‘We need to do better’: Lessons learned 5 years after COVID-19 Pandemic

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Five years ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Days later, former Democratic Governor Tom Wolf announced the Commonwealth would shutter non-essential businesses in an effort to slow the spread.

The executive order prompted backlash from Republicans and some Pennsylvanians, who voted in favor of a Constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s powers during an emergency.

“We were flying the airplane while we were building it. It was a completely unknown crisis,” Democratic Representative Bridget Kosierowski, who is also a registered nurse, said.

Kosierowski said she believes it was necessary to shut down multiple businesses deemed “non-essential” in the state. Republicans fought adamantly against this, citing government overreach.

“It was a draconian step,” Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill of York County said. “Pennsylvania suffered under some of the most restrictive rules based on executive orders.”

Since 2020, Pennsylvania has recorded over 3.5 million Coronavirus cases. 50,000 of those individuals died, according to John Hopkins University.