In response to the “Stay At Home Order” issued by Governor Tom Wolf yesterday and which took effect last night at 8 p.m.
News Talk 104.1 reached out to Lycoming County District Attorney, Ryan Gardner for his response.
Gardner was asked generally what the “Stay At Home Order” issued by Governor Tom Wolf means to local residents?
Listed below are the questions and responses as follows:
Question: We have seen a low number of positive COVID-19 cases in Lycoming County, does that mean the social distancing directives issued federally have been adhered to?
Gardner: “General observations since the time that the President of the United States encouraged social distancing to the subsequent implementation of the Governor’s stay-at-home order is that Lycoming County has done exceedingly well with respect to voluntary compliance.
He added; “I am hopeful that the community recognizes the value of social distancing at this time and continues with voluntary compliance.”
Question: Going forward, has specific guidance been given to law enforcement agencies in regard to enforcement of the “Stay At Home Order” issued by Governor Wolf and will your office be issuing a policy?
Gardner: “No blanket policy regarding enforcement is being issued at this time and each instance of noncompliance will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.”
Question: The Governor in his recent press conferences referenced the Pennsylvania State Police as the lead enforcement agency in regard to enforcing his “Non-Life Sustaining Business Closure Order” as well as the “Stay At Home Order”, have their been any issues of non-compliance for PSP locally?
Gardner: “Although the State Police have issued a number of verbal warnings throughout the Commonwealth, only a handful of those warnings arose out of Troop F, which spans nine counties including Lycoming.”
Question: Is there consideration being given by your office to the unprecedented nature of what Lycoming County residents are currently facing?
Gardner: “Law enforcement fully appreciates the many difficulties the stay-at-home order has caused for many individuals and businesses. Law enforcement equally appreciates the public’s continued efforts to voluntarily comply with the order.”
If any of the current Stay-at-Home Order enforcement guidance changes News Talk 104.1 will provide an update.
