Call it the great essential vs. non-essential debate.
First thing Saturday morning I started fielding phone calls from small businesses - including some restaurants - who were ticked about Saturday's front page, which included the news that "non-essential" businesses would be shutting down.
At least that was the hope of Gov. Tom Wolf.
The business folks I talked to weren't buying. They indicated they had no intention of shutting down, and where less than thrilled that our front page was telling their customers that they were.
Wolf had made the recommendation Friday at the same time he shut down all K-12 schools in the state. So what is non-essential? Well, the governor urged movie theaters, shopping malls and gyms to close. It also targeted hair salons, nail salons and spas.
But there was still a lot of "wiggle" room in what was considered essential and what was non-essential. A quick glance Saturday showed the majority of businesses keeping their doors open.
Then late Saturday afternoon, Wolf got serious. He announced a phased closing of the state's Fine Wind and Good Spirits stores, you know, what must of us simply refer to as state stores, where we buy our booze and wine.
That kicked off an immediate run on the state stores.
That was Saturday.
Then Sunday night, Wolf upped the ante in the "essential" vs. "non-essential" battle. The governor announced all bars and restaurants in five suburban counties - including Delco. Also covered under the ban are Chester, Montgomery, Bucks and Allegheny counties.
Basically, it means no sit-down service. Take-out is allowed, but you can't have a seat, including one at the bar.
And this time, Wolf is suggesting there might be a hammer behind his warning. Saying he had the power under the COVID-19 disaster declaration he imposed last week, Wolf suggested there would be penalties for those not complying with the order.
That's where we stand right now.
Of course, it's early.
Stay tuned.
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