refinance high-interest debt, and meet other needs.

All applicants to the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Program can also be considered for additional flexible financing from PIDC. Those with existing loans are also eligible for this relief.

Businesses are also eligible to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster.

The Daniel B. and Florence E. Green Foundation (“Green Family Foundation”) and Firstrust Bank are joining the leadership of the City and PIDC through the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund to assist small business owners during this incredibly challenging time. continued on page 12

(March 16, 2020), the original appeal deadline is still applicable. In other words, in these cases petitions will be considered as timely filed if they are filed by the last day of the appeal period.

Additionally, the Board of Appeals will accept any submission of requested documentation as long as it is received within 30 days after the Board of Appeals offices reopen.

Visit the Board of Appeals’ Online Petition Center for further information on tax appeals.

Reach the Department of Revenue Online With the Department of Revenue’s call centers closed due to the mitigation efforts to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Revenue is encourag-

ing taxpayers to use its Online Customer Service Center, available at revenue-pa.custhelp.com.

You can use this resource to electronically submit a question to a department representative. The department representative will be able to respond through a secure, electronic process that is similar to receiving an email.

Additionally, the Online Customer Service Center includes thousands of answers to common taxrelated questions.

For more information, visit www.revenue. pa.gov, where you can find free tax forms and instructions. You can also visit the department’s pages on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedInfor additional information.

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10 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • MARCH 25, 2020

Department of Aging releases COVID-19 guidance on Protective Services for and/or quired under the current Older Adults exploitation abandonment by invescircumstances, to prepar-

5 Tips For Working At Home

#5. Dress for success: Even if you are working from the kitchen table for now, don’t hang out arrisburg, PA – tigating suspected cases ing for an on-site visit in your pajamas. Dress when necessary.”

The Pennsylva- of abuse quickly and as though you are goThis guidance will be nia Department thoroughly,” said Aging ing into the office. I even Secretary Robert Torres. updated on a recurring of Aging has released recommend going out “During the Governor’s basis, as needed, when COVID-19 guidance the front or back door of COVID-19 mitigation new information beon handling protective your home and re-enter services for older adults. effort, we want to ensure comes available. Anyone your new place of work.

This temporary guidance we are reducing the risk suspecting elder abuse #4. Have a dedicated of exposure to both the should call the statewide provides operational place to work: When abuse reporting hotline flexibility to protect older older adult and investiyou are “at work” let gator while ensuring the at 1-800-490-8505 which adults and staff during your family know it’s is operational 24/7, 365 investigative cases while safety and protection of the same as if you were the older adult.” days per year. following the ongoing at the office or out on the The guidance adVisit the PA Departdirective from Governor road.

It is even better if dresses how protective ment of Health’s dedicatTom Wolf to stay home there is a door to your services workers can ed Coronavirus webpage and practice social displace of work that you protect themselves and for the most up-to-date tancing. can close behind you.

It’s limit contact during each information regarding “One of our primary symbolic but helps estabphase of an investigation, COVID-19. Learn more responsibilities at the lish a pattern of work. from the intake process, about the various proDepartment of Aging is #3. Reverse it: When to understanding when grams offered by the to protect older adults you leave that dedicated face-to-face contact is re- Pennsylvania Departfrom abuse, neglect, ment of Aging here.

H

Commonwealth Cancels April Auto Auction in Response COVID-19

H

arrisburg, PA – Due to the governor’s order to close all non-lifesustaining businesses in Pennsylvania to slow the spread of COVID-19, the state Department of General Services has canceled its auto auction scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania.

The April auction was the second of six vehicle auctions scheduled for 2020. The status of the auction slated for June

of our community partner organizations who are on the front lines of this issue and we noticed a common theme of food shortages at our The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadel- local food pantries,” said Sarah O. Hanley, Presiphia (CFGP) has estabdent and CEO of CFGP. lished the Emergency “Food and personal hyRelief Fund (ERF) to giene items are the most quickly respond to the important things people emergency needs of the need right now, and with community within the DGS Auto Auction Infor- Archdiocese of Philaso many businesses closmation page. ings and families unable delphia. This includes For up-to-date inforfood pantries, vital social to return to work, this mation on COVID-19 in service ministries and need is becoming inPennsylvania visit, on.pa. organizations, and local creasingly critical by the gov/coronavir parishes that are working day.”

CFGP’s ERF will be to address the emergency raising funds to purchase needs of their commufood and personal items nity. for all food pantries operThe ERF’s first initiaated by Catholic Social tive will respond to the needs of those impacted Services (CSS) of the continue our efforts to by the Coronavirus Pan- Archdiocese of Philamitigate the spread of delphia. CSS operates demic. the virus,” he said. “The number of positive cases increases daily and we’re all students. the 2019-20 school year. seeing it spread to more “We know students These include exams counties. We must adhere are eager to engage with from the National Octo the social distancing their teachers and return cupational Competency guidelines. Extending the to learning,” he said.

Testing Institute (NOCTI) closure will help every “Beginning tomorrow, and National Institute community in its efforts all schools will be able of Metalworking Skills to mitigate the spread.” to work with their local (NIMS).

Today’s additional intermediate unit to deLast Thursday the school closure will be for velop instructional plans department cancelled all 14 days, beginning Tues- for all students, includPSSA testing and Keyday, March 24. ing those with disabilities stone exams for the 2019To assist schools durand English language 20 school year, as well as ing the extended closure, learners.” the Pennsylvania AlterSecretary Rivera said the Also today, Secrenate System of Assessstate’s 29 intermediate tary Rivera cancelled ment (PASA). The U.S. units are ready to prostandardized testing Department of Education vide technical assistance for students in career approved Pennsylvania’s to help develop continu- and technical educawaiver request the folity of education plans for tion (CTE) programs for lowing day, and further

Pennsylvania Department of Education Extends School Closures through at cafeterias, schedule least April 6 uptransportation and ar-

H

arrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced today that all schools in the commonwealth will remain closed through at least April 6 as a result of the COVID-19 response efforts. The closure order could be extended beyond April 6 if necessary to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19.

When it’s determined that students can return to school, administrators, teachers and other staff will be given two days to prepare classrooms, set

range other business operations. Students would return on the third day.

Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera said his decision to close all schools for the additional period aligns with the governor’s stay-at-home directive announced today for seven counties – Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Monroe, Montgomery and Philadelphia.

“Protecting the health and safety of students, families, teachers and all employees who work in our schools is paramount during this national health crisis and we must

family for lunch. #1. Regular schedule: Try and keep your regular schedule as if you were going into the office. It will help you create as much normalcy as possible.

The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia Responds to Community Needs During COVID-19 “We spoke with some at least 7 food pantries New Emergency Relief Fund will provide quick access to emergency aid.

23, 2020 will be evaluated closer to the event date, if necessary.

Keep up to date on Commonwealth Auto Action information at the

place to work, dedicate your time to your family.

Give them all of you once you leave that place of work in your home. #2. Take breaks: take breaks just as you would at work. For lunch, leave your place of work in your home and join your

throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, all of which have experienced a significant increase in client volume due to the coronavirus, with some pantries experiencing a 100% increase. This increased number of clients means an increased need for supplies. Otherwise, many families in our community will go hungry.

CFGP’s ERF is now live and taking donations, and the Foundation is urging all community members to be as generous as they can. Those interested in donating to CFGP’s ERF should visit www.

TheCFGP.org/ERF. 100% of proceeds will go directly to the CSS food pantries waived accountability and reporting requirements for the 2019-20 school year.

The department has been providing ongoing guidance to school communities in the form of FAQs. The guidance information is available at education.pa.gov/COVID19.

For more information about Pennsylvania’s education policies and programs please visit the Department of Education’s website or follow PDE on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

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a health care professional, or obtaining supplies continued from page 7 they need to work from home health crisis and we must • Getting necessary continue to take careful services or supplies for but critical steps now to themselves, for their fammitigate the spread of ily or household memCOVID-19,” Gov. Wolf bers, or as part of volunsaid. “We are issuing teer efforts, or to deliver these orders because those services or supplies Pennsylvanians’ health to others to maintain the and safety remains our safety, sanitation, and highest priority.” essential operation of “The number of cases residences continues to grow and • Engaging in outdoor so we must take further activity, such as walking, steps to stop the spread hiking or running if they of this contagious and maintain social distancdangerous novel virus ing to protect the public’s • To perform work health and mitigate the providing essential prodrisk to our hospital sysucts and services at a lifetem,” Dr. Levine said. sustaining business “There is one way to • To care for a family make sure people don’t member or pet in another need to be hospitalized household and we don’t strain our • Any travel related to health care system: Stay the provision of or access calm. Stay home. Stay to the above-mentioned safe.” individual activities or Individuals may leave life-sustaining business their residence only to activities perform any of the fol• Travel to care for lowing allowable indielderly, minors, depenvidual activities and aldents, persons with dislowable essential travel: abilities, or other vulner• Tasks essential to able persons maintain health and • Travel to or from safety, or the health and educational institutions safety of their family for purposes of receiving or household members materials for distance (including pets), such as learning, for receiving obtaining medicine or meals, and any other remedical supplies, visiting lated services

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• Travel to return to a place of residence from an outside jurisdiction • Travel required by law enforcement or court order.

• Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the commonwealth The following operations are exempt: • Life-sustaining business activities • Health care or medical services providers • Access to life-sustaining services for lowincome residents, including food banks • Access to child care services for employees of life-sustaining businesses that remain open as follows: child care facilities operating under the Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning waiver process; group and family child care operating in a residence; and partday school age programs operating under an exemption from the March 19, 2020 business closure Orders.

• News media • Law enforcement • The federal government • Religious institutions Individuals experiencing homelessness are not subject to this order but are strongly urged to find shelter and government agencies are urged to take steps needed to provide shelter for those individuals.

International students, foster youth, and any other students who would otherwise experience displacement or homelessness as a result of campus closures are exempt and may remain in campus housing.

At this time, law enforcement will be focused on ensuring that residents are aware of the order and informing the public of social distancing practices rather than enforcement. To report a noncompliant business, contact your local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency number or the nearest Pennsylvania State Police station.

Please do not call 911 or the Department of Community and Economic Development to file reports. Law enforcement officers should refer to Business Closure Order Enforcement Guidance available online.

CITY SAFARI continued from page 2

sume in early April, barring further crackdowns.

There was understandable reluctance on Mayor Kenney’s part to shut down all non-essential businesses in the city.

On March 16, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that “Mayor Kenney is concerned that more stringent containment measures will disproportionately harm poor residents in Philadelphia. “ In early February, the mayor traveled to a Chinatown restaurant to demonstrate that eating in a Chinese restaurant was safe.

“Come back to Chinatown and eat — it’s great.

Chinatown is safe. The city is safe. America is safe. Everybody should relax,” he said.

That, of course, was before the crisis imploded in mid-March.

The mayor’s Chinese restaurant PR event was meant to call attention to alleged charges of anti-Chinese sentiment, such as attacks on Asian Americans.

COVID-19 is having a significant effect on large portions of Philadelphia’s workforce. Many white collar “elite” employees are now working from home, telecommunicating with laptops, a development that’s sure to change what it means to work and go to work.

But this laptop crowd is only a small percentage of the workforce. If you’re a cook, chef or server in a restaurant, a laptop will do you no good. If you work in retail at Macy’s, Century 21, Brooks Brothers or the Burlington Coat Factory, that same laptop won’t earn you any money.

Septa ridership has dropped significantly since covid-19. Regional rail has seen a 60 to 80 percent drop, the Broad Street subway and the Market Frankford line stand at a 65 percent drop while many buses remain empty. Trains and buses are on a weekend schedule but how long before they will be shut down completely?

While riding Route 43 recently an old woman boarded the bus in Port

Richmond. She was overweight and wearing a surgical mask and she was breathing with great difficulty. A fellow rider asked her if she was okay since she looked severely distressed. “Do you have asthma?” the man asked, at which point the woman produced an asthmatic pump spray which she inserted under her face mask. Despite the fact that she clearly had asthma, I witnessed two passengers move as far away from her as possible. The woman noticed these moves and seemed pained by them but there was nothing she could do.

When the pandemic is over (some have predicted it could disappear as abruptly as it appeared and end sometime in early summer), the workplace changes set in motion by the virus will define the future. People may discover that they are not as dependent as they thought they were on other things in life, like taking the Broad Street subway or the Market-Frankford El. With Easter approaching, and with Pope Francis—as America magazine reported recently—asking God to free the world from COVID-19—we can, with faith and certainty, one day remember all this as a very bad dream. In the meantime, the effect worldwide has been devastating, from Seville’s cancelled Holy Week processions to closed airports in Norway and to New York City becoming a ‘shelter in place’ space forcing people to remain where they are, in quarantine, until further notice.

What’s worse than the plague, of course, is the fear that the plague is generating. Fear in many instances does more damage than the virus itself. An example that many have used are the toilet paper wars and the irrational stupidity that many people have been showing when it comes to greed and fear.

Only in the vaguest sense is this “a war” because viruses never completely go away, they disappear for a while and over time we learn to deal with them.

PIDC

continued from page 9

“The Green Family Foundation, established in honor of my parents, is grateful to be able to provide essential support to entrepreneurs and their businesses that have been most impacted in response to this pandemic”, said Richard J. Green, Chairman and CEO of Firstrust Bank and Trustee of the Green Family Foundation.

Tax Filing Extensions: In addition to the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund, the City is extending filing and payment dates for Real Estate and some business taxes.

The City will honor the federal extensions granted to businesses from the IRS for filing and payments until July 15, 2020 for the Business Income and Receipts Tax and the Net Profits Tax. This policy includes estimated payments.

For commercial and residential property owners who are unable to pay their Real Estate Tax

by March 31, the Department of Revenue has extended the deadline to pay an additional 30 days. The due date for 2020 Real Estate Taxes is now April 30, 2020. The deadline to apply for an installment payment plan for 2020 Real Estate Tax has also been extended until April 30, 2020.

These plans have always been available to all seniors and low-income homeowners.

Taxpayers who can file and pay their taxes

by April 15, 2020 are strongly encouraged to do so. This will help ensure continuity of City and School District operations.

Resources for Businesses and Workers: The City will also continue to explore additional relief options for businesses of all sizes that are made available through the state and federal government, as well as other sources.

Resources for workers have been added to the phila.gov/covid-19 page. A blog post will be updated with additional resources as they become available. The post includes a survey for workers affected by COVID-19 to gain more information about the impact.