Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf answering questions from the press. Governor Tom Wolf today announced a $225 million statewide grant program to support small businesses that were impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis and subsequent business closure order. Harrisburg, PA — June 8, 2020
BY: TODD BARTLEY, NEWS TALK WMPT, NEWS@TALKWILLIAMSPORT.COM
Earlier today Governor Wolf clarified his position on the wearing of masks for customers of businesses. As a follow-up, News Talk WMPT inquired as to the actual order mask wearing is noted in.
Nate Wardle, Press Secretary for the Department of Health provided the following after the press conference today as promised by Governor Wolf.
“The Worker Safety Order, put out by Secretary Levine, is still in place for both businesses and those allowed to enter businesses:
https://www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200415-SOH-worker-safety-order.pdf
It specifically states:
6) require all customers to wear masks while on premises, and deny entry to individuals not wearing masks, unless the business is providing medication, medical supplies, or food, in which case the business must provide alternative methods of pick-up or delivery of such goods; however, individuals who cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition (including children under the age of 2 years per CDC guidance) may enter the premises and are not required to provide documentation of such medical condition”
One week ago today, Governor Wolf offered a different response as noted in Gov. Wolf to News Talk WMPT on masks at businesses: “They’re not required”.
QUESTION: Governor, you had I believe on social media said earlier today that masks are required. Previously you said they’re the recommended. Is there a difference in the guidance on masks going forward for entering a business?
Governor Wolf responded:
“They’re not required.
Let me make sure I say this right cuz I’m not a lawyer.
I’m not sure, whether they’re required or not though – let me just put a plug in for wearing masks.
The mask protects other people.
Obviously if you’re yelling, I think we’re learning more about that that is there less effective.
But and just general conversation if you’re in a room with somebody else or you’re close to somebody else you actually are doing them a favor by wearing a mask.
So I will find out, we’ll find out what with the legality is.
But, but we really ought to be wearing masks and stores should be requiring that of their customers.
They can do that with shirts and shoes they should certainly be able to do it with masks to try to keep their other customers safe.”
Last Wednesday, Governor Wolf in a press conference again stated masks are required.
News Talk WMPT will continue to report on this developing story.
