Amid a pandemic, where social distancing is crucial to our survival, Pittsburghers are gathering outside to demand that Gov. Tom Wolf reopen businesses (“Protesters in Pittsburgh demand Gov. Wolf to reopen businesses amid coronavirus pandemic,” April 20, TribLIVE). This would be a tragic decision, as there are, as of April 24, more than 37,000 cases and more than 1,400 deaths in Pennsylvania alone.
As a high school student who has already had my school year canceled, I do not want my sacrifice to go to waste. These protesters do not understand that social distancing, mask wearing and business closures positively impact our community and save lives.
My own representative, Rep. Eric Nelson, R-Hempfield, voted “yes” on Senate Bill 613, which would have allowed some Pennsylvania businesses to reopen, and was vetoed by Wolf. I encourage Pennsylvanians to support Wolf’s veto. It was the right decision.
Sarah Minghini
Hempfield
The writer is a junior at Hempfield Area High School.