Lycoming County commissioners once again discussed how COVID-19 is impacting businesses and the community with much of the emphasis at their Tuesday meeting focusing on the reopening of local schools.

John Shireman, of Jersey Shore, told commissioners school districts are doing the best they can to plan how students will be taught this year.

He took exception, he said, to criticism leveled at Gov. Tom Wolf and Department of Education officials for some of their decisions in response to the pandemic.

Now is not the time, he said, to criticize school districts.

“You don’t defy the state,” he said, which can result in state funding being withheld.

He called for the county to perhaps reach out to school districts.

Scott Metzger said he other commissioners have met with school officials to find out their needs

“No one is criticizing school districts,” he said.

However, he noted he has received calls from parents of students and school officials of the need for kids to be back in school five days a week.

School activities, alone, are important to students for their overall development. In addition, many kids depend on meals served in schools for their nutritional needs.

“The majority of schools in the area are going to try and have school five days a week,” he said.

Commissioner Rick Mirabito said the public needs to understand that school districts are doing the best they can to ensure a safe environment for students and staff.

Commissioner Tony Mussare said it’s time the “rest of the story” is told with regard to COVID-19.

“I don’t buy all these restrictions,” he said.

While conceding the coronavirus has had a devastating impact on some people, few people locally have been hospitalized. He also wondered how many of the 400 people in the county who have reported positive for COVID-19 have recovered.