Just in case you haven't noticed - and apparently a lot of you have not - this is getting serious.
Just how serious the state is taking the new restrictions on public travel will become apparent this morning.
At 8 a.m. Pennsylvania State Police will start enforcing Gov. Tom Wolf's edict that all "non-life-sustaining" businesses close their doors.
His Thursday night announcement sparked a wave of questions - and complaints - on Friday. A couple of businesses even went to court.
That led Wolf to issues some clarifications Friday, as well as delaying enforcement.
That ends this morning.
Here is what they state police say they have in mind:
“The priority of the Pennsylvania State Police is protecting lives and maintaining order in the commonwealth," said Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. "In light of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, troopers and liquor control enforcement officers are prepared to ensure compliance with Governor Wolf’s order.
“Private businesses, organizations, and other non-compliant entities face possible criminal penalties under the Administrative Code of 1929, 71 P.S. § 1409 and/or the Pennsylvania Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955, 35 P.S. § 521.20(a). Both violations are summary offenses punishable by fines and even jail time. Violators may also be subject to additional administrative penalties under certain circumstances.
“We believe most Pennsylvanians want to act responsibly and do their part to help slow the spread of this deadly virus. Troopers and liquor control officers will make every effort to achieve voluntary compliance by educating business owners and using discretion when appropriate. But our message is clear: COVID-19 is a serious health and public safety risk that requires an extraordinary response from law enforcement and the public. I urge everyone to stay home, stay calm, and stay safe.”
The governor has directed the following state agencies and local officials to enforce the closure orders to the full extent of the law:
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
Department of Health
Department of Agriculture
Pennsylvania State Police
Local officials also have been empowered to enforce closure orders within their jurisdictions.
Citizens can report a noncompliant business by contacting their local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency number or the nearest state police station. Officials are asking residents not to do so by calling 911.
We'll be checking in with state police today to see how many - if any - businesses have actually been cited.
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