Inmate virus cases surpass 50,000 around U.S.

July 4, 2020

COLUMBUS — The number of prison inmates testing positive for the coronavirus soared well past the 50,000 mark last month, as recent outbreaks threatened to undo control measures put in place earlier in the pandemic. At the end of June, the total number of coronavirus cases among prisoners had reached at least 52,649, an increase of 8 percent from the week before, according to data compiled by the Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization focusing on criminal justice, and The Associated Press. Of those, at least 35,796 have recovered, and at least 616 inmates have died, the data ...

Independence Day weekend to test nation’s discipline

July 4, 2020

The U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled, beaches and bars closed, and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans’ self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak. With confirmed cases climbing in 40 states, governors have ordered the wearing of masks in public, and families were urged to celebrate their independence at home. Even then, they were told to keep their backyard cookouts small. Health experts agree this will be a pivotal moment in determining ...

July 4: Events canceled/postponed due to coronavirus

July 4, 2020

Due to the precautions being taken surrounding the coronavirus, the following changes have been made regarding events and meetings in the local area: ¯ The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County will reopen Monday in a limited capacity. Curb-side pick-up service also is available. ¯ Cadiz’s annual fireworks display has been canceled. ¯ The 74th-annual Weirton Steel Corp. 25-Year Club picnic set for July 18 has been canceled. ¯ A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center has canceled what would have been its rescheduled casino night fundraiser on July 18 at the ...

New color-coded alert system assesses virus risk around Ohio

July 2, 2020

COLUMBUS — Ohio is using a new color-coded, county-by-county coronavirus alert and advisory system to assess which areas may be seeing flare-ups of cases and should take additional precautions, Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday. The system takes into account seven indicators for each county, ...

Pa. officials order shutdown in Allegheny County

July 2, 2020

HARRISBURG, Pa. — With a spike in coronavirus cases expected to grow Thursday, Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh and 1.2 million residents, imposed a one-week shutdown of bars, restaurants and casinos and all gatherings of more than 25 people. The order is to take effect after midnight ...

W.Va. Gov. Justice gives notice: Mask-wearing in building could become mandatory

July 2, 2020

CHARLESTON — As cases of the coronavirus spike across the country and in West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice said Thursday he is seriously considering mandating face masks and covering in buildings. "I am very seriously considering that at the beginning of next week we may very well have to go ...