On July 15, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine signed new orders for targeted mitigation efforts in response to the recent rise in COVID cases, primarily in southwest Pennsylvania, but also in other counties in the state, influencing the decision for statewide mitigation efforts for bars and restaurants, gatherings and telework. The new orders took effect at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, July 16, 2020.
School Focused Frequently Asked Questions Regarding These Orders:
Does the Governor's Targeted Mitigation Order apply to schools?
The Order does not apply to classroom settings but does apply to school activities outside of the classroom that are not related to educational instruction.
School activities and gatherings not related to educational instruction that are held indoors are limited to no more than 25 people. This includes meetings, assemblies, etc.
Activities and gatherings held outdoors are limited to no more than 250 people.
Do the event and gathering limitations include students and staff?
Maximum occupancy includes all individuals present at the event or gathering, whether they are students, staff, or spectators.
Does the Governor's Targeted Mitigation Order apply to school sports?
Yes, the Order applies to school sports.
Indoor sporting events and gatherings of more than 25 persons are prohibited.
Outdoor sporting events and gatherings of more than 250 persons are prohibited.
The maximum occupancy limit includes coaches, athletes, staff, and spectators.
See the Governor's Guidance for All Sports Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency to Ensure the Safety and Health of Employees, Athletes and the Public for comprehensive sporting activity guidance.
Does the Governor's Targeted Mitigation Order apply to school buses?
The Order does not apply to school buses.
The Public Health Guidance Regarding COVID-19 for Phased Reopening of Pre-k to 12 Schools includes a list of best practices for safely transporting students.
Are school board meetings considered gatherings under the Governor's Mitigation Order and can they still meet?
Yes. A school board meeting is a gathering. Meetings may be held but must follow the gathering limitations outlined in the Order if meeting in person.
Does the Order apply to school cafeterias and college dining facilities?
No. School cafeteria food services and college dining services are exempt from the Order, as those services are not considered to be a private catered event or offered by a restaurant. However, if meals are being served in a congregate setting, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends individuals sit at least 6 feet apart and wear face coverings when walking to and from the dining facility and when getting their food. See Public Health Guidance Regarding COVID19 for Phase Reopening of Pre-K to 12 Schools for additional guidance on social distancing in cafeterias.
Does the 25 person limit apply to per court/field or for the whole facility for large sport facilities? What if the facility has dividers set up between courts and fields?
A facility that is able to create opportunities for discrete events may have 25 people per event space as long as there is sufficient division between spaces. For example, a conference facility may utilize moveable walls to create separate spaces or sporting facilities may use floor to ceiling dividers. However, the facility must ensure that common spaces like lobby areas, bathrooms, and hallways are cleaned frequently and visitors are not congregating.