Borough of Chambersburg

Mayor Walt Bietsch

March 17, 2020

Statement from the Office of the Mayor of Chambersburg

This statement is to clarify the Wolf Administrations COVID-19 Disaster Declaration Order.  Wolf initially ordered as of 1201am on March 16th, the closure of dine-in restaurants and bars in the following counties: Alleghany, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and  Montgomery.  Governor Wolf later on Monday the 16th, made a public announcement that he was ordering the closure of “non-essential” businesses statewide.  Governor Wolf has no authority to label private businesses as essential or non-essential.  He also cannot mandate closures of private businesses in the Commonwealth.  Governor Wolf later amended his position on business closure by “strongly suggesting” that private businesses consider closing for a  period of time. The exception being, businesses that fall under state food service regulations or licensing, in particular bars and restaurants that have state-issued liquor licenses.  These businesses can be subject to the orders of the Governor.  Chambersburg will not be enforcing Governor Wolf’s directives.

My advice to all businesses is to evaluate the impact on the community and your employees, by your business remaining open during this time.  Foodservice businesses are licensed by the Department of Health and should consider offering only pick-up or drive-through service for food orders.  Chambersburg Borough will be designating 5 temporary food order pickup parking spaces on North and South Main  Streets for customer’s convenience.  These spaces will be clearly marked with a time limit of 5 minutes per space.  Violations of the time limit will be ticketed.  Once these signs have been posted, a Crimewatch notice will be broadcast to the community for notification and location of the signs.

For regular private retail sales businesses, you must evaluate the value of continuing sales to the public at this time.  With the advice of the Center for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Dept. of Health, social distancing seems to be a significant method of lessening the chance of becoming infected.  The spread of this virus is believed to be very aggressive and can be easily transmitted by unsuspecting individuals.  If at all possible, stay at home.  If you must go out, avoid large gatherings of people.  With diligence, we will overcome this epidemic!

116 South Second Street, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania 17201-2512 Office (717) 251-2492 ● Mobile (717) 
753-5437 ● Fax (717) 261-3263

mayor@chambersburgpa.gov