Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has extended by 90 days the state’s COVID-19 disaster emergency proclamation, pushing some business regulations past Election Day in a state pivotal to the campaigns of both President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
Wolf, a Democrat, signed the original proclamation on March 6, as coronavirus-related lockdowns were beginning nationally. The order was set to expire on Sept. 1.
Wolf’s order provides for increased support to state agencies involved in the continued response to the virus and recovery for the state during reopening.
“This includes expediting supply procurement and lifting certain regulations to allow for efficient and effective mitigation,” the statement from Wolf’s office said.
According to the governor’s office, 134,025 persons have tested positive or meet the requirements to be considered probable cases for COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, in all 67 counties. And “7,495 persons are reported to have died from the virus,” per the declaration.
The proclamation was issued on the same day Wolf reiterated at a press conference that he would not extend his executive order halting evictions and foreclosures in Pennsylvania, saying instead that a state legislative fix was necessary.
Additionally, Wolf made no mention that he would loosen up regulations on indoor dining capacity at bars and restaurants, which is currently capped at 25%. When asked by a reporter about these restrictions, given that the cold weather season hinders outdoor seating, he responded, “Anything we do to take our eyes off that ball is going to be a problem.”
Bars and nightclubs in the state must still remain closed unless the establishments offer dine-in service.
