There’s no sense debating a ruling that will be appealed. Two of three federal judges upheld what we did.

But what’s not up for debate is that our early and decisive action saved lives.

While the federal government dithered, Pennsylvania took action. https://twitter.com/GovernorsOffice/status/1305923496627838976

Our hospitals were never overwhelmed and research tells us thousands of lives were saved.

So would we, in hindsight, do some things differently? Of course.

Would I follow the irresponsible demands of the President or the Republican legislature? Absolutely not.

I believe the vast majority of Pennsylvanians understand what we had to do in the beginning was necessary to keep people safe before we had the resources to reopen safely.

The vast majority of Pennsylvanians don’t buy into conspiracy theories or fear mongering from the President or Harrisburg Republicans about this virus.

They wear masks. They keep their distance. They are smart about how they interact with others. They are responsible.

Contrary to the misinformation from the legislature, we are reopened. And we’ve been able to manage outbreaks and mitigate risk successfully, while trying to bring some normalcy to our lives.

I will continue to do what is necessary to keep people safe and contain the virus.

Containing the virus is the only way to protect our health and keep our economy going.

So we will appeal, and we will take that appeal as far as necessary to ensure we can do that.

I want to reassure people that may be nervous or worried about what’s ahead this fall: No matter what, we will find a way to keep Pennsylvanians safe.

The President and the legislature are celebrating a ruling while refusing to help anyone but themselves.

We deserve better. I’m going to keep holding their feet to the fire to stop playing politics with this disease and start living up to the responsibilities of their offices.