PHOTO: PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Tuesday a new three-tier system for occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings. The restrictions are for what the state calls temporary events, including fairs, festivals, concerts, or shows and gatherings that occur within larger, more permanent businesses. This includes shows or performances within amusement parks, individual showings of movies, business meetings or conferences, or a party or reception within a multi-room venue.

The new limits are based on standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code and go into effect on Friday, Oct. 9.

Indoors

• Under 2,000 people – 20% of maximum occupancy
• 2,001 – 10,000 people – 15% of maximum occupancy
• More than 10,000 people – 10% of maximum occupancy, up to 3,750 people

Outdoors

• Under 2,000 people – 25% of maximum occupancy
• 2,001 – 10,000 people – 20% of maximum occupancy
• More than 10,000 people – 15% of maximum occupancy up to 7,500 people

“Pennsylvanians must continue to social distance and wear masks as we prepare to fight the virus through the fall and winter,” Gov. Wolf said in a statement. “Regardless of the size of an event or gathering, those things are still imperative to stopping the spread of COVID. We know everyone has sacrificed in many ways and today’s announcement reflects a gradual adjustment to our lives as we learn how we can do things safely until we have a cure, or an effective vaccine is widely available.”

Time will tell if these new limits will remain in effect.

“We will closely monitor cases and outbreaks and if our case investigation and contact tracing efforts determine that events or gatherings are the source of an outbreak, we can and will dial back these new limits,” said state Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine. “Public health and safety are our first concern and will always remain as such.”