As more and more counties are now getting into the ‘green phase’ of reopening, the state government reminds the general public that restrictions are still being implemented. The Wolf administration recently updated its guidelines regarding this. All PA citizens would have to embrace and adapt to the “new normal.”
The entire state is expected to be in the more restrictive “yellow” phase by Friday, June 5. In this phase, outdoor dining is now allowed. Tom Wolf announced last week that under the new guidelines, bars and restaurants are now allowed to serve customers outside under these following conditions:
- Customers are seated at tables only
- Customers wear masks unless seated
- Tables are placed at least six feet apart
- The establish should limit occupancy
Wolf’s reopening plan has also been adjusted since he first announced the phase system in April. So, expect some changes in the next coming weeks as your county moves from the red to yellow to green phases of reopening.
Below are the updated guidelines:
Red Phase
This remains the strictest phase, created under a statewide stay-at-home order.
Workplace 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
Yellow Phase
In this phase, more businesses will be allowed to open as the state eases some restrictions. However, businesses are still expected to use mitigation efforts such as curbside pickup/delivery and limit the number of people allowed in store.
Schools, gyms, indoor recreation centers, spas, hair and nail salons, will remain closed. There will still be limitations on large gatherings too.
Workplace restrictions
- Telework must continue where feasible
- Businesses with in-person operations must follow business and building safety orders
- Child care open complying with guidance
- Congregate care and prison restrictions in place
- Schools remain closed for in-person instruction
Social restrictions
- Stay at home order lifted for aggressive mitigation
- Large gatherings of more than 25 prohibited
- In-person retail allowable, curbside and delivery preferable
- Gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons remain closed
- Casinos and theaters remain closed
- Restaurants and bars limited to carry-out and delivery only, or outdoor dining with certain restrictions.
Outdoor dining restrictions in the yellow phase:
· Customers are seated at tables only
· Customers wear masks unless seated
· Tables are placed at least six feet apart
· The facility limits occupancy
Green Phase
This phase is considered the “new normal.” Although most restrictions on business operations and social guidelines are lifted, safety guidelines implemented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state Department of Health must be followed.
Workplace and congregate setting restrictions
- Continued telework strongly encouraged
- Businesses with in-person operations must follow updated business and building safety requirements
- All businesses operating at 50% occupancy in the yellow phase may increase to 75% occupancy
- Child care may open complying with guidance
- Congregate care restrictions in place
- Prison and hospital restrictions determined by individual facilities
- Schools subject to CDC and commonwealth guidance
Social restrictions
- Large recreational gatherings remain restricted. Any gathering greater than 250 individuals is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, a concert, festival, fair, conference, sporting event, movie show, or theater performance
- Restaurants and bars open at 50% occupancy
- Personal care services such as hair salons and barbershops open at 50% occupancy and by appointment only
- Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities, and personal care services such as gyms and spas open at 50% occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged
- Casinos, theaters, and shopping malls open at 50% occupancy
- Construction activity may return to full capacity with continued implementation of protocols.
Stay Safe, Pennsylvania!
