Rising COVID cases in counties across Pennsylvania led Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine to implement targeted mitigation efforts. These efforts, which went into effect the morning of Thursday, July 16, 2020, reimpose limits on gatherings and reemphasize the importance of telecommuting. Here is how the order breaks down:
The food services industry faces renewed scrutiny but remains open.
Restaurants, wineries, breweries, private clubs, and bars can still provide sit-down, dine-in service as long as they adhere to the requirements of Wednesday’s order.
- Bar service is not allowed. All facilities must either offer table seating to customers or serve alcoholic beverages to go. This applies for indoor and outdoor seating.
- Take-out sales of alcohol are allowed subject to Pennsylvania law.
- Alcohol will only be served for on-premises consumption, if purchased with a meal.
- Indoor dining is limited to 25% of maximum occupancy, including staff.
- Employees and patrons must keep a safe distance, wear a mask, and wash their hands.
- Nightclubs are closed.
Events and gatherings are limited.
- Indoor gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited.
- Outdoor gatherings of more than 250 people are prohibited.
- Maximum occupancy limits include staff.
Gyms should prioritize outdoor activities.
While gyms are allowed to continue indoor fitness activities, Wednesday’s order encourages them to move exercise outdoors.
- Prioritize outdoor activities;
- Wear a mask, per the July 1 order;
- Remain six feet apart; and
- Abide by occupancy limitations (250 for outdoor, 25 for indoor).
Businesses must integrate telecommuting.
- Businesses must conduct operations in whole or in part remotely through telecommuting unless it would be impossible to do so.
- If telecommuting is impossible for the business, employees can still work in-person as long as the business complies with all aspects of the business safety order, worker safety order, and masking order.
Businesses and individuals who violate the order could be fined or face business closure and other enforcement measures.
Our attorneys are here to help you interpret the Governor’s Order and implement the above measures for your business in this changing compliance landscape. Please give us a call at 610-797-9000 or contact us through the form below. We wish you well during these extraordinary times.
Oops! We could not locate your form.
