COVID-19: PA Department of Health Order Directing Building Safety Measures

Since the Governor of Pennsylvania signed an Order Mandating Closure of All Businesses That Are Not Life Sustaining, many life-sustaining business and businesses operating under a waiver granted by the Department of Community and Economic Development have been struggling to implement appropriate new workplace/building safety rules and guidelines to keep employees and customers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Rachel Levine, the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, has attempted to address concerns of businesses struggling to implement appropriate measures. She issued an Order Directing Building Safety Measures for businesses authorized to maintain in-person operations (i.e., a life-sustaining business or business operating under a waiver), as well as owners of buildings of at least 50,000 square feet that are used for commercial, industrial or other enterprises. The Order sets forth a non-exclusive list of facilities specifically covered, which includes commercial facilities (e.g., for warehousing or manufacturing), universities, government buildings, hotels and residential buildings. The Order is effective as of 12:01 a.m. on April 6, 2020.

Pursuant to the Secretary’s Order, covered businesses and owners must implement the following protocols:

1. Clean and disinfect high-touch areas routinely in accordance with CDC guidelines, in spaces that are accessible to customers, tenants and other individuals
2. Maintain pre-existing cleaning protocols for all other areas of the facility
3. Ensure that the facility has enough employees to perform the cleaning safely and effectively
4. Ensure that the facility has enough security employees to control access, maintain order and enforce social distancing of at least 6 feet

Implementation of these protocols may vary in scope depending on the nature of the facility or business. Our attorneys are here to assist you in interpreting the Secretary’s Order and in implementing the protocols. If you have any questions, please contact us using the form below, or give us a call at 610-797-9000. We wish you well during these extraordinary times.

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