Governor Tom Wolf announced Friday afternoon that southwest counties with the exception of Beaver are moving into the yellow phase. Wolf says thirteen more western counties, including much of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, can shed his most restrictive pandemic orders on movement and businesses next week, joining much of northern Pennsylvania that began emerging Friday. The counties that will move into the yellow phase on Friday, May 15th, include Washington, Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Somerset and Westmoreland. The only western county held back, Beaver County, is home to perhaps the state’s worst nursing home outbreak, where dozens have died and a congressman is calling for an investigation. So…what exactly does the “Yellow Phase” mean to you? See below:
Work & Congregate Settings
Telework must continue where feasible
Businesses with in-person operations must follow business and building safety orders
Child care open – complying with guidelines
Congregate care and prison restrictions in place
School remains closed for in-person instruction
Social Restrictions
State at home order lifted for aggressive mitigation
Large gatherings of more than 25 prohibited
In-person retail allowable, curbside and delivery preferable
Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities and personal care services (gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons, and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all entertainment such as casinos and theaters will remain closed
Restaurants and bars limited to carry-out and delivery only
**All businesses must follow CDC and DOH guidance for social distancing and cleaning (Photo: WPXI)