Gov. Tom Wolf announced on Friday that a number of counties will transition into the green phase, the phase with the fewest restrictions in the governor’s stoplight-colored three-phase reopening plan, starting next Friday, June 5th. Sixteen counties in western and central Pennsylvania, including much of the Pittsburgh area, will move into the green phase and they include Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Clinton, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Lycoming, Mercer, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties. As for what the “Green Phase” will mean, see below:
Work-related restrictions:
- Continued telework is 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.
- Childcare facilities may open and must comply with state guidelines.
- Congregate care restrictions are in place.
- Prison and hospital restrictions to be determined by individual facilities.
- Schools subject to CDC and state guidance.
Social restrictions:
- Large gatherings of more than 250 persons are prohibited.
- Restaurants and bars can open at 50% occupancy.
- Personal care services (including hair salons and barber shops) can open at 50% occupancy and by appointment only.
- Indoor recreation, health and wellness businesses and personal care services (including gyms and spas) can open at 50% occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged.
- All entertainment facilities (including casinos, theaters and shopping malls) can open at 50% occupancy.
- Construction activity may return to full capacity with continued implementation of protocols.
More information on the state’s reopening plan can be found at this link: www.governor.pa.gov/process-to-reopen-pennsylvania/.