Coronavirus: Push to reopen some Pa. businesses despite Gov. Wolf’s order

Pennsylvania lawmakers are returning to session to work and vote remotely, with one of the biggest talking points being whether to allow some businesses to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close, and House Republicans are looking to override some of his directives.

Specifically, there’s a push to allow more construction employees to get back to work.

In addition, there is a proposal to reopen retail stores if they can be run by one worker who can serve one customer at a time.

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State Rep. Mike Turzai said he’s introducing legislation that would bring public and private construction companies back to work. He argues there is no consistency between Pennsylvania and other states, and highway and infrastructure jobs are essential and can be completed while using safe social distancing.

Last week, Wolf extended school and business closure indefinitely.

“We’re going to keep our schools and businesses closed as long as we need to keep them closed to keep Pennsylvania safe,” Wolf said.

911th Airlift Wing members deploy to New York City for coronavirus help 911th Airlift Wing members deploy to New York City for coronavirus help

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