John Kopp
John Kopp is the Chief Health Reporter/Assistant Editor at PhillyVoice. He joined the newsroom after spending five years reporting for the Delaware County Daily Times. He spent the prior year covering state and local politics, including a $4 million Pennsylvania state Senate race. He previously covered Chester city government, the Chester Upland School District and high-school sports. A Temple University graduate, John enjoys long-distance running, watching baseball and exploring new places.
April 29, 2020
Health Stories
Jefferson students meeting demand for critical COVID-19 testing component
Public officials want to ramp up COVID-19 testing, increasing demand for viral transit media, a critical component that preserves the coronavirus as it sent from the testing site to the laboratory. To meet this need, a biotech team from Jefferson University has committed to producing 10,000 VTM units.April 24, 2020
Health Insurance
Health insurers 'even more important' during COVID-19 crisis, Independence Blue Cross CEO says
Health insurers have a vital role to play amid the COVID-19 crisis, Independence Blue Cross CEO Dan Hilferty says. He discussed coronavirus claims, cost-sharing payments, future premiums and serology testing in an interview.April 23, 2020
Government
Pennsylvania to reopen in three phases on a region-by-region basis
Pennsylvania will reopen its economy in three phases as it emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, gradually removing stay-at-home orders and relaxing business restrictions on a regional basis. Social distancing measures will be lifted as COVID-19 cases dip below a threshold identified by public health officials.April 20, 2020
Government
Pennsylvania's stay-at-home order extended through May 8
Pennsylvania's stay-at-home order has been extended through May 8, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday as protesters outside the state capitol called for it to be lifted. Wolf relaxed several restrictions, permitting some construction and online car sales. Curbside pickup at the state's liquor stores also will become available.April 20, 2020
Mental Health
Will the coronavirus pandemic make you a germaphobe? Probably not, but it may bring new habits
The coronavirus pandemic is unlikely to create a generation of germaphobes, mental health experts say. But it could cause behavioral changes – like frequent hand washing or stashing away Clorox disinfectant wipes.April 10, 2020
Mental Health
Asking Americans to wear cloth masks is a hard sell – there's a psychological reason why
The theory of psychological reactance explains why many Americans have resisted wearing cloth masks or adhering to social distancing guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Swarthmore College behavioral scientist Syon Bhanot.April 8, 2020
Parks
Philly parks remain open, but closures are 'not off the table,' Mayor Kenney says
Philadelphia potentially could close its park system if people do not adhere to social distancing guidelines, Mayor Jim Kenney said Wednesday. Wissahickon Valley Park and others have seen an influx of people during the coronavirus pandemic, including some groups that are ignoring physical distance recommendations.April 3, 2020
Prevention
Here's how to make your own face mask for when you need to leave home
The CDC along with Pennsylvania and Philadelphia officials are urging residents to wear cloth face masks when leaving their homes during the coronavirus pandemic. Here's how to make one from materials in your home.March 31, 2020
Prevention
The CDC may advise Americans to wear masks in public after all
Wearing face masks have been discouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the coronavirus pandemic. But it is now considering advising Americans to wear non-medical masks in public, because they can prevent the spread of COVID-19 when worn by people who are ill – particularly those who aren't displaying symptoms.March 31, 2020
Illness
Drive-thru coronavirus testing site opening in Camden
A drive-thru COVID-19 testing site is opening at Cooper's Poynt Park in Camden, New Jersey. The testing site is open to county residents who display coronavirus symptoms and have obtained a referral from a medical provider.Just In
- Christmas Village, holiday lights trolley and 'Peter Panto': Your weekend guide to things to do
- Sixers rule out Joel Embiid for Saturday's game, Paul George fully participates in practice
- Manufacturing already has made a comeback in most states, but Pennsylvania lags behind
- Twisted Gingers Brewing Co. works with street artist to release Shamcow IPA
- This Cherry Hill clinic provides free services to uninsured men – and hopes to change male attitudes on health care
- Eagles-Ravens Week 13 injury report, with analysis
Must Read
