Did you know Spotlight PA is a nonprofit? Learn more about our nonpartisan journalism »
Skip to main content
Main content

Systemic failure in Pa. leads to lack of virus data

♡ Support Us
The Investigator

Your guide to the Capitol & stories holding the powerful to account

April 16, 2020 | spotlightpa.org

This week, I wrote a column about how in times of emergencies and extraordinary government power, we need more accountability and transparency, not less. And yet our reporting continues to identify ways Pennsylvania is falling short of providing a full picture of the pandemic.

Health systems, private labs and the state have failed to collect complete race, age, gender and location data for those who have been tested. And for those who have tested positive, there also is no reliable race data, despite indications the virus is disproportionately affecting black communities across the U.S.

Meanwhile, as health systems seek huge sums of taxpayer relief, the state is refusing to release hospitals' emergency plans for addressing a surge in demand. What's more, state officials are not ensuring health systems are following those plans, instead leaving oversight to their own lobbying group.

And then there's the continued issue of business waivers. We followed up on dozens of messages from across the state and found some employees at so-called "life-sustaining" businesses feared the work was not worth the risk, and in one case, a business shut down after we inquired about why it was still open.

Making matters worse, employees have few legal protections if they blow the whistle, and many said they are scared they will lose their job if they speak up.

No matter how long it takes, we will continue to demand more accountability and transparency. If you value this 100% essential effort, please consider making a donation now. We rely on your support to keep going.

If you have a story we should pursue, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Christopher Baxter, Spotlight PA

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“It’s like flying blind.”

— Ezekiel Emanuel, chair of the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, on the state's lack of reliable demographic data for those who have been tested.
POSITIVE SIGNS: The chart below shows cases per day adjusted for the rate of growth, making it easier to see the current trend. As the curve flattens, it means the rate of cases is slowing, and Pa. is showing significant progress. Half of all deaths have occurred in nursing or personal care homes.
 
 POSITIVE CASES | PENNSYLVANIA 

27,735
 DEATHS | PENNSYLVANIA 

707
As of 12 p.m. April 16
How Small Businesses in Pa. Can Survive the Shutdown
A FREE virtual Q&A hosted by Spotlight PA
Tomorrow from 10-11 a.m.

Spots are limited so RSVP NOW
Latest from Spotlight PA
» Wolf to veto bill to reopen more Pa. businesses; health official calls measure dangerous
» Pa.’s state universities facing hit of up to $100 million as lawmaker floats closures
» Pa. legislature making few cuts, no promises to tap reserves despite budget shortfall
» Wolf will temporarily release Pa. state inmates as legislative effort falls apart
» Pa. coroners, health department at odds over how to handle coronavirus cases
» Pa. Senate defends "legislative privilege" claim, rejects appeal for redacted expenses

From across the state
» CITIZENS' VOICE: Warehouses, living conditions made Hazleton a coronavirus hot spot
» INQUIRER: First state inmate to die of COVID-19 "likely innocent"
» INQUIRER: Meat-packing plants in Pa. see large outbreaks of coronavirus
» PENNLIVE: Going to the store? You'll have to wear a mask now
» PENNLIVE: The mystery of the missing Centre County district attorney
» POST-GAZETTE: Car sales can't be done online due to "wet signature" requirement
» PUBLICSOURCE: Digital divide magnified by school closures
» WASHINGTON POST: Scranton nurses say lack of planning put patients at risk
THE RIDDLER

Send your answers to newsletters@spotlightpa.org.

Planting season (Case No. 34): A gardener digs five holes for four seeds. He puts the first seed in the second hole. Then he puts a seed in the hole immediately to the right of that one. Next, he puts a seed in the fifth hole, and then plants the final seed four holes to the left of that one. Which hole does not have a seed?
 
Stumped? Get a hint. Feeling smart? Challenge a friend.

Last week's answer: If brownie mix is on first base, pudding is on second and cookie dough is on third, who's at the plate? The hitter is "cake batter."

Congrats to Mark C., who will receive Spotlight PA swag (when we reopen our office!). Others who correctly answered: Don H., Jeff W., Jon N., Lou R., George S., Joseph S., Cornelius B., Jim S., and Mark V. 
» This week's Riddler hint: Draw it.
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Visit spotlightpa.org
Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and PennLive/The Patriot-News.

Copyright © Spotlight PA / The Philadelphia Inquirer, All rights reserved.


Spotlight PA
225 Market St., Suite 502A
Harrisburg, PA 17101
newsletters@spotlightpa.org

You're receiving this email because you signed up for updates about Spotlight PA's journalism. 
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.