PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Gov. Tom Wolf announced on Monday immediate changes to occupancy limits at indoor and outdoor events across the commonwealth.
Effective immediately, indoor events can operate at 15% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size.
Before, occupancy was determined by venue size rates based on the state’s range of parameters. And, indoor events were capped at 500 people and outdoor at 2,500.
Outdoor events can now operate at 20% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size.
Mask-wearing is still required. The governor’s office said both indoor and outdoor limits are permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
Additionally, out-of-state travel restrictions have been lifted. The restrictions, set in place in November, required anyone over the age of 11 coming into Pennsylvania from another state to provide a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine for 14 days.
“Pennsylvania is taking a measured approach to revising or lifting mitigation orders,” Wolf said in a statement. “The reason we are seeing cases drop can be attributed, in part, to people following the mitigation efforts we have in place. … We need to balance protecting public health with leading the state to a robust economic recovery. We are lifting mitigation efforts only when we believe it is safe to do so.”
Philadelphia adjusted its occupancy limits and other restrictions last week to match the state. City officials said they will consider following the latest state standards but have not yet made a decision.
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There are discussions to move teachers in PA into the current eligibility group and to use the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. According to an email from a state lawmaker on the legislative task force, details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The email says Pennsylvania is expecting 94,000 Johnson & Johnson doses. PEMA and the National Guard would team up with the state's 29 intermediate units to set up clinics. Intermediate units are public agencies across the state that work with school districts.
Montgomery County intermediate unit director Regina Speaker says they’ve heard the discussion is happening, but are waiting for more information.
The governor’s office didn’t address the discussions specifically, saying only the task force continues to work on a plan for the rollout of Johnson &Johnson vaccine with specific details expected later this week.
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