State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Robert Merski and Pat Harkins, all D-Erie, said Friday that Erie going green June 26 is 'the best possible news'. 

State Rep. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, said in a Facebook post that it is now time for Erie County to 'rally and rebuild'.  

Gov. Tom Wolf announced Friday morning that Erie County would be among 12 counties set to move into the green phase of reopening on Friday, June 26. Only Lebanon County, in the eastern part of the start, will remain yellow after next Friday. 

Bizzarro, Merski and Harkins issued the following statement following the governor's announcement: 

“To say that this has been a trying period for Erie is an understatement,” Bizzarro said. “It’s hard to remember a time when our community’s endurance and patience were tested more severely, or for so long.

“Our delegation fought hard to move Erie to green, but ultimately, it was the people of Erie, doing their part to slow the spread of the virus, that made the difference. To be sure, we face a long road ahead. But with the rest of our businesses soon free to reopen, a community ready and willing to support them and a small business grant program on the horizon, we will soon be forging a path to revitalization.”

Merski said, “We fought for weeks to move Erie to green, and the announcement today that this is finally happening is the best possible news we could have received. The pandemic and related shutdowns stopped our economy in its tracks, placed a huge burden on business owners and working families, and left many in our community feeling isolated. Getting into the green will help change all that by lifting most restrictions.

“Businesses already running at 50% occupancy will be able to run at 75% occupancy; barbershops and hair and nail salons will be able to start taking appointments; and gyms, spas, restaurants and bars will open their doors at 50% occupancy, along with casinos, theaters and malls. With a gradual return to a new normal, our community will start feeling like a community again. I’m urging everyone to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing, which will be key to our remaining open.”

Harkins said, “The pandemic has been brutal, hitting our working families and mom-and-pop businesses especially hard. Now, we are on the verge of going green and returning to full open status. By this time next week, more of our community will begin pulsing with activity.

“As we take those next steps forward, it’s critical to remember that the virus is still very much alive and well. The good news is that we know how to control its spread – through wearing masks, practicing social distancing and following health directives – and we need to keep that going. If we let down our guard, we give the virus a foothold to resurge, and our community has fought too hard to allow that to happen.”

 

State Rep. Dan Laughlin issued the following state via Facebook: 

Governor Wolf has finally listened to the concerns of the Erie County business owners we have been showcasing in our videos this week and felt the pressure we have been applying. Today, he announced Erie County will move into the Green Phase ?on June 26, 2020?. It is now time to start moving forward in rebuilding our lives and our local economy.

Our lives have been challenged in ways we could never have imagined in the past few months. We closed our businesses and adapted our way of teaching our youth. We stayed home and put a pause on our usual way of life. We pushed forward into uncharted waters learning new ways to keep our community and loved ones safe. Now it's time for us to rally and rebuild.

As we prepare to move into the green phase and establish what is being deemed the "new normal," my staff and I will be there to help. We will continue to update you on guidelines and regulations from Governor Wolf, help with unemployment compensation needs and be there for businesses trying to get their feet back on the ground. And, I will make sure every vote I cast in Harrisburg is in the best interest of the 49th District.

Please do not forget that the virus is not gone. We must still wear mask, wash hands and social distance where needed. We must be vigilant in living our lives with the virus as safe as possible.