Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
On April 17, Gov. Tom Wolf outlined the standards the administration will use for reopening and on April 20. The governor announced a target date of May 8 for the beginning of phased reopening and easing of restrictions.
Currently, all of Pennsylvania is “red,” meaning all 12.8 million residents are under stay-at-home orders and all non-life-sustaining businesses are closed.
Regions and counties can move from red to yellow, and then yellow to green. Counties may also revert back to “red” status if needed, Wolf said on a recent conference call.
THE STATE'S RE-OPENING PHASES EXPLAINED
RED PHASE
Work and Congregate Setting Restrictions
• Life Sustaining Businesses Only
• Congregate Care and Prison Restrictions in Place
• Schools (for in-person instruction) and Most Child Care Facilities Closed
Social Restrictions
• Stay at home orders in place
• Large gatherings prohibited
• Restaurants and bars limited to carry-out and delivery only
• Only travel for life-sustaining purposes encouraged
• Reiterate and reinforce safety guidance for businesses, workers, individuals, facilities, update if necessary
• Monitor public health indicators, adjust orders and restrictions as necessary
Notes: As regions or counties move into the yellow phase, some restrictions on work and social interaction will ease while others, such as closures of schools, gyms, and other indoor recreation centers, as well as limitations around large gatherings, remain in place. For example, retail locations will be able to open with forthcoming guidance in place that is substantially similar to the worker safety and building safety order. Otherwise retail will be able to allow for curbside pickup. The purpose of this phase is to begin to power back up the economy while keeping a close eye on the public health data to ensure the spread of disease remains contained to the greatest extent possible.
YELLOW PHASE
Work & Congregate Setting Restrictions
• Telework must continue where feasible
• Businesses with in-person operations must follow business and building safety orders
• Child care open with worker and building safety orders
• Congregate care and prison restrictions in place
• Schools remain closed for in-person instruction
Social Restrictions
• Stay at home restrictions lifted in favor of aggressive mitigation
• Large gatherings of more than 25 prohibited
• In-person retail allowable, curbside and delivery preferable
• Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities (such as gyms, spas), and all entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) remain closed
Restaurants and bars limited to carry-out and delivery only
• All businesses must follow CDC and DOH guidance for social distancing and cleaning
• Monitor public health indicators, adjust orders and restrictions as necessary
Notes: The green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay at home and business closure orders to allow the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health. While this phase will facilitate a return to a “new normal,” it will be equally important to continue to monitor public health indicators and adjust orders and restrictions as necessary to ensure the spread of disease remains at a minimum.
GREEN PHASE
Work and Congregate Setting Restrictions
• All businesses must follow CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines
Social Restrictions
• Aggressive mitigation orders lifted
• All individuals must follow CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines
• Monitor public health indicators, adjust orders and restrictions as necessary
Reader Comments(0)