Despite having only one person testing positive for COVID-19, Cameron County has been added to the list of counties under a state-imposed “stay at home” order.
Gov. Tom Wolf made the announcement on Tuesday.
When contacted by The Era, Cameron County Commissioner chair Lori J. Reed explained the commissioners had requested the measure.
“In conversations with the governor’s office, we felt it prudent to be added to the stay at home order,” she said. “Being a small county with no hospital and an aging population, we feel the governor’s decision was appropriate.”
During her daily briefing to the media, Dr. Rachel Levine, the state’s secretary of health, explained how a county might make the list.
“There are a number of factors we consider,” she said. “It could include the number of cases per capita, the rate of change per capita. We’re also taking into consideration the recommendation of officials in the counties. All of those factors are going into the decision.”
In addition to Cameron, the other counties added on Tuesday were Crawford, Forest, Franklin, Lawrence, Lebanon and Somerset counties, bringing the state total to 33 counties. The order remains in effect at least until April 30.
Pamela Burlingame, McKean County chief clerk, offered some information on what the order means.
“While McKean County is not under a “stay at home” order from the governor, neighboring counties were included today,” she said. “It is helpful to know what a potential order means to prevent panic or a rush for supplies.
“Residents are still permitted to go out for necessities, such as food and medicine, healthcare or to travel to essential work. Students may travel to schools to collect learning materials or for food program pickup. People may go outdoors to engage in activities including walking,” Burlingame explained. “Anyone in public is reminded to practice social distancing of 6 feet to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“The intent of the order is to ensure the maximum number of people self-isolate in their places of residence to the maximum extent feasible,” she said.
All Pennsylvania schools will remain closed until further notice. Non-life-sustaining business closures remain in effect.
There are some exemptions permitted under the governor’s order. Those are as follows:
