Bucks Commission Calls For Stimulus Amid COVID Restrictions

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Bucks County commissioners are urging residents to follow new state restrictions meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus, while calling on the federal government to help the businesses and others who will be hit hard by it.

Late Friday, commissioners released a statement "expressing acceptance" of Gov. Tom Wolf's temporary measures, which were announced Thursday as new COVID-19 cases and death numbers hit all-time highs in Pennsylvania.

The new measures, which go into effect on Saturday, include a ban on indoor dining at restaurants, closing gyms and pausing youth sports. They are set to last through Jan. 4.

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"I am sure the state would not do this unless they believe circumstances are dire, and they are making the best decision they can for an entire state," said Diane Ellis-Marseglia, chairwoman of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners.

"I am looking forward to a federal response with national standards so that every state, and every county, can be aligned with a greater plan. Rather than think of this as being imposed, I suggest thinking of it as doing our share to contribute and cooperate for the greater good."

Through Friday, Bucks County had recorded 36 new deaths from COVID-19 over the past week. That makes the county almost certain to outpace last week's 38 deaths, which were the county's highest one-week total since May.

November's 83 coronavirus deaths in Bucks County made it the third-deadliest month of the pandemic. New infections averaged 478 per day over the past week, county health officials said — the highest rate since the pandemic began.

Officials in Bucks said they had hoped to avoid new restrictions by encouraging masks, social distancing and other measures.

"I certainly understand the governor felt he needed to do something to stem the high tide of cases," said Dr. David Damsker, director of the Bucks County Department of Health. "However, I do feel very badly for the affected businesses and was hoping we could have been successful reducing the cases prior to implementing any additional restrictions.

"In the meantime, we need to continue wearing masks and limiting any unnecessary gatherings from now through the holidays."

At least one business, the Newtown Athletic Club, has announced it will defy the state orders to temporarily shut down.

The state set a record high on Thursday with 12,745 new coronavirus cases reported.

"We have consistently told people to mask up and follow the protocols," said Commissioner Bob Harvie. "It’s obvious that while most people followed that advice, there are many who ignored it for whatever reason. The new mitigation measures will hopefully help stop the spread so that our hospitals aren’t overwhelmed."

RELATED: ICU Bed Availability In Eastern PA: See Your County's Data

Harvie said commissioners "know restaurants will suffer the most" and urged residents to support their local restaurants by ordering takeout and delivery from them.

Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo called on Congress and the president to approve stimulus to help those suffering economically because of the virus and the restrictions.

"During this critically important time we need our elected officials in Washington – Democrats and Republicans alike – to come up with a stimulus package that will help every American in need and lift our business community through this public health crisis," DiGirolamo said.

On Friday, 82 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in Bucks County, with six of them on ventilators. County hospitals had 17 percent of their adult ICU beds available, officials said.

The restrictions Wolf announced on Thursday ban indoor dining at restaurants, prohibit indoor gatherings of more than 10 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 50, limit businesses serving the public to 50 percent of their maximum capacity and close indoor gyms and fitness centers. They also halt extracurricular school activities and close indoor entertainment businesses like theaters, museums, casinos and bowling alleys.