By and large, Gov. Tom Wolf and Dr. Rachel Levine should be commended for their hard work in leading efforts in the commonwealth to combat the coronavirus. Both have inspired confidence and trust in Pennsylvanians battling anxiety and frustration as the death toll mounts and their bank accounts decrease.
But we are compelled to warn of clear signs of trouble ahead. People now out of work are growing angrier and angrier at not getting unemployment checks. And what is worse, many can’t get anyone to answer the phone at the office that’s supposed to handle their complaints.
A person wearing a protective face mask as a precaution against the coronavirus walks past a shuttered business in Philadelphia, Thursday, April 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)AP
Business people are complaining they don’t understand how the governor is making up the rules on which of them are essential and which must remain closed to contain the spread of the virus.
And media organizations, including ours, are growing more and more alarmed that reporters can’t ask their own questions in a meeting with the governor and the secretary, and be able to follow up if the answers aren’t clear. It’s just not the same thing to have the press secretary select questions and then move on to the next, whatever the answer.
Governor Tom Wolf speaking by video feed while Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine stands at the podium during the virtual press conference. The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., March 20, that there are 83 additional positive cases of COVID-19 reported, bringing the statewide total to 268. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here. All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital. Harrisburg, PA- March 20, 2020 (Commonwealth Media Services)
We understand this has been an unprecedented emergency where all previous rules were off the table.
We understand days have been long and every minute has counted as officials try to understand the nature of the beast and how to deal with it.
And we understand reporters can ask lots of questions.
But this governor and his team pledged to be open and transparent. Press conferences are good, but they’re only as good as the freedom allowed the press to respectfully ask probing questions and pursue factual answers.
We have no doubt about the commitment of the governor and his team to do all within their power to protect Pennsylvanians and to limit the number of people who die from COVID-19. We know they are working hard against incredible odds. And we know they are well up to the challenge that has impacted all aspects of our lives.
Governor Tom Wolf listens as Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine speaks to reporters on Monday. (File photo from the governor's office)
But unless the governor and his team recommit to direct engagement with the media — within health and safety protocols — they risk undermining the very foundation they need to combat this virus – the trust and confidence of the people.
We urge Gov. Wolf, Secretary Levine as well as all of the appropriate members of his administration to take these three concrete steps as we move to the next stage of the coronavirus battle:
- Get state employees to answer the phone, do internet chats or at least accept emails from people wanting information about their unemployment checks. No one should have to call days on end without getting through.
- Let reporters ask their own questions at press briefings, allowing at least one follow-up question, if needed. Closed circuit teleconferences or strategically spaced seating could help address safety concerns.
- Work with business as well as medical professionals to ensure their input in drafting re-opening guidelines for Pennsylvania. We don’t need to follow Washington’s guidance, as some have suggested, but we should respond to the valid concerns of businesses in our own state.
“I am proud of Gov. Tom Wolf and his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.,” wrote Kimberly Miller of Harrisburg in a letter to the editor. “I trust Governor Wolf to do what is right. “
We trust the same, and vow to do our part to help move him in that direction.
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