PHOTO: OFFICE OF GOV. TOM WOLF

Pennsylvania took another step toward normalcy Monday when Gov. Tom Wolf announced that certain COVID-19 mitigation efforts were being lifted immediately.

Travel Restrictions
People traveling into or returning to Pennsylvania no longer are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or place themselves in a travel quarantine for 14 days upon entering the state. The current downward trend of cases nationwide and implementation of testing requirements and universal face covering on public transportation and transportation hubs are reducing the risk that interstate travel is a vector of disease transmission, said a statement from the governor’s office.

Event Capacity
Indoor events can now allow 15% occupancy regardless of the size of the venue. The previous order had lower occupancy limits based on size. Outdoor events will be allowed up to 20% capacity. Masks must still be worn along with social distancing at all events.

The Wolf administration credits dropping COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations, as well as the 2.3 million doses of vaccine distributed in the commonwealth, as reasons for the changes. However, the virus is still spreading.

“Pennsylvania is taking a measured approach to revising or lifting mitigation orders,” Wolf says. “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.”