PITTSBURGH — Local county commissioners, city leaders, state politicians and business owners are reacting to the majority of southwest Pennsylvania being added into the yellow phase of Gov. Wolf’s reopening plan.
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The entire state was put under a stay at home order in March as state leaders tried to slow the spread of COVID-19. The measures sought to “flatten the curve” in terms of rates of infection and overwhelming the health care system.
On Friday, May 15, Allegheny, Butler, Washington, Greene, Fayette, Westmoreland, Armstrong and Indiana counties will transition. The only local county not being moved into the yellow phase is Beaver County, the site of one of the worst nursing home outbreaks in the state.
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HERE’S WHAT MOVING TO THE YELLOW PHASE MEANS FOR YOU
Allegheny County
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto sent Channel 11 a statement in response to Allegheny County moving into the yellow phase on May 15.
"I want to thank Governor Wolf for recognizing all that the greater Pittsburgh community has done to mitigate the spread of this pandemic, and allowing us to take initial steps toward reopening our city and our economy. But we are far from beating this — Pittsburgh residents, workers and visitors need to keep focusing on social distancing, not leaving home if they are sick, wearing masks, washing hands and generally just being smart about fighting this still-spreading disease.
County Executive Rich Fitzgerald also sent Channel 11 a statement:
“We are delighted with the Governor’s announcement today that the Southwest region will move into the yellow phase beginning next Friday. This decision is a reflection of the great work that the residents of Allegheny County and our neighboring counties have done following the advice of our medical experts.
“This is also good news for so many in our community who have been impacted economically because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re thrilled for the businesses and residents who will return to work, but also recognize that there are many more that will still be without.
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Butler County
Butler County officials responded to Gov. Wolf moving the area into the next reopening phase.
“This is a great next step on the road to a full opening,” Butler County chief of economic development and planning Mark Gordon said.
County Commissioner Leslie Osche, board chairman, agreed the phase change would help local business.
“On behalf of our businesses, we’re happy many of them will be able to reopen and ask that they do so safely,” Osche said. “But there are still those who cannot open yet and we will continue to push forward until everybody is open and the economy is restored.”
County Commissioner Kim Geyer echoed Osche’s comments.
“We’re very pleased businesses have the ability to reopen,” Geyer said. “We’re still going to have to balance safety as well as find a path forward that enables us all to live on a daily basis.”
County Commissioner Kevin Boozel agreed the switch is beneficial.
“I’m extremely happy for our businesses that we’re moving to the Yellow Phase,” Boozel said.
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Beaver County
Beaver County is the only local county not part of this reopening phase. It will remain in the red phase.
When asked about why Beaver County was not included in the reopening, Gov. Tom Wolf said if there are any coronavirus concerns then that area will not be included. He said Beaver County leaders are jeopardizing lives by allowing businesses to reopen. The District Attorney said Friday the office would not go after businesses that open their doors despite remaining in the ‘red’ phase.
“I won’t encourage or discourage a rebellion about this,” Commissioner Tony Amadio said.
Officials said they are concerned about the counties surrounding Beaver reopening in economic terms. With small businesses taking such a hit during the pandemic, leaders said they are worried about driving past stores and salons in their own community to pay for goods and services elsewhere.
The Beaver County District Attorney said the office would not prosecute businesses that reopen starting next Friday, May 15.
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Washington County
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement from its president, Jeff Kotula, on Governor Wolf’s “Yellow” designation for Washington County this afternoon.
"Washington County businesses and residents should be proud. After weeks of committing to the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s stay-at-home guidelines, practicing social distancing and using personal safety protections to prevent the spread of COVID-19, our patient efforts have paid off with Governor Wolf’s announcement that Washington County will now be moved to the “Yellow” phase of reopening our economy. However, these efforts came at an economic and social cost and for our county to continue to improve and move to the “Green” phase, we must recommit to the same principles that made us successful in the first place. Washington County was able to reach the “Yellow” phase by diligently following the guidelines of health experts, but it is not the time for us to let our guard down. As we begin to be out more often and move around our community and businesses in greater numbers, we must still be mindful of social distancing and encourage our families, neighbors and businesses to remain in compliance with public health guidelines and, above all, stay healthy.” - Jeff Kotula, President, Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Westmoreland County
“It’s frightening because you don’t want to lose your business, so you do everything you can to keep it open,” said Lisa Hegedus.
She said she done what she could to keep her restaurant going during the COVID-19 shut down.
“If we can get to the break even point after paying our bills and our workers, then I’m happy with that,” she said.
“Gatherings can go up to 25 people. There’s less restrictions on travel and leaving the house. Ultimately, I wish we were in the green phase like I think most of my residents and neighbors feel,” said Westmoreland County Commissioner Doug Chew.
Commissioners said it has been a challenge to meet the needs of the county during the pandemic.
“Getting the phone calls of how am I going to pay my bills? How am I going to survive? And you can’t help them,” Commissioner Sean Kertes said. “The biggest thing is lack of communication from the state.”
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Armstrong County
The Armstrong County Commissioners and District Attorney said the restrictions put in place by Gov. Tom Wolf are unconstitutional in a press release.
“Our businesses and citizens have suffered unmeasurable economic difficulties and many are at a total loss,” said Commissioner Donald Myers.
“We have met the goals setforth by the Governor. The people of Armstrong COunty demand to move forward, work and support their families. They have our full support to do so in a safe manner,” said Commissioner Jason Renshaw.
“We encourage the people who choose to open their business, to do so in a safe manner and follow the mandated CDC and DOH guidelines,” said Commissioner Pat Fabian.
Businesses still in limbo
A pizza restaurant and exercise studio in Wexford have nothing in common, except that they both have to wait until the green phase to reopen, despite Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement Friday.
Owners told Channel 11 they feel stagnant because there’s no timeline on when that will happen. Even though Allegheny County will move into the yellow phase next week, those businesses are still left in limbo.
The yellow phase is more of the same for James Samreny and his team at The Oven – just more takeout and curbside orders.
“It’s a bad dream and you want to move on from it,” Samreny said. “This is meant to serve people within these four walls, and we want to. We miss our customers.”
He said they’re doing their best while dine-in services are not allowed, and yet there is still uncertainty about the green phase.
Bars and restaurants will have to limit capacity — but by how much? That’s the big question.
There is also confusion for businesses with more than one revenue stream.
Joanna Amelio, owner of The Dailey Method, told Channel 11 her business has a gym and retail component.
“I don’t know if I’m allowed to open just the retail portion of my business, or (if) I have to stay 100% closed because as a business I fit under the gym category,” she said.
Gyms have to wait much longer for the green light, but retail can reopen in the yellow phase under certain guidelines.
Right now, Amelio is only able to do virtual workouts for members, which is still causing financial hardship.
“It doesn’t cover the cost of the rent, all the utilities, paying my instructors and certainly paying myself … so those kind of get put by the wayside, and I watch my bank account slowly decrease,” Amelio said.
She is reaching out to the governor’s office to see if she can reopen for retail on May 15.
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