PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Pittsburgh's Mayor and Public Safety officials says residents have got to observe social distancing this weekend despite a forecast for nice weather.
"We slipped last weekend," Mayor Bill Peduto told reporters gathered on the North Shore for an update on how Pittsburgh is handling Caronavirus. "Stay vigilant, keep your commitment," the Mayor said. Last weekend officials say people could be seen in groups in parks, some picnicking, and children on playground equipment.
Peduto indicates the next several weeks will be key. "We will get the test during the month of April."
Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said there will be more police and rangers in the parks reminding people about social distancing. "We don't want to have to cite anyone," said Hissrich. "Citing someone means writing them a citation and again that puts the officers and individuals (at risk)." Hissrich suggested citations could come next week or the parks could be closed if social distancing isn't observed this weekend.
Hissrich said no additional public safety employees have tested positive for COVID-19. One firefighter tested positive in the last week and is in isolation. Seven other firefighters, one police officer, and two medics are quarantined but doing fine said Hissrich. He says 30 to 50 public safety employees are sent home every day because they have some sort of symptoms or a high temperature.
As for the health of city finances, Peduto says that will be hard to tell until people are back to work and play. "We will have a deficit this year," said the Mayor. "We simply won't have enough money to pay the bills. But we also recognize that's why we created a reserve fund."
Peduto vowed no city employee layoffs this year. But said he can't make the same promise for 2021. He said it might take two or three city budgets to dig out of the present financial hole. And he called on federal lawmakers to pass some sort of long term financial help for cities and states. "Our economy will never come back," said Peduto, "if all of our cities and states are bankrupt."
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