State Rep. Todd Stephens.
(The following is an editorial submission from state Rep. Todd Stephens.)
I
realize reopening the economy and getting our community back to work is of the
upmost importance. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 reached Montgomery
County in early March, I have been in constant communication with state and
local healthcare officials to determine how to best protect the residents of
the 151st District along with every Pennsylvanian.
Unfortunately, we have been at the tip of the spear from the beginning and,
still, April 18 marked the day with our highest
new positive case count. Additionally, my district has been one of the
most impacted in Pennsylvania with 273 cases and 23 deaths in just the four
townships I represent. That’s more than most counties have had to bear.
Every day, I hear from front-line healthcare workers, physicians, nurses, EMS providers, and hospital and nursing home administrators about the lack of testing, personal protective equipment and other resources necessary to protect themselves, their families and their patients. I commend the unrelenting courage displayed by these dedicated workers across our region. I’m also equally proud of the residents of our community who have heeded the warnings of public health officials and are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying home.
Because of the swift action by our state and local governments, our region is beginning to show signs that we may be flattening the curve in southeastern Pennsylvania. Though we may be seeing some signs of light at the end of the tunnel, our healthcare experts remain concerned that easing social distancing and stay at home orders too soon may ruin the positive strides we’ve made over the last several weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19.
While I do believe there are some businesses who could reopen safely in some parts of our state, on Tuesday, I followed the advice of public health officials in our community and at the state level by voting against SB 613. which would adopt the federal CISA guidelines for businesses across Pennsylvania.
Unfortunately, our region is still without an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers and first responders and lacks the capability of carrying out widespread, robust testing of COVID-19. If SB 613 were to be enacted, we risk allowing our region to revert to the exponential rise in cases and deaths we were experiencing not long ago.
Earlier this week, the White House released their “Guidelines for Opening Up America Again” and Governor Wolf released his “Plan for Pennsylvania.” The foundation of both plans is for states to have the ability to test and contact trace for COVID-19 along with supplying enough PPE and medical equipment to handle the surge in infected patients. Unfortunately, our state is not currently able to meet these standards.
I know we are all suffering during this crisis, but I also know that, together, we will overcome these great challenges. I remain committed to working with medical experts and the federal, state and local governments to safely return our community to work as soon as possible.
Signed,
Todd Stephens
PA House of Representatives - 151st District
See also:
Gov. Wolf Outlines Plan For Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Recovery
Pennsylvania Senate Passes Business Reopening Plan, Wolf Plans To Veto
Pennsylvania House Approves Business Reopening Plan
Cuomo: Coalition Of Six Northeast States, Including PA, Set To Announce Regional Reopening Plan
Pennsylvania’s Top Health Official Warns Against GOP Push To Reopen Businesses
