New York’s struggles with the coronavirus are scary. Nearly 2,000 people have died. It’s so bad that a naval hospital ship is moored in the Hudson River.
But trying to ban New Yorkers from coming to Pennsylvania is hypocrisy at its worst.
Before the economy shut down, thousands of Lehigh Valley and Poconos residents boarded buses or drove into New York City and its suburbs every weekday. They suffer that commute to earn the higher wages that jobs in the Big Apple pay.
Every night, the hordes return home to their large suburban Pennsylvania houses, solid schools and safe neighborhoods. Then they spend their New York money at their local grocery stores, barbershops, restaurants, mechanics and other businesses.
After sucking all of that money out of the New York economy, suddenly some Pennsylvanians have become territorial. They have the nerve to want to stop New Yorkers, and people from New Jersey, from seeking refuge here at rentals or second homes. They’re petrified the visitors will spread the coronavirus.
I recognize the fear. And I don’t think people from New York, or anywhere else, should be traveling anywhere right now. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged people from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to avoid unnecessary travel, and asked New Yorkers to self-quarantine for 14 days if they do go somewhere.
I hope they will heed those calls.
But Pennsylvanians can’t have it both ways. Travel between Pennsylvania and New York really is a two-way street. And it should be kept that way.
Morning Call columnist Paul Muschick can be reached at 610-820-6582 or paul.muschick@mcall.com
