Pennsylvania Announces Temporary COVID Safety Measures
On December 10, Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine announced new temporary restrictions, which will be in effect across Pennsylvania. The Orders take effect at 12:01 am on December 12, 2020, and last until 8:00 am on January 4, 2021. The Orders are summarized below.
In-Person Dining and Alcohol Sales
- All in-person indoor dining is prohibited, including but not limited to, bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, social clubs, and private catered events.
- Outdoor dining, take-out food service, and take-out alcohol sales are permitted, subject to other existing Orders and guidance
Gatherings and Events
- Indoor gatherings and events of more than 10 people are prohibited, except for churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other places of worship, which are specifically excluded from the limitation during religious services only
- Outdoor gatherings and events of more than 50 people are prohibited
Business Guidance
- All in-person businesses serving the public are limited to operate at 50% of the building’s occupancy limit, unless another more specific Order imposes a smaller capacity limit
- Indoor operations are prohibited at gyms and fitness facilities, but outdoor classes may continue as long as all participants wear masks and social distance
- Indoor operations at businesses in the “Entertainment Industry” are prohibited, this includes, but is not limited to: theatres, concert venues, museums, movie theatres, arcades, casinos, bowling alleys, private clubs, and other recreational, entertainment, or social facilities.
Schools and Sports
- All K-12 extracurricular activities, including sports, are suspended, this includes practices and games
- Professional and collegiate sports activities may continue, but spectators may not attend
There is no waiver process to the Orders and they apply to all businesses, other than health care providers. All other Orders still remain in effect on businesses permitted to continue operations under the new restrictions. The Orders are attached to this client alert.
Please contact a MacDonald Illig attorney if you have any questions regarding the new restrictions.