Commissioners blast Wolf’s COVID-19 plans, county’s status
Lycoming County commissioners once again expressed frustration over Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan for COVID-19.
“I’m frustrated that we are still in yellow phase,” Commissioner Tony Mussare said. “It’s just becoming very frustrating.”
Speaking during Tuesday’s commissioners’ meeting, Mussare said businesses continue to be hurt from the closures and the economic fallout from coronavirus.
He said he’s upset about the conflicting information about the spread of COVID-19.
Mussare noted he’s a survivor of both a heart attack and cancer, but is not wearing a mask.
“I was very disappointed we are still in yellow,” Commissioner Scott Metzger echoed.
He noted that the county fell within the governor’s coronavirus infection guidelines for moving into the green phase.
“The death rate has gone up unfortunately due to the nursing home,” he said.
The whole reason for shutting down businesses and ordering people to stay home was to prevent the overflow of patients in health care facilities, he noted.
Metzger commended Lycoming College officials for their decision to open up this fall.
“We can do this safely. We can do this responsibly,” he said.
More businesses will continue to be in jeopardy of closing for good, according to Metzger.
“Poverty will kill more people than anything,” he said.
Metzger criticized the governor for his actions.
“For one person to have this kind of authority is wrong,” he said.
Mussare said, “I believe we are being punished.”