Every citizen across the state is dealing with some type of interruption to their lives as a result of novel coronavirus 2019, including the county's state legislators, who are aiming to continue the work of government amid the uncertainty of a pandemic.

State Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, said her colleagues were in Harrisburg on Monday to vote on a rules change that would allow them to vote on issues remotely until Gov. Tom Wolf lifts the state precautions.

She said no one voted against allowing remote voting by House members. A handful of representatives were absent.

Mustello said her office is closed to foot traffic, but fully staffed to communicate with constituents over the phone or online. A dropbox outside her office at 100 barracks road allows residents to drop off any necessary paperwork.

She said each legislator is permitted to decide whether to close their offices or keep them open.

Many nonessential business owners have been calling since Wolf encouraged them to close during a news conference Monday.

“We're still here to help people,” said Mustello, who said she sanitizes her office after each visitor. “We encourage people to please stay informed with the facts and really take precautions. We'll get through this. We've gotten through worse as a community and a nation.”

State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, said his offices remain open, but continue to see fewer walk-in constituents.

“Foot traffic has definitely decreased, and the phone traffic is crazy,” Hutchinson said. “The governor's press conference left so many unanswered questions and mixed-up people. They didn't know if they were essential or nonessential.”

His many events and meetings with groups and constituents have been canceled in recent days.

“They're calling me to cancel,” Hutchinson said. “A fair amount offer to meet over the telephone.”

He said the state House assembled briefly Monday to enact the measure on meeting and voting remotely.

Hutchinson counseled constituents to remain vigilant in social distancing, hand-washing and other recommendations by the Trump administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the state's Health Department.

“We're all learning about this as we go along,” he said. “Mistakes are going to be made, but we have to do our very best every day.”

Hutchinson had an encouraging message for his constituents.

“We are America,” he said. “We are going to make our way through this.”

State Rep. R. Lee James, R-64th, said while his office is fully staffed and responding to calls and emails, he has decided to close it to foot traffic during the pandemic.

“It's important for constituents to understand that regardless of the coronavirus or anything else, we're here,” James said.

James said he disagrees with Wolf's handling of the situation.

“I think it's a knee-jerk reaction,” he said. “We've gone way overboard.”

He said the closing of nonessential businesses will be a major hit to the state's economy and a burden on citizens.

“I have a family member who is an hourly paid person, and I don't know what she's going to do for income over the next two weeks,” James said. “The governor hasn't thought this out.”

He said the state Republican Caucus is unhappy with Wolf's handling of the COVID-19 situation and his inconsistent sharing of information.

“You get one thing from (Wolf) at 9 a.m. and another in the afternoon,” he said.

Pressed about how he would stem the spread of COVID-19, James said the hand-washing protocol and advice to cover the face when sneezing or coughing and to stay home if feeling ill would be sufficient.

“I think just good common-sense practices (would work),” he said. “It's hard not to shake your hand, but I'm trying to learn that one, the elbow bump.”

He also said he has heard rumblings that an effective medication is near completion to counteract COVID-19.

“I have felt strongly with the number of highly efficient and scientific drug companies, I know they are working on something to stem the flow of this thing,” James said.

James said most government offices in Harrisburg are running with a skeleton crew, and legislators were sent home.

“When the governor says go home, and he signs your paycheck, you go home,” James said.

Additional COVID-19 information is available at health.pa.gov.