At O’Connor Law, we wish to update you on the phases of shutdown affecting counties throughout the state. We hope everyone continues to stay safe as they can as the economy reopens. Since the COVID-19 spread among Pennsylvania, all the counties in Pennsylvania have been quarantined under 3 different phases, which are red, yellow and green. During March and April of 2020, all of the counties in PA entered the red phase, the most restrictive stage, due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. As the situation has stabilized throughout the state, a large amount of counties in Pennsylvania are transitioning from the red phase to the yellow and green phases. The transition of the yellow and green phases are the next steps for Pennsylvanians to return to work safely without being harmed by the virus.
Here are the guidelines for the yellow and green phases:
Yellow Phase
- Businesses are allowed to reopen in person. They must follow safety measures and telework when possible
- Businesses with In-Person Operations are required to have their employees follow Business and Building Safety Orders
- Child Care May Open, only if the safety procedures are followed
- Schools are required to stay closed
- Large Gatherings are prohibited. Gatherings under 25 people are allowed.
- Indoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) Remain Closed
- Restaurants and Bars will be allowed open outdoor dining, as well as carry-out and delivery (effective 6/5/2020)
- Clothing, department, and recreational stores will be allowed to reopen
- All businesses are required to follow CDC and DOH guidance for social distancing and cleaning
- All Businesses Operating at 50% Occupancy in the Yellow Phase may increase to 75% Occupancy
As regions or counties transition into the yellow phase, it is important to know that retail locations will be able to open. These retail stores must follow the safety guidelines of the yellow phase. Also, retail will be able to allow for curbside pickup. The purpose of this phase is to begin to power back up the economy while keeping a close eye on the public health data to ensure the spread of disease remains contained to the greatest extent possible.
Green Phase
- Telework will continue to be strongly encouraged
- Businesses that have In-Person Operations are strongly required to follow updated business and building safety requirements
- Child Care May Open, with the proper guidance
- Prison and Hospital Restrictions would be determined by individual facilities
- Schools Subject will be open, with CDC and Commonwealth Guidance
- Large Gatherings of less than 250 are allowed
- Restaurants and Bars are to be reopen at 50% occupancy
- Personal Care Services (including hair salons and barbershops) Open at 50% Occupancy and 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 industries (which includes casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) are allowed to be open at 50% occupancy
- Construction Activity might be able to return to full capacity with continued execution of protocols
- All businesses must follow CDC and DOH guidance for social distancing and cleaning
- Monitor public health indicators, adjust orders and restrictions as necessary