Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

634 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 89,375

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., July 4, that there are 634 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 89,375. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,749 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 3 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

“As the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings this holiday weekend,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away and we are seeing cases rise, especially in Southwest Pennsylvania.”

Cases in Allegheny County increased 150 cases overnight.

Mask wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 634 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 725,448 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
• 1% are ages 5-12;
• 2% are ages 13-18;
• 7% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• 24% are ages 50-64; and
• 27% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,908 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,339 cases among employees, for a total of 21,247 at 709 distinct facilities in 52 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,592 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,780 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, July 3:

• Local officials, business owners echoed Governor Wolf’s call for masking in Pennsylvania.
• Reminded Pennsylvanians that masks are mandatory.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

 

Harrisburg, PA – “Masks are mandatory when leaving the home,” Governor Tom Wolf reminded Pennsylvanians today.

“Especially as we are beginning a long Fourth of July weekend, it’s critical that everyone remember that masks are mandatory and must be worn when leaving your home,” Wolf said. “This virus is not gone, and mask-wearing is a required mitigation effort that we know works to stop its spread.”

Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine signed an order mandating mask-wearing on Wednesday. It remains in effect.

FAQs on the mask-wearing order can be found here.

Harrisburg, PA – As Pennsylvanians enjoy outdoor family cookouts and picnics this Fourth of July and throughout the summer, the Wolf Administration wants to make sure Pennsylvanians take the proper steps to prepare food safely and to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

“It is important to wash your hands properly before handling food to protect yourself from dangerous foodborne illnesses,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “It is also essential that foods are cooked and stored at the appropriate temperatures. In addition to the health risk of foodborne illness, Pennsylvanians still need to be aware of the ongoing threat of COVID-19.”

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing and other preventative measures, such as washing your hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning surfaces frequently, wearing a mask and staying home if you are sick to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“Although we have the majority of the state now in the green phase of reopening, it is essential that we remain cautious and continue to take necessary precautions to protect against COVID-19, even while celebrating a holiday,” Dr. Rachel Levine said. “We all have a responsibility to help protect ourselves, our loved ones and others.”

One in six Americans gets a foodborne illness or food poisoning through contaminated foods or beverages. The Department of Health recommends the following tips to prevent foodborne illnesses:

• Use a food thermometer to make sure food is thoroughly cooked to kill dangerous bacteria, particularly when grilling raw meat;
• Never cross-contaminate one food with another. Always keep foods separated, especially raw and cooked meats;
• Always refrigerate leftover food if it won’t be eaten within two hours;
  • If the temperature is above 90 degrees, food should not sit out for more than one hour;
• Thoroughly clean fruits and vegetables by rinsing them under running water to remove all visible dirt;
• Remove and throw away the outermost leaves of lettuce or cabbage;
• Always wash your hands with soap and warm water before preparing or handling food;
• Do not thaw foods at room temperature (such as on the counter) because bacteria can multiply at these temperatures. Instead, thaw foods in the refrigerator or in the microwave immediately before cooking;
• Never prepare or touch food for others if you are sick;
• Never change a baby’s diaper while preparing food; and
• Report any suspected foodborne disease outbreaks immediately to a healthcare provider.
• Common symptoms of foodborne illnesses are diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.

As of 12:00 a.m., July 2, there were 88,074 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide in 67 counties and 6,712 total deaths attributed to COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 and older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date. More data is available here.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today signed amended green phase orders for the last Pennsylvania county to move to green. Lebanon County is moving to green at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, July 3.

With these orders effective at 12:01 a.m., tomorrow every county in the commonwealth will be in the green phase. The administration reminds Pennsylvanians that masks are required when leaving home.

The Wolf Administration supports local officials who choose to maintain additional restrictions, such as the restrictions in place in Philadelphia and Allegheny counties, and has honored requests for more restrictions throughout the phased reopening process.

Gov. Wolf’s Process to Reopen Pennsylvania includes details of each phase of reopening.

Green Phase
After a county transitions to the yellow phase, we closely monitor for increased risk, such as significant outbreaks. If overall risk remains mitigated for 14 days, we transition the county to the green phase.

The green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay-at-home and business closure orders to allow the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health.

While this phase facilitates a return to a “new normal,” it is equally important to continue to monitor public health indicators and adjust orders and restrictions as necessary to ensure the spread of disease remains at a minimum. It is also imperative that people wear masks in public spaces.

Work and Congregate Settings Restrictions

• Continued Telework Strongly Encouraged
• Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Updated Business and Building Safety Requirements
• All Businesses Operating at 50% Occupancy in the Yellow Phase May Increase to 75% Occupancy
• Masks Are Required in Businesses
• Child Care May Open Complying with Guidance
• Congregate Care Restrictions in Place
• Prison and Hospital Restrictions Determined by Individual Facilities
• Schools Subject to CDC and Commonwealth Guidance

Social Restrictions

• Large Gatherings of More Than 250 Prohibited
• Masks Are Required in all Public Spaces
• Restaurants and Bars Open 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 (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) Open at 50% Occupancy
• Construction Activity May Return to Full Capacity with Continued Implementation of Protocols

The latest business guidance, including outdoor recreation guidance, can be found here.

Preliminary sports guidance can be found here.

Summer camp guidance can be found here.

The Governor’s amended green phase order can be found here.

The Secretary of Health’s amended green phase order can be found here.

Harrisburg, PA – As the holiday weekend approaches, the Wolf Administration is reminding Pennsylvanians to avoid large gatherings and to wear masks around other people to help prevent further spread of COVID-19. On July 1, Governor Tom Wolf announced an order, signed by Secretary of Health Dr. Levine, requiring masks to be worn whenever anyone leaves home.

“The green phase is not a green light to stop exercising caution in large “Although it is the holiday weekend, Pennsylvanians should refrain from attending large gatherings, and if you do go out and interact with others, wear a mask,” Sec. of Health Dr. Levine said. “My mask protects you, and your mask protects me. Wearing a mask shows that you care about others, and that you are committed to protecting the lives of those around you.”

On July 3, Lebanon County, the remaining county still in yellow, will join the green phase with the rest of the state. The green phase prohibits large gatherings of more than 250 people. The newly expanded mask-wearing order also requires mask-wearing in any public space, not just in businesses.

If you have traveled, or plan to travel, to an area where there are high amounts of COVID-19 cases, it is recommended that you stay at home for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania. If you travel to the following states, you will need to quarantine for 14 days upon return:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing and other preventive measures, including washing your hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning surfaces often, wearing a mask and staying home if you are sick to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

As of 12:00 a.m., July 2, there were 88,074 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide in 67 counties and 6,712 total deaths attributed to COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 and older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date. More data is available here.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

For more information on ticks and Lyme disease, or on mosquitoes and West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Harrisburg, PA – Reiterating the mandate of the mask-wearing order Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine signed yesterday, Governor Tom Wolf again today advised all Pennsylvanians that wearing masks when outside the home is mandatory.

“As we approach the Fourth of July holiday weekend and we see another spike in cases today in Pennsylvania, it’s critical that Pennsylvanians take the mandate to wear masks seriously,” Gov. Wolf said. “This virus is not gone and mask-wearing is a required mitigation effort that we know works to stop its spread.

“We have seen evidence that indicates Pennsylvania’s recent case increases can be traced to settings where people were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing. This can lead to more and more cases in our state. We have made such tremendous progress, let’s not let that progress go to waste, risking lives and livelihoods.

“We all must do one simple thing to stop the spread of COVID-19: Wear a mask, Pennsylvania.”

The Sec. of Heath’s order includes that masks must be worn when:

• Outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet from individuals who are not members of their household;
• In any indoor location where members of the public are generally permitted;
• Waiting for, riding on, driving, or operating public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service or ride-sharing vehicle;
• Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank; or
• Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when interacting in-person with any member of the public, working in any space visited by members of the public, working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others, working in or walking through common areas, or in any room or enclosed area where other people, except for members of the person’s own household or residence, are present when unable to physically distance.

The order includes limited exceptions to the face-covering requirement.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

832 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 88,074

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., July 2, that there are 832 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 88,074. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,712 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 25 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

“Our latest data shows that the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing across the state,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “The virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

As the holiday weekend approaches, it is essential that all Pennsylvanians take steps to protect themselves and those around them. Residents are encouraged to avoid large gatherings and to remember that mask-wearing is required in public settings and when around other people to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

According to an order signed by Secretary of Health, mask wearing is required whenever anyone leaves home. Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 634 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 702,199 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
• 1% are ages 5-12;
• 2% are ages 13-18;
• 7% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• 24% are ages 50-64; and
• 27% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,856 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,316 cases among employees, for a total of 21,172 at 702 distinct facilities in 53 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,590 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,706 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, July 1:

• Provided an update from Pennsylvania State Police on business closure enforcement actions.
• Signed an expanded order on mask-wearing.
• Reminded bars and restaurants that they are required to protect staff and patrons during COVID-19.
• Provided early rebates to more than 310,000 Pennsylvanians to help during COVID-19.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Masks Are Mandatory in All Public Spaces

Harrisburg, PA – Expanding on the business safety order signed by Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine in April that requires the wearing of masks in businesses, Governor Tom Wolf today announced a new order signed by Dr. Levine that takes the mask-wearing directive one step further.

With this order, signed under Dr. Levine’s authority under the Disease Prevention and Control Act, masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home. The order takes effect immediately.

“This mask-wearing order is essential to stopping the recent increase in COVID-19 cases we have seen in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Wolf said. “Those hot spots can be traced to situations where Pennsylvanians were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing – two practices that must be adhered to if we want to maintain the freedoms we have in place under our reopening.”

The order outlines the situations when a mask must be worn and includes limited exceptions to the face-covering requirement.

Each of the state’s mitigation efforts has helped to slow the spread of COVID-19, kept our health care systems from being overwhelmed, and allowed for Gov. Wolf’s measured, phased reopening to proceed. But, with nearly every county is the green phase of reopening, complacency cannot be the norm.

“It is essential that Pennsylvanians wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “While cases increase in some areas, we cannot become complacent. My mask protects you, and your mask protects me. Wearing a mask shows that you care about others, and that you are committed to protecting the lives of those around you.”

More and more health experts have called for mask wearing, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who said during a June 30 Senate hearing on COVID-19, “Americans who don’t wear masks may ‘propagate the further spread of infection.’”

The mask-wearing order will be sent to state and local officials, law enforcement and others tasked with education about the order for those not in compliance.

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Health distributed the sixth shipment of the investigational antiviral medication, remdesivir, to treat patients in the hospital with COVID-19. Today, 3,162 doses of medication were sent to 80 hospitals. The federal government distributed the shipment to the department on Wednesday, July 1.

“The department is working to give our hospitals every opportunity to treat patients with COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “It is important to note that there is limited information on the safety and effectiveness of using remdesivir to treat people in the hospital with COVID-19. However, it was shown in a clinical trial to shorten the recovery time in some people, which is why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the emergency use of the medication for treatment.”

The Department of Health first distributed 1,200 doses of the medication to 51 hospitals across Pennsylvania on May 12. A second round of 7,938 doses were sent to 79 hospitals on May 15 and May 18, a third round of 8,928 doses was distributed to 81 hospitals on May 22, a fourth round of 4,400 doses was distributed to 73 hospitals on June 3 and a fifth round of 4,788 doses was distributed to 82 hospitals on June 19.

The hospitals that have received these shipments were determined based on the number and severity of COVID-19 patients at the hospital and the facility’s documented usage of previous rounds of remdesivir. The department will continue to work with our federal partners to acquire more doses of this medication to serve more patients across Pennsylvania.

Remdesivir is given to a patient through an IV once per day for up to 10 days, depending on how critically ill the patient is. According to the FDA, remdesivir may help decrease the amount of coronavirus in your body, which may help you get better faster.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Repeating shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

As of 12:00 a.m., July 1, there were 87,242 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide in 67 counties and 6,687 confirmed deaths. Most of the patients hospitalized are 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 and older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date. More data is available here.

Pennsylvanians are reminded that mask-wearing is required when visiting businesses in both the yellow and green phases of reopening or in any setting outside the home where social distancing is difficult. Remember: My mask protects you; your mask protects me.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Guidance Requires Mask Wearing, 50 percent Occupancy

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Wolf Administration reminded Pennsylvanians of the requirements put in place for restaurants and bars to protect the health and safety of workers and patrons from COVID-19.

“As we continue to make public health and safety a top priority, it’s also important that we take measured and necessary steps so that Pennsylvanians can patronize businesses safely,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “Restaurants and bars offer families and friends a place to gather and socialize while enjoying food and drink, and we want to make sure that business owners and staff have the proper precautions in place to protect workers and patrons. We have put forth guidance with critical requirements to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 so that these businesses can remain open.”

Under the governor’s Process to Reopen Pennsylvania, in the green phase of the state’s reopening plan restaurants and bars may open at 50 percent occupancy.

Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry guidance was developed in coordination with the Restaurant and Lodging Association. Pursuant to the guidance, all businesses and employees in the restaurant and retail food service industry are required to do the following:

• Require all customers to wear masks while entering, exiting, or otherwise traveling throughout the restaurant or retail food service business. Face coverings may be removed while seated.
• Provide at least six feet between parties at tables or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back. If tables or other seating are not movable, seat parties at least six feet apart.
• Where possible, stagger work stations to avoid employees standing next to each other. Where six feet of separation is not possible, consider spacing options that include other mitigation efforts with increased frequency of cleaning and sanitizing surfaces.
• Establish a limit for the number of employees in shared spaces, including break rooms, and offices to maintain at least a six-foot distance.
• Don’t use shared tables among multiple parties unless the seats can be arranged to maintain six feet of distance between parties.
• Train all employees on the importance and expectation of increased frequency of handwashing, the use of hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, and provide clear instructions to avoid touching hands to face.
• Assign employee(s) to monitor and clean high touch areas frequently while in operation.
• Provide physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signage on walls to ensure that customers remain at least six feet apart in lines or waiting for seating or in line for the restroom.

All businesses must follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health guidance for social distancing and cleaning.

No business is required to conduct in-person operations and should not do so if unable to follow applicable guidance.

As the Wolf administration closely monitors public health indicators, strict compliance with the guidance is critical to prevent spread, and the need for more stringent restrictions.

The administration also supports local governments’ more stringent protections for dining establishments’ workers and customers, such as those actions taken this week by Allegheny and Philadelphia counties.

The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE) will be conducting compliance checks at licensed facilities to ensure that the requirements of the guidance are observed. Failure to comply risks citation by the BLCE, a fine of up to $1,000, and possible suspension and/or revocation of the liquor license.

More information about the Wolf Administration’s COVID-19 response is available at http://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/.