Both Democrats and Republicans are calling on Gov. Tom Wolf to allow curbside pickup at all retail locations.
State Reps. Tina Davis and John Galloway, both D-Bucks, signed a letter sent by the Senate Democratic Caucus to Wolf, requesting that the commonwealth allow for curbside pickup.
“At this point, we can open additional sectors of the economy while continuing to flatten the curve, as long as social distancing and good hygiene is practiced, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is used,” Davis said.
“It’s time to get our economy moving again,” Gallway said. “Our small businesses can have curbside pickup while using the tools and practices that will protect the public health.”
In the letter, the legislators contend that the 18 counties still in red phase are close to moving to yellow, and are ready and able to take the necessary steps needed to open additional sectors of the economy in a way that is consistent with the goal of mitigation. They point to neighboring state New Jersey as an example of a state that allows for curbside pickup.
Davis and Galloway said that the collective sacrifices made to protect vulnerable populations in this pandemic has led to grave economic insecurities and hardship for many in Bucks County.
“As the coronavirus pandemic continues to show signs of slowing in the state, it’s time to help our struggling communities by letting them get back to work,” Davis and Galloway said. “Allowing our retail businesses to open for curbside pickup would help both owners and employees get back on their feet.”
Members of the Southeast House Republican Delegation are also asking the governor to allow retail operators to offer curbside pickup for their customers.
Members of the delegation, including Reps. Frank Farry (R-Langhorne), Wendi Thomas (R-Richboro), K.C. Tomlinson (R-Bensalem), Marcy Toepel (R-Gilbertsville), Stephen Barrar (R-Chadds Ford), Tim Hennessey (R-Pottstown), John Lawrence (R-West Grove), Tom Murt (R-Hatboro), Todd Polinchock (R-Chalfont), Chris Quinn (R-Middletown), Meghan Schroder (R-Warminster), Craig Staats (R-Quakertown), Todd Stephens (R-North Wales) and Martina White (R-Philadelphia), issued the following statement:
“It is simply unfair that big box retailers and the state-run wine and spirits stores are allowed to offer curbside pickup and continue to turn a profit when small mom-and-pop stores are on the verge of never opening their doors again. These businesses deserve the same opportunity as their competitors. The governor needs to stop choosing winners and losers and allow those who can operate safely within state and federal guidelines to do so.
“Curbside pickup is safer and will begin to allow these retailers to move their products, earn some money and perhaps hire back some of their employees. It is a win-win for everyone.
“COVID-19 case counts continue to decline across the state and the region, and we need to start refocusing our attention on the economic crisis we are all now facing and the long-term consequences that could come if we don’t act.
“Because of that, we also request counties that have health departments, or have contracted with other health departments, and have conducted robust contact tracing programs and have demonstrated limited community spread should be allowed to reopen if their county department of health deems it safe.”
