Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
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Harrisburg
Pennsylvania
17120
United States
Local Government COVID-19 FAQs
Yes. Due to the unique nature of the coronavirus (Covid-19), where human contact can have deadly consequences, municipalities are urged to declare a state of emergency which will legally allow you to close your facilities and temporarily stop public meetings, thus helping to limit the spread of the disease. The Emergency Services Management Code in Title 35 references a seven-day local declaration unless an elected body agrees to a different length of time. DCED recommends at least a 14-day proclamation or ideally following the lead of the commonwealth on setting an end date to a state of emergency.
Yes, effective April 4, 2021, the maximum occupancy for indoor events will increase from 15% to 25% and outdoor events will increase from 20% to 50%, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
An “event and gathering” is defined as: A temporary grouping of individuals for defined purposes, that takes place over a limited timeframe, such as hours or days. For example, events and gatherings include fairs, festivals, concerts, or shows and groupings that occur within larger, more permanent businesses, such as shows or performances within amusement parks, individual showings of movies on a single screen/auditorium within a multiplex, business meetings or conferences, or each party or reception within a multi-room venue.
These rules don’t apply to religious gatherings held by churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, or other places of worship. Though we do encourage religious institutions to follow mask wearing, physical distancing, and other general health and safety measures.
Yes. DCED staff are teleworking and available. This means staff can take calls and answer questions but may not attend in-person meetings. Please contact the Center for Local Government Services with questions and concerns at 888.223.6837 OR ra-dcedclgs@pa.gov.
Continuity of government is essential but must be conducted differently in these extraordinary times:
- Consider live-streaming meetings through Facebook Live, Skype, GoToMeeting, or other platforms. Some providers are currently offering free service.
- To encourage less in-person attendance, provide alternative means for public comment, such as an email address where comments may be submitted in advance or a call-in number.
The Sunshine Act is clear that public meetings should be held at public buildings with open public participation whenever possible. If an official emergency declaration prevents that from happening, a meeting via teleconference, webinar, or other electronic method that allows for two-way communication is permissible in most circumstances. (Some agencies may be governed by laws which add requirements beyond those included in the Sunshine Act.)
However, any agency taking that step must provide a reasonably accessible method for the public to participate and comment pursuant to Section 710.1 of the Sunshine Act. That method should be clearly explained to the public in advance of and during the meeting. Further, the Office of Open Records strongly recommends that any agency holding such a meeting record the meeting and proactively make the recording available (preferably online) so that a full and complete record of the meeting is available to the public.
To help navigate through the potential financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Pennsylvania businesses, both the state and federal government are offering loans to help offset the revenue lost. Financing programs are available for businesses affected by COVID-19. We recommend that you continue to routinely check back on this webpage as additional information is added.
Be in contact with your county emergency coordinator and your regional health department for specific recommendations for your community.
The Governor’s Resource Page on Covid-19
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is charged with the Commonwealth’s response and is updating the situation status daily.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Governor’s Center for Local Government Services at 888.223.6837 OR ra-dcedclgs@pa.gov
Municipal officials should be aware that the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health and the Governor continue to carefully monitor this situation and issue frequent updates as the situation develops. Different steps may be needed in communities based on the level of outbreak, and you should remain in contact with your local and county emergency management coordinators.
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions related to the Governor’s Executive Order mandating the closures for COVID-19. Similarly, critical infrastructure industry partners must use best judgment, informed by the list and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Critical Infrastructure Guidance, to ensure continued operations of critical infrastructure services and functions. All such decisions should appropriately balance public health and safety while ensuring the continued delivery of critical infrastructure services and functions.
Construction activities not clearly authorized under the DHS Guidance should suspend general operations but may maintain specific limited operations necessary to ensure compliance with federal, state, or local regulatory requirements.
Construction must be suspended except to the extent necessary to stabilize the site, temporarily prevent weather damage and make emergency repairs. Additionally, residential construction projects that have been issued a final occupancy permit may continue to completion (i.e., may complete “punch-list” items discovered after the certificate of occupancy has been issued). No new construction or non-emergency rehabilitation projects may be started. Projects that have received an exemption from the Governor’s and Secretary’s orders may continue to the extent specified in the exemption request.
Beginning May 1, 2020, construction is permitted as authorized by the Governor’s and Secretary of Health’s April 23, 2020 amendments to their business closure orders and in strict compliance with the Administration’s guidance. New construction guidance has been issued for all construction businesses and employees to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. View the Construction Guidance FAQs for any additional questions that you may have.
The Targeted Mitigation Order states that all businesses must conduct their businesses remotely, through individual teleworking of their employees. If that is not possible, employers may conduct in-person business operations provided that their business fully complies with the Targeted Mitigation Order and all existing future and current guidance from the Wolf Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Effective April 4, 2021, any venues hosting indoor and outdoor events, the maximum occupancy for indoor events will increase from 15% to 25% and outdoor events will increase from 20% to 50%, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
Visit the COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses webpage to learn more.