Readers’ coronavirus questions answered
This story is part of The Morning Call’s initiative called “Your Call,” which allows you, the readers, to ask the questions you want answered. Have your own question? Ask us at mcall.com/yourcall.
We are answering your questions throughout the coronavirus crisis. Below are some of the recent questions we’ve answered.
Can people travel from New York to Allentown? Are you not allowed to go from county to county in Pennsylvania?
Only essential travel is allowed. Visiting is not considered essential and is not in accordance with the governor’s stay-at-home orders. However, travel between states and between counties is allowed under certain conditions, including to buy food and other supplies; to go to work in an essential, life-sustaining business; to volunteer to provide essential services; and to care for a family member or pet in another household. In addition, the White House asks anyone who visits New York to self-quarantine for two weeks.
I live in York County and my 84-year-old mother lives by herself in Northampton County. I typically do the maintenance both in her home and outside, including the lawn work. Am I allowed to travel there?
Pennsylvania allows travel and activities along those lines, when it’s necessary to maintain the health and safety of a family member, and to care for a family member in another household. Travel also is allowed to care for an elderly person. While lawn care isn’t specifically addressed, landscaping is deemed an essential service.
Generally, you want to be extra cautious because your mother’s age puts her at higher risk for complications from the coronavirus.
Am I allowed to take a drive to see scenery outside my house? No visit to a public place, no contact with others, just me in my car?
Sorry, the answer is no. According to the rules, people may leave their homes only for essential travel, such as the reasons cited above. Leisurely drives are not on the list of allowable activities. And state police in York County recently issued a citation to a woman who took one. The good news is that walking and hiking are allowable activities that offer an opportunity to take in the scenery.
Can I do my lawn mowing business as a single employee?
Landscaping is on the state’s list of essential life-sustaining businesses, under administrative and support services. You can find more information and resources on the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association
website.
It is time for pool owners to open their pools. Can the coronavirus live in private, in-ground swimming pools?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools, hot tubs or spas, or water playgrounds. Proper operation, maintenance and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools, hot tubs or spas, and water playgrounds should inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”