Northwest and North-Central PA to Begin Reopening on May 8th
The Governor, in conjunction with the Department of Health, has previously announced plans for a phased reopening of Pennsylvania. The Governor identified May 8, 2020 as a projected date to begin shifting certain regions of Pennsylvania, including the Northwest and North-Central regions, from “Red Phase,” under which we’ve been operating since the Governor’s Stay-at-Home and Business Closure Orders, to “Yellow Phase.”
Today, May 1, 2020, the Governor issued a press release and held a press conference confirming that Erie County, Crawford County, and Warren County are all among the 24 counties that will shift from Red Phase to Yellow Phase at 12:01 a.m. on May 8th. The administration will issue additional guidance on Monday May 4th for businesses permitted to reopen. We will provide an update when that forthcoming guidance is issued.
Current guidance prohibits certain business segments from reopening based on the nature of those businesses being unable to operate in-person with social distancing, i.e. gyms, spas, salons, casinos, and theatres, and schools. All businesses not specifically mentioned as restricted from reopening may reopen if they follow the current and forthcoming guidance to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Current guidance includes:
- Businesses must continue telework where feasible;
- Businesses with In-Person Operations must follow Business and Building safety orders. The current DOH Building Safety and Worker Safety Orders are linked below;
- Gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited;
- Restaurants and Bars remain limited to carry-out and delivery only; and
- In-person retail is permitted, but curbside service and delivery is preferable.
While many businesses are allowed to resume in-person operations, they must abide by regulatory guidance in reopening, including CDC and DOH guidance regarding social distancing and maintaining a safe workplace.
As our region focuses on shifting into the Yellow Phase and businesses begin to reopen, businesses will be faced with a number of compliance issues in quickly implementing guidance from various sources including the CDC, DOH, and OSHA. In addition to regulatory issues, businesses may face practical issues as well, including recalling employees to work and re-engineering operations to comply with safety orders and social distancing.
Our office is closed pursuant to the Governor’s Business Closure Order, but our attorneys are working remotely and are available at any time via e-mail or cell phone to help businesses navigate the regulatory and practical issues they are confronted with.