Western Pa. leaders respond as most of region set to move to yellow phase next week

Officials in Westmoreland and Allegheny counties applauded Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision Friday to move most of Southwestern Pennsylvania to a phase of eased coronavirus restrictions, though many said the decision was overdue.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” Westmoreland County Commissioner Sean Kertes said. “This should’ve happened a week ago.”

Wolf’s first announcement was May 1, when he named 24 Northern counties that could begin loosening restrictions May 8. Dubbed the yellow phase of a tiered reopening plan, the phase negates a stay-at-home order and allows retail businesses to open under certain guidelines.

Commissioner Doug Chew said Westmoreland should have been part of the May 1 announcement.

“From one perspective, I am overjoyed,” he said. “But I am disappointed that we aren’t doing it today.”

Allegheny and Westmoreland are among 13 counties that will move to the yellow phase May 15. Beaver is the only county from the Southwest region that will not make that move next week, and county leaders blasted Wolf’s decision.

State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Ambridge, said the decision makes “zero sense” and attributed the county’s case-count to an outbreak at Brighton Rehab.

“So now, a facility that is responsible for nearly 70% of our county’s total cases is being used as a reason to hold us back?” he said in a statement. “It’s unacceptable.”

In Allegheny County, Executive Rich Fitzgerald expressed gratitude for the fact state officials recognized the diligence of residents and businesses.

“It’s a credit to the folks in Southwestern Pennsylvania who have listened to the recommendations from health care professionals,” Fitzgerald said.

He said that now, however, is not the time to lose sight of how dangerous and infectious the virus is.

“The challenge is maybe even greater now as people do leave their homes on a more frequent basis,” he said. “It was easier to keep (covid-19) numbers low when people were at home, but now they’re going out again for work, retail — all the things that are opening up. We don’t want those numbers to go back up.”

He said health department director Debra Bogen will likely speak next week on a more robust plan for testing and contact tracing.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, in a statement, gave similar reminders.

“We are far from beating this,” he said. “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.”

Wolf on Thursday extended Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order through June 4 for all counties that are deemed red zones, which all of Southwestern Pennsylvania currently is categorized. A move to yellow will relax some restrictions on businesses and residents.

Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order started April 1.

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Weighing in

• Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-South Fayette): “I think any step in opening this up is a good step at this point. At the end of the day, we have to weigh our risks and decide to move forward or not.”

• Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland): “It’s good to see that we are moving forward on this. It is showing us a little light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel.”

• Rep. Joseph Petrarca (R-Westmoreland/Armstrong/Indiana): “It’s clear that the governor listened to my concerns and those of area residents and colleagues, and the data clearly shows we can begin the reopening process and will do so in a safe manner. Today’s news means that many businesses can reopen their doors and follow the health and social distancing guidelines to ensure we continue to move forward in the pandemic recovery process.”

• Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Greene/Fayette/Washington): “I’m pleased the governor listened to my concerns about not being included in last week’s announcement and took a close look at our region. With today’s announcement, this means that many businesses which were previously closed or whose operations were significantly limited will now be able to reopen, provided they follow the health and social distancing guidelines.”

• Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler): “Instead of Gov. Wolf trying to find ways to say no, he has finally devised an avenue to say yes. The governor has heard your voices and finally reacted to safely reopen Butler County.”

• Rep. John Joyce (R-Blair): “In addition to its tragic cost of human lives, the coronavirus pandemic has claimed too many livelihoods. After weeks of Gov. Wolf’s shutdown, I am encouraged that many Pennsylvanians will be permitted to return to work next week. Across central Pennsylvania, we have been working hard to follow CDC guidelines, practice social distancing and protect our neighbors.”