Gov. Tom Wolf extends COVID-19 shutdown across Pennsylvania Share Shares Copy Link Copy

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thank you very much for joining, joining me today at this virtual press conference. We're trying to do the right thing here and set the proper example. You'll note that people are trying to keep their social distance here on the stage. So once again, I'm here to update you on the Commonwealth's response to Cove in 19 or the novel Corona virus. During the past week, we have been closely monitoring outbreaks on imposing mitigation efforts on a you know, county by county basis. So today I'm announcing that will be extending our mitigation efforts across the entire Commonwealth. This isn't a decision that I take lightly at all. It's one that I'm making because medical experts I believe it is the only way we can prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed by patients. This decision was made in conjunction with officials at all levels effective at midnight. All non essential stores are too close in Pennsylvania as well as bars and restaurants, except for takeout that this also includes facilities and programs for seniors during the day. The central service is including municipal service is like trash collection grocery stores. Medical facilities are to remain open at this time. I anticipate this to continue for two weeks, but we will be constantly reevaluating and we will lift the mitigation efforts as soon as possible. We need to eliminate as many physical context as we can to prevent this further straight of the Kobe 19 and we need to work together to do this each and every one of us. Earlier today New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, as you know, earlier, Ohio imposed similar restrictions all across their states, and I think the residents of these states for joining Pennsylvania and working together toe halt the spread of this disease. I also want to thank Allegheny County, Philadelphia City and County for joining me in this effort. I know for all of us the next few weeks are gonna be challenging. There's no reason to be fearful or to panic, however, but we need to take this disease seriously, so please stay home. Make his few in person. Context is you can't. For example, if you need to go to the pharmacy, go to the pharmacy to fill a prescription, just do that. But don't stop several other stores replaces on the way and make contact with a dozen other people. The fewer contacts you make, the less likely you are to get the disease and the fewer people you're going to spread it to. And we all know someone who's susceptible that we don't want to spread covert 19 too. Finally, we all have a loved one that we're worried about. Please take a few minutes to give them a call while you shouldn't visit in person right now, I encourage everyone to call or video chat with your loved ones. Community's important right now because we're all gonna have to work together to get through this. So please stay calm. Stay safe. Stay home. We're gonna get through this. We're gonna continue to make daily updates as the situation progresses so that everyone stays informed. And I encourage everyone to follow the Department of Health website and on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. Now, I'm gonna turn this over to Secretary of Health Dr Rachel

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