Next PA Counties To Begin Reopening Will Be Revealed Friday
The next round of counties that can begin to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic will be released Friday, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said. The governor made the comments during a news conference announcing protections against foreclosures and evictions have been extended through July 10.
Last week, Gov. Wolf announced that 24 counties would be moving from the “yellow” phase of mitigation to the “red” phase this Friday. On that same day, the next batch of counties to have some mitigation measures lifted will be named, he confirmed during the news conference.
No further information on the number of counties, where they are located, or when they will begin to reopen was provided.
Coronavirus mitigation measures, which include non-essential business closures, were put in place in mid-March. A statewide stay-at-home order has been in effect since April 1. Since the virus arrived in Pennsylvania, it has infected 52,915 and killed 3,416 statewide.
The counties that will move from red to yellow this Friday are: Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Venango and Warren.
No Pennsylvania counties are in the green phase, where most restrictions are lifted. A timeline for when that may happen has not yet been provided.
To determine each region’s eligibility to reopen, officials said they are assessing target goals related to infection rates, testing capabilities, hospital capacity and other factors.
In the yellow phase, the stay-at-home orders will be lifted, but large gatherings of 25 or more people will be prohibited. Retail stores may reopen but with curbside and delivery the preferred method of operation. Gyms, spas and entertainment venues such as theaters and casinos will remain closed in the yellow phase. Restaurants will still be limited to carryout or delivery.
Child care centers will reopen in the yellow phase with safety orders, and telework must continue whenever possible. Organized team sports are not permitted in the yellow phase. Congregate care and prison restrictions will remain in place, and schools will remain closed for in-person instruction.
Reprinted From:
https://patch.com/pennsylvania/foresthills-regentsquare/s/h3uw0/next-pa-counties-begin-reopening-will-be-revealed-friday