Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tom Wolf has issued an Emergency Order mandating that all “non-life sustaining businesses” close their doors as of March 19, 2020. This Emergency Order has already been challenged in the courts. Recently, on March 22, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court considered an Emergency Ex Parte Application for Extraordinary Relief brought by a gun store and several other businesses that were impacted by the Order, challenging the statutory and constitutional authority of the Governor to close all non-life sustaining businesses. Civil Rights Defense Firm, P.C., et al v. Gov. Tom Wolf, — A.3d – (Pa. March 22, 2020). The Supreme Court dismissed the Emergency Application. (http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/page-1305/file-8710.pdf).
With the validity of the Governor’s Order being upheld by the Supreme Court, please contact Attorney Robert L. Gawlas at rlgawlas@rjglaw.com or Attorney Nick Marinelli at nmarinelli@rjglaw.com to assist your business in complying with the Order’s requirements and making decisions during this difficult time.