Gov. Tom Wolf announced that mitigation efforts put into effect over the past few days in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester and Allegheny counties are now in effect statewide, beginning today.
“Earlier today, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut imposed similar restrictions, and I thank the residents of these states for joining Pennsylvania in working together to halt the spread of COVID-19,” Wolf said. “I know the next few weeks will be challenging. There is no reason to be fearful, or to panic, but we need to take this disease seriously. Please, stay home. Make as few in-person contacts as you can.”
Guidance previously announced for Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester and Allegheny counties has now been expanded statewide, continuing for 14 days. This guidance applies to all 67 counties in the commonwealth.
Wolf is permitted under law to enforce closures. However, the governor’s approach is to reinforce that it is incumbent on all Pennsylvanians to help mitigate the spread, knowing that compliance can help to protect customers, employees and the community. The administration supports local law enforcement, permitting entities and local officials to enforce if needed. The governor does not want to expend valuable resources from the state and PA National Guard because irresponsible people choose not to do the right thing.
Statewide mitigation efforts include:
– All restaurants and bars close their dine-in facilities to help stop the spread of COVID-19; businesses that offer carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service may continue to do so, but eating and drinking inside restaurants and bars is temporarily prohibited
– A no-visitor policy for correctional facilities and nursing homes has been implemented and will be evaluated for other families
– Freedom of travel will remain, but all Pennsylvanians are asked to refrain from non-essential travel
– All child care centers licensed by the commonwealth close as of today, and will be re-evaluated at the conclusion of the 14-day statewide closures; Philadelphia County families should check with their child care facilities to determine the status of business operations
– Adult day care centers, adult training facilities, provocations facilities, LIFE centers and senior community centers are closed and will be re-evaluated at the conclusion of the 14-day statewide closures
– Essential state, county and municipal services will be open: police, fire, emergency medical services, sanitation, and essential services for vulnerable populations
– Supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations will remain open; the administration issued guidance for non-essential businesses, such as gyms, movie theaters and shopping malls during county-specific mitigation periods to protect employees, customers and suppliers and limit the spread of the virus through personal contact and surfaces; additional statewide business guidance is forthcoming
– All K-12 Pennsylvania schools will be closed for 10 business days, effective Monday, March 16
– The Wolf Administration strongly encourages the suspension of large gatherings, events and conferences of more than 10 people, and per White House guidelines, asks that individuals and groups cancel any gatherings planned over the next eight weeks
– The administration encourages religious leaders to exercise discretion in order to mitigate the spread of illness
– Restricted visitors in state centers to ensure health and safety for individuals with an intellectual disability
– Restricted visitors in assisted living and personal care homes to minimize exposure to seniors and individuals with disabilities
