Pennsylvania Chamber seeks clarity, modification, of Wolf’s closure order

Brian Pedersen//March 20, 2020

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is seeking modification and clarification of Gov. Tom Wolf’s order closing all “non-life sustaining businesses” in the state.

“While we understand the need for strong measures to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, many of the industries listed as “non-life-sustaining businesses” in the governor’s order are in fact part of the supply chain for other businesses listed as being a ‘life-sustaining’ business,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr, in a statement. “We understand that there may be confusion among the state’s business community regarding whether or not they are considered to be a ‘life-sustaining’ business.”

On Thursday the governor ordered the closure of businesses by 8 p.m. that day, with enforcement slated to begin after midnight tonight.

The Chamber is posting regular updates on its website at www.PAChamber.org about the order.

The state Department of Community & Economic Development established two e-mail addresses businesses can use to submit question:

[email protected] – For employers who want to know if their organization needs to close
[email protected] – For businesses seeking an exemption to the order.

“We are working with the administration to seek further clarification and modification of the order and will be providing updates to the state’s broad-based business community as we receive them,” Barr said.

Tricia Harris, director of public affairs for the Chamber, said the organization has been receiving numerous inquiries from members and businesses across all industries, statewide, seeking additional clarification.

“It’s a very fluid situation,” she said

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