Gov. Tom Wolf signed a renewal of the Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic Thursday.
“COVID-19 vaccinations have increased dramatically in recent weeks and we are making significant progress in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Wolf. “As previously announced, we are lifting all mitigation measures on Memorial Day, but we need just a little more time under this current disaster declaration to ensure that we do not risk valuable resources that will help Pennsylvania recover from the pandemic.
“The disaster declaration allows more medical professionals to administer vaccines, ensures families harmed financially by the pandemic have access to healthy food through SNAP benefits and ensures Pennsylvania counties and businesses remain eligible for federal disaster recovery dollars.
“We will continue to monitor vaccination rates and adjust mitigation orders accordingly. I have been in touch with the General Assembly regarding this extension, and we will continue to collaborate on the future of this disaster declaration and any future declarations that become necessary to help Pennsylvanians in the midst of an emergency.”
Gov. Wolf says the renewed emergency disaster declaration has allowed for waivers and extensions for Pennsylvanians and business owners amid the pandemic.
Through the disaster declaration, he says PEMA has been able to assign the National Guard to provide support to long term care facilities.
