The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented event that has impacted every part of the globe. All Pennsylvanians – businesses, communities, neighbors – have been affected and the Commonwealth has responded aggressively to the spread of COVID-19.
As stabilization starts to occur, Pennsylvania plans to proceed with returning to work cautiously. On April 22, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced his detailed plan for reopening Pennsylvania, categorizing the reopening with three phrases: red, yellow, and green. Phases are based on the conditions in the county, counties, or regions.
The guidance needed for businesses located in green phase counties is provided below.
Green Phase
As regions or counties move into the green phase, most restrictions will be eased, AND THE stay at home and business closure orders WILL REMAIN SUSPENDED to allow PA’s economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health.
Work & Congregate Setting Restrictions
- Telework strongly encouraged
- In-person business operations must follow the COVID-19 Business Guidance
- All businesses operating at 50% occupancy in the yellow phase may increase to 75% occupancy
- Child care may open complying with guidance
- Congregate care restrictions in place
- Prison and hospital restrictions determined by individual facilities
- Schools subject to CDC and Commonwealth guidance
Social Restrictions
- Large gatherings of more than 250 prohibited
- Restaurants and bars open at 50% occupancy with continued implementation of the Restaurant Industry Guidance
- Personal care services (including hair salons and barbershops) open at 50% occupancy by appointment only
- Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities, and personal care services (such as gyms and spas) open at 50% occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged
- All entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) open at 50% occupancy
- Construction activity may return to full capacity with continued implementation of the Construction Guidance
Requirements for COVID-19 Safety Communication
Businesses conducting in-person operations or serving the public are required to make employees and customers aware of the guidance provided by the Commonwealth to keep people at their establishment safe. Businesses must print, sign and post the “COVID-19 Safety Procedures for Businesses” flyer and post it on their premises in employee common spaces and near the business’s public entrance(s).
The flyer is available in English or Spanish and larger sizes can be found on the DCED website.
PPE & Supplies Directory
As businesses reopen, it is imperative they equip their employees with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep their workers and customers safe.
If your business needs PPE, visit the COVID-19 PPE & Supplies Business-2-Business (B2B) Interchange Directory to connect with manufacturers that have masks, thermometers, hand sanitizer, face shields, medical gowns, and cleaning disinfectants available.
Questions?
For any questions, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development at 1.866.466.3972 or stay up-to-date with COVID-19 information by visiting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Responding to COVID-19 Guide