Pennsylvania ‘Builds’ Towards Reopening Its Economy: Restrictions Eased On Construction, Motor Vehicle Sales, and Curbside Alcohol Pickup

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On April 20, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf announced his administration's first, limited reopening of Pennsylvania’s economy since his March 19 business shutdown order.  Per the governor’s April 20 order, the following three sectors of the Pennsylvania economy will open to varying degrees and on differing timelines:

1. Construction.  Both public and private residential and commercial construction may resume statewide beginning Friday, May 8, 2020.  The administration will be issuing safety guidance shortly to assist relevant businesses in the means to resume construction while preventing the spread of COVID-19. 
2. Online Motor Vehicle Sales.  Following the Governor’s anticipated signature of Senate Bill 841 permitting remote online notarizations, car dealerships will be allowed to conduct limited car sales and leasing operations through online sales.  The Governor also issued this guidance to explain the change in policy and practical consequences of this law for car dealerships.  This amendment is effective immediately.
3. Curbside Alcohol Pickup.  The governor authorized curbside pickup of wine and spirits at 176 Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (“PLCB”) locations.  The administration specifically states that the success of the curbside alcohol pickup system “will serve as a guide to determine whether certain other non-life-sustaining businesses may be able to resume limited operations through curbside pickup, which is currently only permitted for life-sustaining businesses that offer food and pharmaceuticals.”  This amendment is effective immediately.

The Governor issued revised Industry Operation Guidance and FAQs in conjunction with this order. 

Seyfarth continues to monitor the Wolf Administration’s business-related orders in response to COVID-19 and will provide further updates as available.