Gov. Wolf outlines reopening plan

By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
The plan to reopen Pennsylvania will happen in three phases, starting in the northwest and northcentral parts of the state.
Gov. Tom Wolf said there are several metrics the state will use to determine where gradual reopenings happen and when.
The plan has three phases — red, yellow and green — and the entire state is currently in the red phase with non-essential businesses closed and a stay-at-home order in effect.
To reach yellow, a county or region must average less than 50 new cases per 100,000 residents over a 14 day period.
The administration will first study conditions in the north-central and northwest regions with a target of moving from red to yellow on May 8.
The required metrics will be measured by the Department of Health and a data tool that was developed by Carnegie Mellon University.
The red phase is solely intended to minimize the spread of coronavirus through strict lockdown rules.
If a region or county hits the benchmarks to move into the yellow phase, Wolf said, they will look at easing some restrictions on work and social interactions but others will remain in place.
The stay-at-home order will be lifted in favor of “aggressive mitigation.”
Schools, gyms and other indoor recreation centers like casinos and theaters will stay closed and limitations around large gatherings will remain.
Under the plan, working from home should continue if it’s feasible and people will continue to have to wear masks in businesses. Restaurants and bars will continue to be limited to carry-out and delivery only. In-person retail will be allowed, but curbside and delivery will be preferred.
All businesses must follow Centers for Disease Control and DOH guidance for social distancing and cleaning.
The yellow phase is intended to restart the economy while keeping an eye on the public health data to make sure the spread of coronavirus is still contained.
The green phase will lift the stay-at-home and business closure orders to allow the economy to reopen. But, Wolf said, if the CDC still recommends wearing a mask when a region hits the green phase, the orders to wear masks in businesses will remain in place.
“Pennsylvania residents should take the advice seriously,” Wolf said. “The faster (the virus is contained) the faster the restrictions will ease.
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