Hospitality industry businesses in the Lehigh Valley can begin applying next month for part of $12.4 million in grant funding allotted to the county through 2021 Act 1.

From keeping hands and toes toasty to toasting marshmallows or warming skiers at area resorts, coronavirus has made the great outdoors more attractive to socialize and visit with friends and family. And sales of outdoor fire pits and fire places, winter gear, warm clothes and accessories – anything that will make being outdoors during a Pennsylvania winter more comfortable -- have soared since the pandemic began last year.

Lehigh Valley Health Network administered COVID-19 vaccines to 20 residents and staff of Hellertown’s Saucon Valley Manor on Jan. 6. The long-term care facility was selected for vaccine distribution based on LVHN’s mission to follow the state’s request to vaccinate those at highest risk as quickly as possible.

Having a hard time finding that perfect Christmas tree this year? You’re not alone, but don’t blame the Grinch. You can blame the pandemic, at least for making a bad situation worse.

Gov. Tom Wolf announced on Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in isolation at his home in Harrisburg.

While no statewide lockdowns or stay-at-home orders have been implemented, Levine said she and other health officials are monitoring hospital capacity closely, and once again encouraging residents to avoid traveling for the holidays. 

"We talked about for many months the anticipation of a fall resurgence and that’s what we're seeing now," Levine said.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Health confirmed an additional 2,795 cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday, noting that daily increases are now the highest they have ever been since the start of the pandemic. 

Persistent layoffs are slowing momentum in the labor market, which bodes poorly for the broader U.S. recovery as millions of out-of-work Americans delay their mortgage and rent payments. 

The increase in Pennsylvania COVID-19 cases over the past week are the first signs the virus is surging into the fall, according to state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine.