BUCKS COUNTY − March 14, 2020 − The following statement is attributable to Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) in response to Governor Wolf’s announcement to add Bucks and Chester counties to Montgomery and Delaware counties where he has ordered voluntary mitigation efforts:

“It is clear from state and federal health officials that the most powerful tools to combat the spread of the Coronavirus is for each and every one of us to restrict all nonessential social contact and maintain frequent personal hygiene routines.

“While I firmly believe all nonessential businesses should be ordered to close or work remotely, right now the Governor has requested those businesses to voluntarily close or work remotely which makes it unfair for the businesses that do abide by that request when others do not.

“For that reason, I strongly urge all nonessential businesses and individuals to do their part to stop the spread of the disease so we can protect our most vulnerable family, friends and neighbors.

“As of yesterday, I have closed my district offices in Newtown and Doylestown and my staff is serving constituents by phone, email and social media.

“These efforts are inconvenient and may seem extreme, but I am convinced they are necessary to avoid a dramatic increase in cases that could overwhelm our healthcare system, putting the most vulnerable at great risk.

“We are still on pace for an exponential rise in cases; the only way to change that is to act now to limit as much social contact as possible.”

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