HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A day after Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said Pennsylvania had no plans to enact any statewide business closures or blanket mitigation efforts as seen last spring, she announced what she called instead "targeted efforts" to control the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.
On Tuesday, Levine issued an order requiring anyone who visits Pennsylvania from another state to have proof of a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours prior to entering. If not, they must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival, or until they get a test with negative results.
Pennsylvania residents who travel to other states must follow the same rules when they return. The rule, which takes effect Friday, Nov. 20, does not apply to those who commute to or from another state for work or medical treatment.
Levine also issued a memo to acute care hospital executives outlining the state's expectations for cooperation and collaboration across those institutions. She said the state's hospitals need to work together and support each other as hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases continue to grow.
She instructed hospitals to move up or reschedule elective procedures as well.
The secretary also issued stronger orders about face coverings. Masks are now required any time people are with others from another household, even with social distancing.
"This applies to every indoor facility," she said, "such as schools, gyms, doctor’s offices, public transportation, anywhere food is prepared, packaged, or served. And this applies if you have people in your home who are not part of your household."
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Pennsylvania’s dining limits remain the same: 25% or 50% capacity, depending on self-certification.
Levine said enforcement will generally be up to businesses, and even though there’s a vocal contingent who have made it clear they will not follow rules like face coverings, Levine expects people will come together — or businesses in their communities will pay the price.
“If they do not wear masks, if they do not social distance, then those communities are going to see more spread of COVID-19,” she said.