PA: Wear masks outside, don't hoard groceries

HARRISBURG, PA — "Staying home is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family against COVID-19," PA Department of Health (DOH)  secretary Rachel Levine said on Friday, April 3. "But if you have to go out, because you need to go food shopping or you need to go to a pharmacy to get medication, then wearing a mask or even a bandana could be an extra layer of protection."

The same day, Gov. Tom Wolf made posts on his various social media pages advising residents to wear masks if they absolutely must leave their homes. The posts noted, masks are "not foolproof." 

At an earlier press conference, Wolf also urged residents not to "panic shop or hoard food."

"All parts of the food supply chain will remain open throughout the duration of this crisis," Wolf said. "Buying more than you need for a week or two adds unnecessary stress to the food supply chain."

As of 12 noon on April 3, there are 8,430 positive cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania and there have been 102 deaths. In Wayne County, there are 23 cases and no deaths. In Pike County, there are 83 cases and one death.

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