On March 19, 2020 Governor Wolf ordered a statewide closure of all non-life sustaining businesses operations and services, and stay-at-home orders were announced soon after. These restrictions were originally supposed to only last two weeks, but as time would tell, the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic grew far more dire than first anticipated.
Now, nearly a year after the state went into lockdown for the coronavirus pandemic, Pennsylvania is starting to loosen the restrictions that have been put in place for the safety of its citizens over the past year.
On March 1, 2021, the governor announced revised coronavirus measures that are effective immediately in response to the declining number of cases across the state. The new measures provide for an increase in event capacity and change the rules on out of state travel.
The new capacity revision allows for indoor events to allow for 15% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. Face coverings, social distancing, and hand hygiene must still be enforced, and the capacity limitations include staff and employees. The Wolf Administration’s announcement means that the state’s professional sports franchises like the Penguins and Pirates who are currently in season or soon to be in season will be able to have fans in attendance. The Pittsburgh Penguins will allow 2,800 fans into PPG Paints arena for the first time since March 8 of last year.
Further, live performances such as plays and concerts will also be permitted to have audiences. Outdoor events and gatherings are are now permitted to have events and gatherings are limited to 20% of maximum occupancy. The previous restrictions did not allow for any events of over 500 people indoors and 2,500 people outdoors. Smaller indoor events with capacity between 0 and 2,000 were only allowed 10% capacity previously, so the extra 5% capacity is a welcome improvement to local businesses.
In addition to increased capacity restrictions, Pennsylvania has now eliminated out-of-state travel restrictions. Previously, the Department of Health mandated a travel order which required anyone over the age of 11 who visits from another state to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or to place themselves in a travel quarantine for 14 days upon entering Pennsylvania. The recent announcement rescinds this requirement.
These changes come at a time when things may be looking up for the state. As of February 26, 14% of the population under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health has received at least one dose of vaccine. Additionally, the COVID-19 positivity rate in Pennsylvania was 6.3 percent. Governor Tom Wolf said of the new mitigation measures, “We need to balance protecting public health with leading the state to a robust economic recovery.”
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