Pennsylvania to Begin Easing Covid-19 Restrictions

Portions of PA will soon begin to have their coronavirus restrictions eased. Beginning on May 8, 24 counties located in the north-central and northwestern parts of the state will be the first areas of Pennsylvania to let many businesses reopen and allow individuals to leave their homes, with safety precautions. These counties were chosen as they are less densely populated and have been least impacted by Covid-19.

These counties are having their restrictions eased under the first step in Governor Tom Wolf’s detailed reopening process.   The plan incorporates a three phase matrix to determine when to ease coronavirus based restrictions.  

Red Phase

• All of PA currently under Red Phase.
• Stay-at-home
• While not strictly enforced, travel for life-sustaining emergencies only encouraged
• Large gatherings prohibited
• Essential business only can remain open
• Restaurants and bars limited to carry out and delivery service
• Schools and most child care faciities closed
• Congregate care and prison restrictions in place

Yellow Phase

Effective May 8 at 12:01 am, the following counties will be in the yellow phase: 

Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Venango, and Warren.

• Stay-at-home order lifted
• Large gatherings of more than 25 prohibited
• Telework must continue where feasible
• Businesses with in-person operations opened with limitations
• Indoor retail allowed but curbside pick up and delivery are preferred
• Indoor Recreation, Health and Wellness facilities, Personal Care facilities and all Entertainment facilities remain closed
• Schools remain closed for in-person instruction
• Child care facilities open under guidance
• Congregate care and prison restrictions remain in place
• All businesses must follow CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines for social distancing and cleaning

Green Phase

• Social restrictions lifted or significantly eased 
• All businesses must continue to follow CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines. 

Governor Wolf will continue to monitor the remainder of the state and ease restrictions as deemed appropriate.  Philadelphia, which has been most impacted by Covid-19 in the state of PA, is expected to be the last area to see an easing of restrictions.