Irwin Council: No masks, no social distancing required for public meeting
An Irwin resident this week chided borough officials for not wearing masks or maintaining proper social distancing during a council meeting.
Bryan Rosatti of Cedar Street wore a mask Wednesday as he directed comments to borough officials about their failure to follow state rules for wearing masks and practicing social distancing that are intended to stop the spread of covid-19.
“You’re not following that,” Rosatti said as he read rules set by Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration.
The state Department of Health repeated this week that “if you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.” It is similar to statements the administration has made during the pandemic.
None of the council members, Mayor Bill Hawley, borough manager Shari Martino or solicitor Zach Kansler wore a mask or sat at last 6 feet from each other.
Council President Rick Burdelski said following the meeting that he believed the state was offering guidance for wearing masks while conducting business, rather than requiring people to wear the masks.
Council followed requirements against holding large gatherings by conducting Zoom meetings when Westmoreland County was in the red and yellow phases of the covid-19 restrictions in April and May.
“I believe we have to be outside. We can’t accomplish what we want to do by isolating ourselves,” Burdelski said, noting it was his personal opinion on not wearing masks.
Westmoreland County has flattened the curve on the rise of covid-19 cases, Burdelski said.
The state health secretary this week contacted county leaders to discuss the rising number of cases in Westmoreland along with official in other counties in the region seeing spikes since June 5, when restrictions limiting gatherings to 25 people were lifted along with a ban on drinking in bars and dining inside.
The county has had more than 900 positive covid cases, with 116 of those reported this week — including 21 on Thursday.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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