On Friday May 8, 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf  announced 13 counties that will move to “yellow” as he makes decisions to begin to reopen the state.  The announcement will mean that 67 counties will operate in the yellow phase beginning Friday, May 15.  Late last month, the Governor released a phased, color coded plan to reopen the state.

At the time of release, all 67 counties were coded red.  This phase imposes stay at home orders and mandates all nonessential businesses remain closed.  The yellow phase lifts stay-at-home orders, permits child care facilities to reopen and outlines precautionary measures  still required for businesses and individuals.  The final phase is green which indicates that CDC and PA Department of Health Guidelines still must be followed.

The 24 counties that moved from red to yellow on May 8 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.

The 13 counties eligible to move to yellow as of Friday May 15 are: Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland. 

Additional details and restrictions about the yellow phase, as reported by the Governor’s office, are below: 

Work & Congregate Setting Restrictions:

  • Telework Must Continue Where Feasible
  • Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Business and Building Safety Orders
  • Child Care Open Complying with Guidance
  • Congregate Care and Prison Restrictions in Place
  • Schools Remain Closed for In-Person Instruction

Social Restrictions:

  • Stay at Home Order Lifted for Aggressive Mitigation
  • Large Gatherings of More than 25 Prohibited
  • In-Person Retail Allowable, Curbside and Delivery Preferable
  • Indoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) Remain Closed
  • Restaurants and Bars Limited to Carry-Out and Delivery Only

All businesses not specifically mentioned as restricted from reopening may reopen if they follow the forthcoming guidance.

We are happy to discuss any questions or comments you may have.  Our team is working and available to review with you.  Please contact our office at 610-544-5900 or [email protected] .

We are in this together,

Brinker Simpson & Company, LLC

Disclaimer: This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Information contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used as tax advice & cannot be used by the recipient to avoid penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. We strongly advise you to seek professional assistance with respect to your specific issue(s).