Document · seen July 16, 2026
Pennsylvania Department of Health - COVID-19 Situation Report
A COVID-19 pandemic situation report from the Pennsylvania Department of Health dated March 25–26, 2020, documenting the state's coordination efforts with FEMA, PEMA, and other agencies to mitigate pandemic impacts.
Current Situation
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. PADOH continues coordination efforts with FEMA, PEMA, and other state agencies through the Department Operations Center (DOC) to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.
As of 1800 on March 26, 2020, Pennsylvania had 1,687 positive cases and 16 deaths. Nationally, there were 82,404 cases and 1,178 deaths. Worldwide, there were 526,044 cases and 23,709 deaths.
Epidemiological investigations and contact tracing continue throughout the state. The PA state lab has increased capacity for the testing surge. Commercial and medical system labs are testing for COVID-19.
Governor Wolf ordered statewide school closings beginning March 16, 2020. On March 19, all non-life sustaining businesses were ordered to close. As of March 25, stay-at-home orders were issued for 10 counties, including the entire southeast region of the Commonwealth. On March 25, the PA Legislature passed $50 million in funding to help the health care system acquire medical equipment and supplies.
Accomplishments
- DOH State Lab is currently testing specimens for SARS-CoV-2
- Continuous contact tracing conducted alongside necessary interviews for at-risk contacts
- Set up to receive results from commercial labs
- Delaware and Montgomery County Medical Reserve Corps activated
- Participated in joint planning meetings with PEMA on public health missions
- Communicated with Red Cross and Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank to ensure NPI and safety measures
- DOH and PEMA established Operational Synch Matrix process
- DOH website redone to provide easily accessible information and updates
- BOL testing with no backlog
- Discussed with PEMA and DHS possible registration website options for future testing sites
- Took part in Sheltering Taskforce call and addressed Mass Care NPI guidance
- Medical surge planning conducted and CSC guidance released
- DCED portal for critical medical supply procurement went live
Challenges
- National guidance is evolving; keeping partners informed as it changes
- Assessing supply chain issues
- Addressing PPE issues
Planned Activities (Next 24–72 Hours)
- Continue development of COVID-19 Response & Mitigation Plan
- Develop mitigation guidelines for schools and other targeted groups
- Conduct daily executive briefings
- Continue and enhance Joint Information Center in coordination with agency partners
- Coordinate GIS data and layers of information for dashboard with PEMA
- Release new long-term care guidance for respiratory outbreak reporting
- Hold weekly healthcare coordination calls on Mondays
- Hold weekly county and municipal health department calls as needed
- Coordinate messaging and information requests from state agencies
- Disseminate health alerts (HAN) on updated CDC guidance as necessary
- Continue briefings for external stakeholders
- Continue local and regional planning support efforts with partner state agencies
- Continue development of media campaign to improve general public awareness
Additional Information
Coronavirus informational resources are available on the PA DOH website. For public inquiries, contact RA-DHCOVIDQUESTIONS@pa.gov.