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Pennsylvania

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on August 13, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Pennsylvania, we recommend that you visit Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, the United Way's COVID-19 Resources or the Pennsylvania Chamber's Business Resources for Coronavirus.

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Description of Program and Relief

Guidance for Reopening Businesses

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and his administration have announced a plan to guide the reopening of businesses in the Commonwealth. The administration will make reopening decisions on a county- or region-specific basis consisting of three phases, reflecting the following restrictions:

  • Counties and regions in the red phase are to continue to observe the restrictions that remained in effect through April and early May, which required residents to stay at home and prohibited large gatherings, dine-in services at restaurants and bars, and non-essential business operations. Schools will remain closed, and travel will be discouraged unless it is for life-sustaining purposes.

  • Counties and regions in the yellow phase are subject to more moderate restrictions. Restaurants and bars will still be limited to carry-out and delivery. Businesses may resume in-person operations subject to business and building safety orders, but telework must continue where feasible. Indoor recreational facilities, personal care services providers, and entertainment venues must remain closed. Schools will remain closed.

  • Counties and regions in the green phase may resume pre-pandemic social and business activity, provided that individuals and businesses comply with guidance from the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Government or Lead Agency

Pennsylvania Governor’s Office

Dates Available

Currently effective

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

The three-phase reopening plan applies to all non-life-sustaining businesses in the Commonwealth.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Up-to-date information on the Commonwealth’s reopening efforts, including additional details on the different protocols, can be found here.

Businesses that have questions about which restrictions apply to them should contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-724-3258.

List of Additional Information

Additional information on the Commonwealth’s reopening plan can be found here.

Guidance for businesses conducting in-person operations (including those permitted to reopen) are available online here.

While there currently is no comprehensive official directory of which counties and regions are in which phase of the reopening process, informal resources that compile this information may be available through local media, for example, here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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