Please see the updated requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Health that all students, staff, and visitors must follow:
Latest Guidance on masks – In Pennsylvania, masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home. Masks are mandatory in all public spaces. Have questions about mask wearing? View the Universal Face Coverings Order FAQ.
Travelers – By Order issued November 17, 2020, the Wolf administration is requiring that travelers entering Pennsylvania from other countries and states, as well as Pennsylvanians who are returning home from other countries or states, have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering the Commonwealth or quarantine for 14 days upon entry into Pennsylvania.
According to the PA Department of Health:
MASKS:
- Masks are required to be worn indoors and outdoors when away from home
- When outdoors, a mask must be worn if you are not able to stay at least 6-feet away from someone not in your household the entire time you are outdoors
- When indoors, masks will now be required even if you are physically distant from members not in your household. This means you will need to wear a mask inside if with people other than members of your household.
- The order applies to every indoor facility, including homes, retail establishments, schools, gyms, doctors’ offices, public transportation and anywhere food is prepared, packaged or served.
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
- The departments of Health and Education have issued recommendations for colleges and universities to implement a testing plan for when students return to campus following the holidays. This includes routine testing and reporting protocols and posting data online about positive cases and positivity rates.
- Colleges and universities should have adequate capacity for isolation and quarantine and should be prepared to enforce violations of policies such as mask wearing and physical distancing.
- Every college and university should test all students at the beginning of each term, when returning to campus after a break, and have regular screening/testing throughout the semester.
HOSPITALS
- Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine has issued an advisory to acute care hospitals outlining expectations to care for Pennsylvanians who need care during the pandemic. Hospitals should also be working to move up elective procedures necessary to protect a person’s health and prepare to suspend them if our health care system becomes strained.
OUT-OF-STATE TESTING
- The Secretary of Health issued an order requiring anyone who visits from another state to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 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.
- This does NOT apply to people who commute to and from another state for work or medical treatment.
- This order takes effect on Friday, November 20.
