L.V. surpasses 1,000 COVID-19 deaths Newcomers take seats in House

Lehigh and Northampton counties went over the 1,000 mark in coronavirus-related deaths Thursday. The two counties have had more than 40,000 COVID-19 cases since March.

What’s next? The state also confirmed the first case of the COVID-19 variant, in Dauphin County. That variant has led to total lockdowns in Great Britain.

Two Lehigh Valley political newcomers joined 200 other state House members in swearing-in ceremonies Tuesday in Harrisburg. Rep. Ann Flood and fellow first-time lawmaker Milou Mackenzie took their spots at the state Capitol. The latter is the mother of another representative, Ryan Mackenzie.

What’s next? The two Republicans said they hope they can help small businesses survive and recover from the coronavirus pandemic.