Pennsylvania Issues New Mask and Travel Orders
On November 17, 2020, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, announced four (4) new efforts aimed at mitigating the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth:
A new travel order requiring anyone who visits Pennsylvania from another state to have a negative COVID-19 test within seventy-two (72) hours prior to entering the Commonwealth. Under the order, if someone entering Pennsylvania cannot get a COVID-19 test or chooses not to be tested, he/she must quarantine for fourteen (14) days upon arriving in the Commonwealth. Similarly, Pennsylvanians visiting other states must have a negative COVID-19 test within seventy-two (72) hours prior to returning to the Commonwealth or, alternatively, quarantine for fourteen (14) days upon returning. This order, which does not apply to commuting to/from another state for work or medical treatment, goes into effect on Friday, November 20, 2020.
A new masking order requiring individuals to wear masks indoors and outdoors if away from their home. The order requires an individual, when outdoors, to wear a mask if he/she is not able to remain at least six (6) feet away from individuals not in his/her household. It also requires an individual, when indoors, to wear a mask even if he/she is physically distant from individuals not in his/her household. The order applies to every indoor facility — including homes, retail establishments, gyms, doctor’s offices, public transportation, and anywhere food is prepared, packaged, or served — and goes into effect on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
A series of recommendations for colleges and universities to implement a testing plan for when students return to campus after the winter holiday break.
A memorandum to acute care hospitals outlining expectations to care for Pennsylvanians who need care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to existing COVID-19 mitigation efforts, which remain in place, employers must be aware of the impact of the new orders on the workplace. For questions about this or any other labor and employment law topic, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Hoffman & Hlavac. To stay updated on the key labor and employment law developments that affect your workplace, be sure to subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media.