Pa. sharpens mask mandate, orders virus testing

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

With Pennsylvania in the midst of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced a new mitigation plan Tuesday.

“These targeted mitigation efforts, combined with existing ones, are paramount to saving lives and protecting our economy,” Gov. Tom Wolf said.

Levine issued a masking order that strengthens the state’s initial policy. Masks are required to be worn indoors and outdoors for anyone who is away from their home.

When outdoors, a mask must be worn if you are not able to remain at least 6 feet away from someone not in your household the entire time.

When indoors, masks will now be required even if you are physically distant from people not in your household. This means that even if you are able to be 6 feet apart, you will need to wear a mask while inside with people other than members of your household. 

This order applies to every indoor facility, including homes, retail establishments, gyms, doctors’ offices, public transportation and anywhere food is prepared, packaged or served.

Levine also issued an order requiring anyone who visits from another state to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering the commonwealth.

If someone cannot get a test or chooses not to, they must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvanians visiting other states are required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their return to the commonwealth or to quarantine for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania.

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