State Senate Approves Measure to Revise State COVID-19 Mitigation Regulations

HARRISBURG – The state Senate approved two bills on Wednesday that backers said “would provide much-needed clarity and common sense” to the process of deciding which businesses can safely operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the closure of all businesses not deemed “life-sustaining” on March 16 in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. State Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-25) said, “Although a haphazard waiver system was eventually created for businesses that wished to remain open, that process was riddled with inconsistencies and lacked any sense of transparency or accountability to the public.”

The measure passed the Senate Wednesday on a straight party-line vote, as it had been approved the same way in the state House on Tuesday. Wolf has not said whether he will veto the measure, but also on Wednesday state Health Secretary Rachel Levine said the bill, if enacted into law, would have a devastating impact on state efforts to fight COVID-19.

“The Governor’s process for closing businesses and issuing waivers lacked any transparency and has led to confusion and greater frustration for employers and workers,” Scarnati stated. “Every area of our state has different needs and has been affected differently by COVID-19. It is imperative that we adhere to CDC recommended guidelines and a national standard, while also working with local leaders within our communities. No one understands the needs and challenges of their communities better than their local leaders.”

Democratic opponents of the measure said Republicans were risking lives in ignoring medical professionals.