Commissioners not Happy with Inconsistencies, Hold Press Conference on Court House Steps
(Beaver,Pa.) Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano
The Beaver County Commissioners held a press conference on the steps of the Beaver County Courthouse at 4:00 pm Thursday April 16, 2020. The Commissioners wanted answers and were not happy with the conflicting information they have been receiving. The questions the commissioners want answered are how many of the Covid-19 cases are there, and how many deaths have there been in the county in relation to the COVID-19 .
PEMA and PA Department of Health figures are inconsistent and frequently differ from each other. Beaver County Commissioners Chairman Dan Camp said “There has been a lack of transparency from Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center and we’re seeing different digits each day.” PEMA reported 114 and the Department of Health reported 70 . According to the Department of health the county had 168 cases as of noon , and 14 deaths. There has been no contact from the state.
Commissioner Amadio offers the Commissioners condolences to Beaver County residents who have died from the COVID-19 (photo by Sandy Giordano)
County Commissioner Tony Amadio offered condolences to the deceased residents families, and said “the county is concerned with the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Camp stated during the press conference that the Beaver County Ice Arena chillers were left on when it closed in mid-March due to the pandemic , and if need be, it can be used as a temporary morgue, the commissioners said it is part a disaster plan that was set up by the county after the crash of USAir Flight 427 in Hopewell Township 30 years ago.
News Correspondent Sandy Giordano asked asked Commissioner Camp about the discrepancies from PEMA and DOH, he suggested calling Representative Matzie to find out why there are discrepancies in the figures.
Beaver County Commissioner Jack Manning discussing Beaver County Coroner David Gabauer’s handling of the COVID-19. (Photo by Sandy Giordano)
The Commissioners also stated that both sets of numbers differ from what Beaver County Coroner David Gabauer says they are. Another reporter asked about a press release from the Coroner stating that he, the Coroner, should be the main source for figures in the county related to the COVID-19. When the Commissioners were pushed by the reporter Commissioner Jack Manning stepped in to defend Gabauer and stated the Coroner is doing an excellent job handling the COVID-19 cases and he can only provide the information to the agencies that he is supposed to.
Finally the Commissioners were asked about the Shell Cracker Plant and their feelings. Chairman Camp said they don’t need a waiver and he’s confident Shell will follow proper protocol as more than 200 workers return to work this week in addition to the 300 who have been working to maintain the Construction site since Shell ceased construction temporarily on March 18, 2020.
