An Open Letter on Mitigation Mandates and Supporting Small Business

An open letter to our Chamber members and community:

Last week, new mitigation mandates that prohibited indoor dining, limited indoor/outdoor gatherings and introduced capacity limits for businesses were imposed by Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine. These measures are to remain in effect until January 4, 2021.

We understand the health of our fellow citizens is at risk with the rise in Covid-19 cases and the straining of local medical resources. However, to make this announcement without forewarning to those who have invested time and resources in preparation to serve their customers safely for the holiday season is unfair to an industry that has been tightly regulated throughout the pandemic. Furthermore, enacting these restrictions without any stimulus package or additional programs available to help the impacted businesses survive can be crushing to the owners/operators of these facilities.

We agree with the PA Chamber’s statement. We strongly support Congressman Joyce, Senator Casey and Senator Toomey to unite in a bi-partisan stimulus package that will provide relief to our business community. Our small businesses, hospitality/tourism industry and non-profits are in dire need of assistance. We hope the war on Covid-19 will end soon, but many of our local businesses may not last to see it through.

Please continue following CDC guidelines to keep your loved ones safe, and thank you for everything you are doing to support our community.