HARRISBURG – State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) formally requested the resignation of PA Department of Health Secretary Rachel Levine during a Monday morning press conference, citing ongoing flaws with the COVID-19 emergency declaration and mitigation efforts.
Mastriano pointed out that the Secretary’s response to the elderly during the pandemic has been substandard. Similarly, Mastriano noted that the business shutdown and statewide stay-at-home order have defied common sense, as state residents seek to safely and methodically return to work and reopen Pennsylvania.
“Both the Governor and the Secretary of Health continue to move the goal posts regarding the COVID-19 health crisis, while thinking of new and creative ways of violating the civil liberties of our citizens,” said Mastriano, while pointing out that Secretary Levine’s medical background involves pediatrics and psychiatry.
“This lack of training is evident, and has resulted in some of the most draconian measures implemented in the nation, with avoidable deaths, and irreparable damage to our citizens,” added Mastriano.
Mastriano noted that Levine continues to ignore nursing homes, and actions taken by the Health Department have not helped. Seventy percent of all COVID-related deaths have occurred in long-term care. The Secretary continues to ignore nursing homes, according to Mastriano, and actions taken by the Health Department have not helped.
“These failings are compounded by being complicit in the virus spreading through our elder care homes, triggered by unscientific and illogical directives, forcing them to readmit COVID-19 patients. New York State has just reversed this disastrous policy,” said Mastriano. “Let me state this clearly, this order by Secretary Levine is responsible for the deaths of approximately 2,500 of our citizens, and displays the gross incompetence of someone unfit for office. The bottom line is Secretary Levine has failed to protect our most vulnerable population.”
Mastriano pointed out that there has been inconsistency with the reporting of COVID-19 data, with public health officials hiding behind a 1955 law, and county coroners across the state disputing the figures. Those same flawed figures are being used by the administration to determine how long Pennsylvania will remain on lockdown.
AUDIO of SENATOR MASTRIANO’S PRESS CONFERENCE 1
AUDIO of SENATOR MASTRIANO’S PRESS CONFERENCE 2
CONTACT: Scot Andrew Pitzer; spitzer@pasen.gov