The Pennsylvania State Police are tasked with enforcing Gov. Tom Wolf’s order closing non-life sustaining businesses.
As of Tuesday, the second day of enforcement, Troop C (tasked with coverage of McKean and Elk counties), did not issue any warnings. However, Troop F, which covers Cameron and Potter counties, issued three warnings, bringing their total since beginning enforcement to five warnings. So far, no citations have been issued within the state. However, 44 warnings have been issued since State Police began enforcing the order Monday.
A release issued this week by Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, stated, “The priority of the Pennsylvania State Police is protecting lives and maintaining order in the commonwealth. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, troopers and liquor control enforcement officers are prepared to ensure compliance with Governor Wolf’s order.”
The release also explained that private businesses, organizations, and other non compliant entities face possible criminal penalties under the Administrative Code of 1929, 71 P.S. § 1409 and/or the Pennsylvania Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955, 35 P.S. § 521.20(a).
These are summary offenses and may lead to fines or jail time.
“We believe most Pennsylvanians want to act responsibly and do their part to help slow the spread of this deadly virus. Troopers and liquor control officers will make every effort to achieve voluntary compliance by educating business owners and using discretion when appropriate,” Evanchick said in the release. “But our message is clear: COVID-19 is a serious health and public safety risk that requires an extraordinary response from law enforcement and the public. I urge everyone to stay home, stay calm, and stay safe.”
According to that release, the governor has directed the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board; Department of Health; Department of Agriculture; Pennsylvania State Police; Municipal Police and local officials to “enforce the closure orders to the full extent of the law.”
The current list of businesses classified as life-sustaining, resources for affected businesses, and information businesses to request a waiver/exemption are available from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
For any Pennsylvania resident who wishes to report a noncompliant business, reports should be made via local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency number. In our case, that number is 887-4911 to reach the McKean County 911 Center. Residents are asked to avoid calling 911 directly to file these reports.
