Protesters cheered as speakers began their addresses, as many carried signs with slogans like “Stop Crying Wolf” and “Get PA to Work.”
In the street in front of the Capitol, vehicles — many also adorned with signs — honked their horns and revved their engines.
The protesters say it's time to end the shutdown that has thrown at least 1.4 million Pennsylvanians out of work.
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The crowd heard from members of the state Legislature sympathetic to their cause. One state representative told the crowd he is confident they will do whatever it takes to keep their workplaces safe.
But even as he spoke, protesters looked on and lined up elbow-to-elbow along barricades — most of them not wearing masks.
The order, which took effect Sunday night, is meant to protect critical workers who can't stay home and are at heightened risk of contracting the new coronavirus, Wolf has said.
Business owners and managers who discover an exposure to someone who is infected must follow certain protocols, including deep cleaning of the premises and temperature checks of employees before they enter. Employees must be sent home if they have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher.
Wolf previously closed schools and businesses deemed nonessential, and ordered residents to stay home unless making a trip related to health, safety or some other life necessity.
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