On Sunday, the Pennsylvania State Police released a statement in regards to their enforcement of the closure of non-life sustaining businesses starting Monday.
Last week, Governor Wolf issued an order for all non-life sustaining businesses to close by Friday, March 20th with enforcement of the closures beginning March 21st, 2020. That deadline was eventually extended to 8:00am on Monday, March 23rd, 2020.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania State Police, and Local officials were tasked with enforcing the closures.
On Sunday, Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), issued the following statement on the agency's enforcement of Governor Tom Wolf's order closing physical locations of non-life-sustaining businesses:
"The priority of the Pennsylvania State Police is protecting lives and maintaining order in the commonwealth. 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 noncompliant 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."
For a list of businesses that are required to close, follow the link below: