McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter counties are among the 24 counties set to move to phase yellow on May 8, according to Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement Friday. Local reactions to the announcement were generally positive, even as the full details for the move are still pending.
Shane Oschman, consultant to the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, indicated positive feelings and plans in place for the county’s status change and resulting effects on local businesses.
“On behalf of the Chamber, we are excited to see our local businesses be able to re-open. We will be available to members and non-members if anything is needed,” he said. “The most important thing is to maintain proper distancing and follow the procedures and guidelines set forth by the governor.”
Oschman explained the chamber has been very proactive during this period of shutdown, sharing information with members via the Chamber website and Facebook and sending information via e-blasts.
He also noted that information will be forthcoming in regard to a webinar to help businesses be fully informed prior to the change in status Friday.
Local officials and business owners both shared perspective on the coming status change.
Bradford Mayor James McDonald did not respond to a request for comment.
Kane
“As counties move into the yellow phase, some restrictions on work and social interaction will ease while others, such as closures of schools, gyms, and other indoor recreation centers, hair and nail salons, as well as limitations around large gatherings, remain in place. On Monday, May 4, the administration will release guidance for businesses permitted to reopen on May 8,” said Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp.
She went on to outline some of the measures the governor has already discussed, including the opening of childcare and lifting the stay at home order in favor of “aggressive mitigation.”
“All businesses not specifically mentioned as restricted from reopening may reopen if they follow the forthcoming guidance,” Schimp said. She referred constituents to the governor’s website for guidance.
“While this is a step in the right direction, it is still critical that we adhere to the guidelines set forth by the CDC and the PA Department of Health so that we continue moving forward with the goal of reaching the green stage. Social distancing, good hygiene, wearing masks… these are all key,” she continued. “As of now, there have been no changes within the Kane Borough as far as the reopening of parks or the restrictions on games of skill, with the exception of the Milton Craven Disc Golf Course and the Kane Country Club, as permissible by the governor’s previous orders. As changes are made within the borough, the community will be updated.”
Smethport
“I believe we are going in a positive direction, taking safe steps and not just jumping in. Construction is resuming as of today, but the yellow phase will allow stores like pharmacies to allow customers in, if they choose as a business to take that step now,” said Smethport Mayor Wayne Foltz. “Our pharmacy provides shopping options other than medicine and medical supplies.
“Hopefully the local retailers will have more foot traffic with restrictions being eased. We have had good public support for our food businesses, but hopefully those restrictions start to ease soon as well.”
Childcare
Child care facilities are listed as able to re-open as the county moves to phase yellow. However, for one local child care institution, the move will not lead to significant change.
“We were considered an essential childcare so we remained open during the entire time,” Rachael Hawk of Learn Love Laugh Child Care said. “Our biggest hardship was encouraging our younger children to wear face masks, but we were able to do planned activities that helped the children in our group social distance.
“We are excited to see the children we have been missing for the past few weeks, and can’t wait to reunite with all of our kids and families!” she continued.
