As Pennsylvania continues in Gov. Tom Wolf’s phased reopening plan while the governor and legislature battle it out in court, what are the regulations that cover “green” counties like McKean and 45 others?
According to the Wolf’s office, it is not a total lifting of restrictions.
“Some restrictions, such as mask-wearing, do remain in place,” reads a release from the governor’s office. “While this phase facilitates a return to a ‘new normal,’ it is 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.”
As of Friday, the state health department was reporting 467 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 77,313. There have been 6,113 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 51 new deaths.
There are 630 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 476,439 patients who have tested negative to date.
Locally, in McKean County, there have been 13 positive cases, 9 of which were confirmed while 4 are probable cases, and 855 people tested negative. In Potter County, there have been 13 positive cases, 10 of which were confirmed and 3 of which are probable, while 202 people tested negative. In Elk County, there have been 6 positive cases, four of which were confirmed and 2 of which are probable, while 407 people tested negative. In Cameron County, there are two confirmed positives, and 154 people have tested negative.
Regarding “green” restrictions, Wolf’s office indicated that congregate care restrictions are still in place, and prison and hospital restrictions are to be determined by individual facilities. Businesses may reopen at 75% occupancy, while restaurants, bars, indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities, personal care services, entertainment and hair salons can be open at 50% capacity.
Masks are required when entering a business, the governor’s office indicated.
As counties reopen, Pennsylvania continues to see a steady decline in cases, a positive indicator that its phased, measured reopening plan is working to balance public health with economic recovery, according to Wolf’s office.
“In Pennsylvania, not only did we flatten the curve, but we are continuing to keep case counts down even as we open our commonwealth,” Wolf said. “We will continue to take a measured, phased approach to reopening that relies on science and health experts.”
The state continues to increase testing and ramp up contact-tracing efforts. As of June 11, there are a total of 496 contact tracers, and a total of 2,777 contacts being monitored. The Department of Health received a total of 80,498 test results in the past seven days, an average of 11,500 a day. The 30-day average of test results received is more than 10,500.
There were 3,371 new cases added to investigations for the week of June 4 through 11.
Further guidance is available on the governor’s website, or on the health department’s website.
