POTTSVILLE, Pa. — Schuylkill County commissioners have decided that the county will remain in the red and not move to the yellow phase of reopening this Friday.
Last weekend, county commissioners and local lawmakers said they would be bypassing Governor Tom Wolf's ruling and moving into the yellow phase this Friday, reopening even without the state's approval. That drew a sharp rebuke from the governor.
County officials are changing course after the governor held a conference call with county commissioners from across the state and vowed to work together with county governments.
"That phone call, hearing the governor say, 'We need to collaborate and cooperate with county commissioners,' that was extremely important. It was the first time I've heard that said," Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage said.
A lack of transparency in the governor's office has been a common critique made by northeastern counties that are still in the "red" phase.
The Schuylkill County commissioners are giving the governor a chance to make good on his word to provide them with an explanation as to why they can't go yellow yet.
"If they can provide us with information that is telling us specifically why they can't see that Schuylkill County is ready, we'll listen," said Commissioner Halcovage.
Meanwhile, small business owners in Schuylkill County are holding their breath waiting to see when they can open their doors back up.
"My heart breaks when I drive by and see all the businesses that are closed," said Mildred Kennedy, owner of Momma Millie's bakery in Pottsville.
Kennedy has still been able to sell her sweet treats by taking orders over the phone while the inside of her store is closed to the public. She says this week's announcements by both the commissioners and the governor put small business owners in a tough spot.
"The government could take your license, your liability insurance, Wow. Is it worth it?"
The commissioners are hoping that Governor Wolf announces on Friday another round of counties that can enter the yellow phase and that Schuylkill County is on the list. Otherwise, they'll have a meeting on Monday to revisit the decision to stay red or go yellow.