Preparing for Yellow Phase of COVID-19

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on May 27, 2020

With all Pennsylvania counties scheduled to be in the yellow zone of the COVID-19 chart, some restrictions will be lifted, others will remain. The following is from the state’s website,

Yellow Phase:

As regions or counties move into the yellow phase, some restrictions on work and social interaction will ease while others, such as closures of schools, gyms, and other indoor recreation centers, hair and nail salons, as well as limitations around large gatherings, remain in place.

The purpose of this phase is to begin to power back up the economy while keeping a close eye on the public health data to ensure the spread of disease remains contained to the greatest extent possible.

Workplace 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 remain limited to carry-out and delivery only.

Green Phase

After a county transitions to the yellow phase, the state will closely monitor for increased risk, such as significant outbreaks. If overall risk remains mitigated for fourteen days, we will transition the county to the green phase.

The green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay at home and business closure orders to allow the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health.

While this phase will facilitate a return to a “new normal,” it will be equally important to continue to monitor public health indicators and adjust orders and restrictions as necessary to ensure the spread of disease remains at a minimum.

Workplace

Continued telework strongly encouraged;
Businesses with in-person operations must follow updated business and building safety requirements;
All businesses operating at 50% occupancy in the yellow phase may increase to 75 percent occupancy;
Child care may open complying with guidance;
Congregate care restrictions in place;
Prison and hospital restrictions determined by individual facilities;
Schools subject to CDC and commonwealth guidance.

Social

Large recreational gatherings remain restricted;
Restaurants and bars open at 50% occupancy;
Personal care services (including hair salons and barbershops) open at 50% occupancy and by appointment only;
Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities, and personal care services (such as gyms and spas) open at 50% occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged;
All entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) open at 50% occupancy
construction activity may return to full capacity with continued implementation of protocols.

Additionally:

All businesses must follow CDC and DOH guidance for social distancing and cleaning.
Monitor public health indicators, adjust orders and restrictions as necessary.