Two Dozen Pennsylvania Counties Permitted to Reopen May 8th During COVID-19 “Yellow Phase”

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And so it begins.  On Friday, May 1, 2020, the Wolf Administration announced that it would permit 24 largely rural counties in Northwest and Northcentral Pennsylvania to open up under the first stage of the Commonwealth’s phased reopening plan, details of which we previously covered here.  The list (available here) excludes the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Scranton, and Harrisburg areas, but includes Erie – Pennsylvania’s fourth largest city. 

The Yellow phase of reopening provides for the following easing of and continued restrictions:

• Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Business Safety Orders (discussed here) and Building Safety Orders (available here)
• Telework Must Continue Where Feasible
• In-Person Retail Allowed - Curbside and Delivery Preferable
• Child Care Open with Worker and Building Safety Orders
• Schools Remain Closed for In-Person Instruction
• Stay at Home Restrictions Lifted in Favor of Aggressive Mitigation
• Large Gatherings of More than 25 Prohibited
• 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

Importantly, the Governor stated that all businesses that are not specifically mentioned above as being restricted during the Yellow phase may reopen if they follow the further guidance the administration will be releasing next week on May 4.  Nonetheless, the administration did note that certain activities and/or places where vulnerable people could be exposed will remain closed.  The Governor added that counties that were not included in the above list will be reevaluated over the next several weeks for potential reopening. 

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