Local Government COVID-19 FAQs

Here are two examples:

The Governor’s proclamation

OR

The Municipal Coordinator’s Handbook (pages 40 and 41)

Effective Monday, May 31, 2021, all COVID-19 restrictions related to gatherings, restaurants, and other businesses will be lifted.

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)

National Institutes of Health

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.

Effective Monday, May 31, 2021, all COVID-19 restrictions related to gatherings, restaurants, and other businesses will be lifted.