Governor Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine announced new mitigation measures in a news conference Monday, including what were described as “targeted” steps and limiting indoor events to 500 people and outdoor gatherings to 2,500.
Wolf advised residents to stay home whenever possible. Levine issued several advisories, including the suspension of alcohol sales at all bars and restaurants between 5 p.m. Nov. 25 and 8 a.m. Nov. 26.
From the governor’s Web site, the administration is requiring Pre-K to 12 public schools in counties that have been in the substantial transmission level for at least two consecutive weeks to commit to safety measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and educators. If they choose not to, they must move to fully remote learning without all extra-curricular activities. As of Friday, Nov. 20, there are 59 counties in the substantial transmission level for at least two consecutive weeks.
Requirements for Pre-K to 12 public schools in substantial counties for at least two consecutive weeks:
– Schools are mandated to comply with updated protocols if a COVID-19 case is identified in the school building.
– By 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, chief school administrators and the governing body president/chair must sign an attestation form stating they have either transitioned to fully remote learning or are complying with the orders if they are conducting any in-person instruction while in the “substantial” range of transmission.
– Those schools that do not sign or comply with an attestation are required to provide only fully remote learning and suspend all extracurricular activities as long as the county remains in the substantial transmission level.
“All of us have a responsibility to slow the spread of this virus so our children can stay or return to the classroom,” Wolf said.
Here is a summary of restrictions listed by health officials:
– Stay-at-home advisory statewide
– Indoor events with more than 500 people prohibited
– Outdoor events with more than 2,500 people prohibited
– Indoor dining capacity remains capped at 50 percent
– Retail businesses can remain open at 75 percent capacity
– Employees must telework when possible starting Nov. 27
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