Wolf sets May 8 as target launch date for gradual reopening

[TexasTowelie]

HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday set May 8 as the date he wants to begin easing some pandemic restrictions, saying Pennsylvania had made sufficient progress against COVID-19 to warrant a gradual reopening of the economy.

All 12.8 million Pennsylvanians will have to stay home at least through that date, said Wolf, extending his existing stay-at-home order by another eight days. But he suggested it might then be lifted areas of the state where the new coronavirus — which has killed more than 1,200 Pennsylvania residents — does not pose as great of a threat.

Pennsylvania will also ease some restrictions on building construction and vehicle sales, Wolf announced at a video news conference as hundreds of protesters, defying a ban on mass gatherings, staged an anti-shutdown rally at the Capitol.

“We are taking small steps toward regaining a degree of normalcy in Pennsylvania,” Wolf said. He suggested that more businesses might be allowed to reopen in early May if Pennsylvania continues to make gains in its fight against the virus.

Read more: https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/wolf-sets-may-8-as-target-launch-date-for-gradual-reopening/article_8b5811b2-ee97-55d0-b827-fb99e52e24fc.html

[jimfields33]

1. Kinda surprised

Only a week after some other states.

[Squinch]

2. Kinda more surprised about the fact that the national curve AND the PA curve haven't flattened

one bit.

And they're throwing people out into a soup of virus.

[jimfields33]

3. Yeah. It's strange

I have this strange feeling majority of states will be open May 15. Don’t know why but just a gut feeling. I always thought a slow June 1 opening would work well giving another 5 weeks for things to settle. All I can say is we’re in for an interesting time.

[Squinch]

4. Glad I live in a blue state.

[MyOwnPeace]

5. Can somebody please explain..........

just exactly what has happened that will lessen the danger of catching the virus?
Is there a vaccine?
Is there something that has made it leave the state?

What?

Oh, it's the "stay-at-home" thing that has lessened the numbers.

So, by allowing the state to re-open what might we expect to happen then?

Really - curious people want to know..................

[Freddie]

6. I trust Gov Wolf

He’s going about this slow and cautiously. Schools are closed for the rest of the school year.

[HockeyMom]

7. Our local outdoor Amish Farmer's Market

opened Saturday, in the cold and snow. While the women weren't there, the father and son were not wearing masks.

How can that be enforced on them? Might be a religious matter to them?