Here's what happens in each of Pennsylvania's reopening phases
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday laid out a color-coded phased plan for reopening the state region by region.
Some regions — the Northwestern and Northcentral parts of the state, most likely — will start moving into a phase of fewer restrictions beginning May 8.
The state is currently in the red phase, meaning the entire commonwealth continues to be under all restrictions the governor has put into place since March.
“As regions hit benchmarks that show that they’re ready, they’ll move to the yellow phase,” Wolf said. “This yellow phase will lift some restrictions.”
Many things will still be limited: Schools will remain closed, restaurants will be limited to takeout, and businesses, if able, should prioritize tele-work.
A full breakdown:
• Tele-work must continue where feasible
• Businesses with in-person operations must follow safety orders
• Child care facilities open with worker and building safety orders
• Restrictions in place for prison and congregate care
• Schools closed for in-person instruction
• Stay-at-home restrictions lifted in favor of aggressive mitigation
• Gatherings of more than 25 prohibited
• In-person retail allowable, curbside and delivery preferable
• Recreation and health and wellness facilities such as gyms and spas and all entertainment venues, including casinos and theaters, remain closed
• Bars and restaurants limited to carry-out and delivery only
• Businesses must follow federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state Department of Health (DOH) social-distancing and cleaning guidelines.
Green phase
The green phase will mean remaining restrictions will be lifted, though some guidelines will likely remain in place, Wolf said. That includes universal masking if the CDC and DOH recommend it.
A full breakdown:
• Aggressive mitigation orders lifted
• All businesses must follow CDC and DOH guidelines .
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