The coronavirus on Smart Talk Monday: human services, domestic violence concerns, how PA businesses are dealing with closures, and a look at what happened during the 1918 flu pandemic

Childcare centers around the Commonwealth are facing a tough choice; close their doors or get permission from the state to stay open.

They can’t operate without a waiver since Governor Tom Wolf issued a blanket shutdown order to thousands of “non-life-sustaining” businesses across the state.

The decision for some centers is based on the population they serve. For others, they are weighing the risk of COVID-19 against the needs of their employees and the parents who use their service.

Secretary of the Department of Human Services Teresa Miller joins Smart Talk on Monday to discuss the departments guidance during the COVID-19 emergency. Waiver information for day care centers can be accessed by calling 1-877-4PA-KIDS.

Also, when families are asked to quarantine at home those who fear or experience domestic violence are suddenly thrust into a potentially dangerous situation.

The Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence is spotlighting the need to remain vigilant and safeguard programs that support victims. Julie Bancroft is the Chief Public Affairs Officer with the PCDV and appears on Monday’s Smart Talk.

Since Governor Wolf ordered all non-essential businesses to cease operations to limit the spread of the coronavirus, more than 10-thousand business have sought waivers to remain open. Gene Barr is the President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and will appear on Smart Talk to discuss what happens next.

Finally, one-hundred-years-ago, the 1918 flu claimed the lives of an estimated 50 million people worldwide and 675,000 in the United States.

Dr. Michael Neiberg, Ph.D., joins Smart Talk to talk about what happened a century ago. He is a Professor of History and Chair of War Studies in the Department of National Security and Strategy, United States Army War College.

**The Pennsylvania Department of Health has added a link to a coronavirus self-checker guide to help people make appropriate decisions about their medical care. Users are advised that it is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition**

The Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence offers this information:

https://www.pcadv.org/find-help/ To find your local domestic violence program and hotline.

National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/ or 1-800-799-7233 or Text LOVEIS to 22522

PASafeLaw (this hotline is not for crisis situations) – https://pasafelaw.org/ 1-833-727-223