Legal Authority of Public Health Orders in Pennsylvania: Is the Maximum Penalty a $25-$300 Fine?
Erie County: A Case Study
On August 9th, 2021, GoErie published an article in which County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper stated masks mandates were unlikely to return unless there was an increase in COVID-19 hospitalization. Dahlkemper also defended paying County Employees $300 to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or present proof of vaccination. The $300 payment was funded by American Rescue Plan funds:. The FDA did not grant a BLA to Phizer for the Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA vaccine until August 23rd, 2021, meaning all available COVID-19 vaccines as of August 9th, 2021 were still under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization.
As of August 20th, 2021, individual school districts were allowed to construct their own masking policies in Erie County:
Erie County originally allowed a religious exemption to a mask mandate that impacted private and public schools:
Erie County Department of Health removed the religious exemption to masking on August 27th, 2021:
The Order claims it “has become apparent that this exemption is being misapplied in a manner that has the potential to substantially undermine the overall effectiveness of the order…Additionally, we have been unable to identify any coherent religious doctrine or faith-based system of beliefs that requires its adherents to refrain from covering their mouths and noses.”
Several Christian denominations oppose the use of masks and vaccines. Masks are considered a preventive measure to decrease the chances of infection of a disease. Verses and scripture supporting natural healing and faith healing can be found in the last article posted on this website.
Pentecostal, Evangelical, Mormons, and Orthodox Christians are among a slew of religious denominations opposing masking:
The Church of Satan, whose beliefs directly oppose Christian beliefs, endorses the use of face masks. And it would make sense for true Christians to do the opposite of Satan and his Church.
The Satanic Temple requires proof of vaccination and masks at sponsored events.
Doing something endorsed by the followers of God’s enemy, The Evil One/Satan, is anti-Christian.
