Safely Bringing Our Economy Back

As of April 4, 2021, the Wolf Administration officially ended its mandate that businesses require their employees to telework. According to the state’s COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses page, now “All in-person businesses may operate at 75 percent occupancy, except where noted. Businesses must follow all the worker and building safety requirements for employers. All businesses are strongly encouraged to conduct their operations in whole or in part remotely through individual teleworking of their employees.”

Per the PA Department of Health, further details on the order are as follows:

• General safety rules are still in place. Keep wearing your mask to enter a business, stay six feet apart, and follow all the general health and safety rules as before. This is our new normal.
• Gathering limitations are still in place. Effective 4/1/2021, maximum occupancy is 25% for indoor events and 50% for outdoor events, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement. Schools and most childcare centers must still follow the Department of Education rules for operating. Prisons and hospitals can decide their own visitor policies for each facility.
• All businesses can reopen. All in-person businesses may operate at 75% occupancy, except where noted. Businesses must follow all the worker and building safety requirements for employers. All businesses are strongly encouraged to conduct their operations in whole or in part remotely through individual teleworking of their employees. Remember to check the COVID-19 Guidance and Resources page for more details.

There are still restrictions for businesses that work with the public. You must limit occupancy if your business is in one of the following categories:

• Restaurants may open indoor dining, up to 50% occupancy or up to 75% occupancy with self-certification. Bar service is permitted for seated patrons.
• Night clubs may open, up to 50% occupancy.
• Indoor recreation can have up to 75% occupancy, and fitness facilities should continue to prioritize outdoor fitness activities (including gyms, indoor malls, bowling, arcades, indoor sports, go-kart, pool halls, and similar facilities)
• Health and wellness can have up to 75% occupancy, and providing service by appointment only is highly recommended (this applies to spas, barbershops, hair and nail salons, saunas, tattoo parlors, massage therapists and other personal care service businesses)
• Entertainment may have up to 75% occupancy (like casinos, theaters, zoos, museums, historical sites, amusement parks, and other entertainment venues). Any events within these venues, such as individual performances, screenings, shows, showtimes, lectures, etc., must abide by the 25% occupancy limit for indoor events and 50% occupancy limit for outdoor events.