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PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Front line workers in the fight against COVID-19 testified to a state Senate committee considering legislation to better protect them. Members of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee met and took testimony by video conference.
West Deer Fire Chief Josh Wiegand told committee members his volunteer department will face severe funding shortfalls because of the inability to hold fundraisers.
"The lost income is estimated at $33,000 or $3,000 each week the bingo is closed," said Wiegand. He also works as a full time emergency Medical Technician for McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority and says insurance reimbursements have dropped dramatically because the numbers of calls are off 75%. Wiegand says staff and equipment costs are unchanged.
For Pittsburgh Firefighters union president Ralph Sicuro the problem is a shortage of adequate testing for Caronavirus.
"Not only has the access to testing been limited," said Sicuro, " but the few firefighters we have tested waited up to 8 days for results." Sicuro says that waiting period has shortened recently. One Pittsburgh firefighter out of more than 600 on the force has tested positive.
Hershey Medical Center registered nurse Maureen Casey who also heads the nurses union there was sharply critical of the federal government.
"The failed federal response to this pandemic has left every hospital, nursing home and homecare agency grossly ill equipped and put all of our lives and the lives of those we care for at high risk."
Casey called for greater testing, personal protection equipment, contact tracing, and paid sick leave for workers so as to not infect others. She says health care workers should have a say in how the nation moves forward.
"If realtors get a say in our recovery plan, surely care givers should as well," said Casey.
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