At a conference call with the Schuylkill County commissioner’s office, a motion was approved to revisit a decision to defy the state government’s orders and reopen the business community on Friday.

Over the weekend, Schuylkill County commissioners and local lawmakers said they would be bypassing Gov. Tom Wolf’s ruling and move into the yellow phase and reopen even without the state’s approval.

That led to a sharp response from Wolf.

“The funding we have put aside to help with fighting this crisis will go to the folks who are doing their part. However, other discretionary funding won’t go to counties that put us all at risk by operating illegally,” he warned.

During the conference call, public opinion swayed to the side of following Wolf’s orders and opposed the unauthorized reopening.

Residents questioned the commissioners if they had consulted local hospitals and medical experts to get the clearing to reopen. Many expressed concerns about the high risk of infection once people begin to solicit the businesses.

Commissioners’ Chairman George Halcovage, who stands in favor of defying the order, said the county’s request to Wolf’s office to discuss moving from red to yellow has been unaddressed and no date has yet been set for a reopening.

“We take this issue very seriously because every life is precious,” said Halcovage. “Our task force’s advice to reopen Friday was based upon the guidance we received from every public and business sector in the county.”

Halcovage said there has been no spike in reported positive cases and that has flattened the curve.

The roll call vote to table the motion was unanimous from Halcovage and Commissioners Gary Hess and Barron Hetherington.