PA Announces New Business Restrictions Including Telework Mandate
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On July 15, 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced a new round of restrictions on businesses.
07.16.20
Among these restrictions is a telework mandate requiring, unless impossible to do so, businesses to conduct operations remotely. Businesses not able to implement telework may conduct in-person operations subject to all other applicable state health and public safety orders. Governor Wolf’s new Targeted Mitigation Order goes into effect on July 16, 2020, and continues until further notice. Secretary of Health Rachel Levine issued a complementary Order citing an increase in new cases both in Pennsylvania and across the country.
In addition to the teleworking requirement, the new requirements place additional restrictions on businesses, including but not limited to the following:
- Bars may only conduct take-out sales and sit-down, dine-in meals. Bar service is prohibited. Bars are limited to 25% of their fire code occupancy limit for indoor dining and indoor events are limited to maximum of 25 people.
- Restaurants conducting indoor dining are also limited to 25% of fire code occupancy limits, with indoor events limited to a maximum of 25 people. Restaurants must observe all other health and safety orders including masking and social distancing requirements.
- Nightclubs are prohibited from operating.
- Outdoor events are limited to a maximum of 250 people.
- Gyms and fitness centers are permitted to continue indoor operations, but are directed to prioritize outdoor operations subject to social distancing and masking orders.
- Conflicting provisions of previous re-opening orders are superseded.
- Commonwealth agencies involved with licensing and inspection of the facilities described in the Order are directed to increase enforcement efforts. All local officials are called upon to assist in enforcing these new measures.
Pennsylvania recently exceeded 1,000 new COVID-19 cases per day for the first time in several weeks. Officials hope reinstating these restrictions will prevent the need to re-implement more aggressive measures in the future.
On May 8, 2020, Pennsylvania began gradually removing restrictions on businesses. The new restrictions, following the universal masking order issued July 1, 2020, represent a significant shift back towards more restrictive measures.
The Coronavirus Task Force at Klehr Harrison stands ready to assist you in your business and legal needs. We will continue to provide additional information and guidance as the COVID-19 situation develops.
Author Jonathan Krause is a partner in the Litigation Department at Klehr Harrison.