5 Things You Should Know About the COVID-19 Response in Pittsburgh This Week

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1. Allegheny County to Enter State's Yellow Phase on May 15

On May 8, Governor Tom Wolf announced that 13 additional counties, including Allegheny County, will move to the state's yellow phase protocol, which allows more businesses in those counties to open on May 15 with aggressive pandemic mitigation still in place.

2. 2020 Census Forms to Be Delivered in Person Beginning Next Week

The U.S. Census Bureau will resume some of its paused field operations next week as its field staff begins to deliver Census packets to residents' doors. These operations help to increase Census participation and delivers a more accurate count. Its employees in the field will follow all appropriate health and safety measures.

3. New State Program Makes SNAP Benefits Available to Students for Lunches

A new state program will help students who qualify for, but aren't still receiving a free or reduced lunch from their school district due to virtual learning, receive funding from the Supplement Assistance Nutritional Program (SNAP). Families can check the qualifications and apply here.

4. The Pittsburgh Foundation Distributes $8.3 Million from the Emergency Action Fund

So far, The Pittsburgh Foundation has distributed 228 grants from the Emergency Action Fund to local organizations serving the community in need, amounting to a total of $8.3 million. The fund was established and seeded by The Heinz Endowments, Henry L. Hillman Foundation, ​ Richard King Mellon Foundation and The Pittsburgh Foundation. Duquesne Light donated $500,000 to the fund to support its customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties.

5. Some Low-income Residents Now Qualify for Cash Grant from State Assistance Program

Some low-income households who have lost wages due to the ongoing pandemic may now qualify for assistance from the state's Emergency Assistance Program. Find the household and income guidelines here.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, please stay home and remember to practice good hygiene, such as regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and coughing and sneezing into your elbow. Call your primary care provider if you're experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath. Find additional helpful resources for preventing the spread of illness here.

Above all else, Duquesne Light values the health and safety of its employees and customers. As such, the company has a task force working around the clock in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Alongside the CDC, Allegheny Health Department and other local officials, Duquesne Light is taking the necessary steps to protect its employees, ease the burden placed on its customers by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide the community with safe and reliable power. Learn more here.

Last Updated May 8, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.