Gov. Wolf Graded On Pandemic Performance [Patch Survey Results]

PENNSYLVANIA — This week marks exactly a year since stay-at-home orders were issued in Pennsylvania in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, Patch polled readers on how they think Pennsylvania has fared during the pandemic. We asked how they feel Gov. Tom Wolf has managed the crisis and about their own comfort level when it comes to resuming "normal" activities.

Nearly 3,400 readers responded.

Here's a look at what they said:

(Editor's note: The was not meant to be a scientific poll, but only to give a broad idea of public sentiment.)

First, we asked how respondents would grade Gov. Wolf's response to the coronavirus pandemic. More than 32 percent gave him an "F" for his coronavirus response.

Not everyone was displeased with his actions; More than 20 gave him a "B" and nearly 15 percent gave him an "A."

Early on in the pandemic, Pennsylvania residents expressed anxiety about resuming normal activities, but more than 365 days in — and with a vaccine rollout happening across the state — that's not the case anymore.

We asked: How comfortable are you resuming previous activities this spring?

The majority of readers seemed eager to enjoy activities and dining at local bars and restaurants. More than 31 percent of readers described themselves as "extremely" comfortable resuming activities this spring, and more than 53 percent said they are comfortable doing so as long as people are masked up and socially distancing. Only 15 percent said they are uncomfortable doing typical spring activities.

When it comes to dining and enjoying drinks at local bars, nearly 43 percent of those who responded said they feel safe dining indoors and nearly 32 percent said they felt safe dining outdoors.

An overwhelming number of people who have worked from home since last March — more than 53 percent — said they are comfortable going back in person once vaccinated.

And speaking of vaccinations, we asked about that.

Nearly 30 percent reported being fully vaccinated, with another 30 percent saying they've received the first shot. More than 25 percent are waiting for an appointment, and 11 percent said they do not plan to get vaccinated.

When asked about the state's biggest successes and missteps, readers vented much frustration about the closing of schools and restaurants. Several others lamented about the vaccine rollout in the state.

Here's a sampling of responses on what was the biggest misstep or biggest success in the past year, with some positives mixed in with a lot of negative outcomes:

• In the early stages of this pandemic, I don't think the list of which businesses could be open was accurate. Some businesses that were similar to those that were allowed to open were similar to some that were not....didn't make too much sense. Overall, under these extreme circumstances, I think the Governor did what he could to keep people as safe as possible.
• Vaccination in this state is a joke! I'll be lucky if I receive a vaccination by end of summer at the rate PA is going.
• Not arresting antimaskers, not strict enough about lockdowns.
• Chaos in getting vaccine. Closing schools for too long, not getting teachers back sooner.
• Success: Closing down quickly. Misstep: Rolling out the vaccine.
• PA did a great job having locked down quick and really flattening the curve. I think outdoor dining could've been a thing earlier on, and regulations should be eased on restaurants to help them afford outdoor heating (even if it's not certified). Closing the liquor stores wasn't so good though.
• Distribution of the vaccine is totally insufficient! I’ve been trying to schedule the vaccine for a 1A friend for over one month. No response.
• Admitting Covid positive patients to senior communities, confining residents to their rooms and banning family visits.
• Not requiring schools to resume in-person learning 5 days a week for public schools. Also, the lack of vaccines in Bucks and Montco counties.
• Everyone has done the best that they could. No one has any experience in a pandemic situation. We need to be patient and stay safe. Of course, everyone has different opinions, but we need to work together, not against each other.
• The Governor overstepping his power. Should never be allowed to happen again.
• The school closures have been tragic for our children. I blame the teachers union and the politicians for once again not standing up to them.
• The biggest disappointment was Not allowing all schools in the state to resume a partial in-person schooling like a hybrid option in all areas at the same time. Not just certain districts. It’s not fair that families that were living in certain counties that some of them were not given the option of going back to in-person school when a lot of other counties were allowing it. It should be the same option and criteria for everyone.
• Vaccine process has been terrible. Difficult for seniors who are most likely to die to sign up. It’s a disgrace.
• The biggest success has been listening to scientists and making decisions/adjustments as more data becomes available. The biggest misstep has been lawmakers who refuse to wear masks and listen to science and instead try to make Covid a political issue.
• Governor Wolf closing down the Wine and Spirits stores, and forcing small businesses to close, which ended up causing many to close permanently. Also not mandating that "essential workers" get vaccinated first which was originally announced. My grown children are working at supermarkets and still have not received the vaccine.
• Biggest mistake is the vaccination roll-out including lack of transparency straightforward information.
• Rules on business shut-down were/are way too strict, causing too many citizens of the commonwealth severe financial distress.
• Early on it seemed COVID in PA was being managed well. Then it seemed in fall politics played a part in some decisions. I was disappointed in the distribution of the vaccines and the process to sign up for the vaccines. In the last week or so that seems to be improving.
• 1) Mistake - Mandating businesses shut down and limiting people's ability to operate their businesses and support their families. 2) Mistake - NOT taking a stronger stand to get our children back in school. Kids have lost an entire year of education and will have life-lasting negative impacts to their mental health as a result. 3) Mistake - Unorganized and chaotic roll out of the vaccine in the state of PA.