“It will be the responsibility of law enforcement… to enforce those mandates…” Dr. Rachel Levine, the Pennsylvania Health Secretary
Wolf talks police reform to address prejudice, racism in Pa.
Syndicated Local – CBS Pittsburgh 35 mins ago – 11/23/2020
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It’ll be a small and intimate Thanksgiving for most of us this year. Shannon Savol will be dining alone with her husband without risking relatives or friends.
“It’s sad, but it’s the right thing to do so we’re not too stressed out about it,” she said.
[snip]
Under state orders, masks are required indoors and out — outdoors within 6 feet of others, and indoors at home when non-family members are present. The order applies to all indoor spaces, including stores, restaurants and gyms.
But Dr. Rachel Levine, the Pennsylvania Health Secretary, said: “It will be the responsibility of law enforcement and businesses to enforce those mandates when people are in those businesses.”
Levine says while the state is relying on the public to follow the order, police have the authority to issue warnings or citations to anyone who does not comply. But police say they’re in the dark.
“We don’t have guidance or mandates from the state as far as what to enforce in mask orders. We’ve been fortunate — when we do get a call, we’ve been able to work out an amicable agreement between the parties,” said Det. Sgt. Brian Kohlhepp of the Ross Township Police.
Pitt just cited 313 students for violating COVID protocols, but students KDKA’s Andy Sheehan spoke with say they’ll be getting tested for COVID before returning home for Thanksgiving.
[snip]
The state Health Department says the mask order is a legal order under the Disease Prevention and Control Law and as such, police can issue citations and businesses can be cited. However, they say they’re really just asking for cooperation.
PA Gov. Tom Wolf: I Know It’s ‘Inconsistent’ to Violate …
Jun 6, 2020 Gov. Tom Wolf (D) on Friday defended his decision to violate social distancing guidelines — and his state’s own orders — by attending a Black Lives Matter protest in Harrisburg but admitted that it was “inconsistent” for him to do so, particularly after threatening business owners.