PA Releases Reopening Framework, 6 Standards Set

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf, in a Friday afternoon address, laid out six factors that will guide the state's reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic that has so far killed 756 Pennsylvanians.

"I will work everyday to repair the damage this virus has caused," said Wolf, who is facing mounting frustration from some constituents and lawmakers over the economic impacts of the shutdowns.

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During his comments, Wolf laid out additional details on the state's reopening and recovery process during a health crisis that has prompted nearly one and a half million unemployment filings in the state in the past month alone.

However, he did not provide a timeline for when the measures will begin to be lifted.

The reopening will be done regionally based on case data and risk, he said. "Unfortunately we cannot flip a switch and reopen the commonwealth," he said, noting the reopening will be data-driven and evidence-based.

Here are the six standards the governor announced Friday would be used to guide the reopening process:

1. The reopening will be data driven and reliant upon quantifiable criteria to drive a targeted, evidence-based, regional approach.
2. Guidance and recommendations for employers, individuals, and health care facilities and providers will be established for assured accountability.
3. Adequate personal protective equipment and diagnostic testing must be available.
4. A monitoring and surveillance program must be established to allow the the state to trace contacts and respond swiftly to contain or mitigate outbreaks.
5. Protections for vulnerable populations will remain, such as limitations on visitors to congregate care facilities and prisons.
6. Limitations on large gatherings will remain in place for the duration of the reopening process.

The governor said he expects additional details on the process to be released next week as discussions with experts and stakeholders continue. The state has launched a Plan for Pennsylvania website, which outlines steps to be taken during reopening and recovery.

Wolf acknowledged that everyone in the state is eager to get back to work but said a reopening can only be done when it is safe to do so. "What we don't want to do is reopen and then be hit by this virus that overwhelms our healthcare system," he said.

The address comes as lawmakers in Harrisburg passed a bill this week that would lift some of the mitigation measures implemented to slow the spread of the disease. The governor said he plans to veto that bill.

Protestors in Pennsylvania, growing impatient with the shutdowns, are planning a demonstration in Harrisburg on Monday.

Pennsylvania has been under a stay-at-home order since April 1. All nonessential business were ordered closed by the governor March 16. Unemployment claims have skyrocketed, with nearly 1.5 million in Pennsylvania filing since March 15.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania is approaching 30,000 COVID-19 cases, making it now among the top five states in the country hardest hit by the virus. The other four states with more cases include New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Michigan, according to CNN's current tally.

The state's recovery will have many facets, the governor said. Programs that address fair wages, worker protections, paid sick leave, and more will be developed. He said he plans to strengthen the state's unemployment and workers compensation insurance systems.

Student loan forgiveness and repayment programs will be expanded, particularly focusing on debt relief for individuals who are the front lines of responding the COVID-19 disaster. Rapid re-employment programs to support laid off workers and businesses impacted by the pandemic will also be established.

The governor said he also has several priorities to help businesses recover, and pledged "vigorous" financial support for small businesses, both in the short term and the long term.

There will be a focus on investments to the state's manufacturing and agriculture industries, as well as an investment to upgrade Pennsylvania’s broadband network to ensure all residents have access to the internet. Further details on these initiatives can be found on the Plan for Pennsylvania website.

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