According to Firearm Chronicles
Tom Wolf has ordered all “non-life sustaining” businesses in the state closed in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, but the emergency declaration doesn’t specifically address the issue of gun stores. Wolf’s order specifies which industries will be allowed to continue to operate and which are ordered closed, but “gun stores” doesn’t appear on either side of the governor’s ledger.
According to the governor’s list, “Sporting goods, hobby and musical instrument stores” are not allowed to remain open, and while plenty of sporting goods stores sell firearms and ammunition, not every store that sells firearms and ammunition is a sporting goods store. Adding to the confusion, “fishing, hunting and trapping” are considered life-sustaining industries, so they will be allowed to operate. If Pennsylvanians are still allowed to hunt and trap under the governor’s order, they’re going to need access to firearms and ammunition.
Needless to say, there’s a lot of confusion and anger over the governor’s order.
Citing his authority under the state’s disaster declaration law, Wolf, a Democrat, ordered more than 150 types of businesses to close their physical locations, warning that enforcement against violators would begin Saturday. It was among the toughest measures yet taken by a U.S. governor in response to the virus pandemic. It also drew fierce condemnation from majority Republicans in the Legislature. “I had hoped for voluntary compliance so our public safety officials could focus on assisting with the crisis,” Wolf said in a video statement. “Unfortunately we have not seen full compliance. We have no time to lose.” Wolf said his order would be enforced by state troopers, local officials, the state Health and Agriculture departments and the Liquor Control Board. The two-term governor had previously said he would not use police for enforcement.