Timeline of Pennsylvania Government Actions:
COVID-19 Response
June 12
In Guidance issued by the Department of Health regarding summer recreation, the Department stated that
"Public bathing places and other outdoor community pools are permitted to operate in counties in the yellow and green phases of the Governor’s phased-in reopening plan, provided they follow CDC guidance for aquatic venues and the Governor’s Guidance for Businesses Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency."
PA Safety Guidelines
June 8
On June 5th, the last 10 counties in the State entered the yellow phase. They included Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia.
Governor Wolf announced on May 30 that the state is continuing its phased reopening with 16 more counties set to go green on June 5. Counties that remain in red and are expected to move to yellow by June 5 include Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Northampton, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. Under the yellow phase, retail locations will be able to open in-store operations if they follow state guidance though curbside pick-up and delivery is still preferred.
In counties that have been designated as in the Green Phase, all businesses (including those restricted or prohibited in the Yellow Phase) are authorized to conduct in-person operations as long as the businesses follow CDC and Department of Health guidelines and other orders or guidance that may be required at that time. All businesses operating at 50% occupancy in the yellow phase can now increase to 75% occupancy.
PA Safety Guidelines
June 1
Governor Wolf announced on May 30 that the state is continuing its phased reopening with 16 more counties set to go green on June 5. Counties that remain in red and are expected to move to yellow by June 5 include Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Northampton, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. Under the yellow phase, retail locations will be able to open in-store operations if they follow state guidance though curbside pick-up and delivery is still preferred.
In counties that have been designated as in the Green Phase, all businesses (including those restricted or prohibited in the Yellow Phase) are authorized to conduct in-person operations as long as the businesses follow CDC and Department of Health guidelines and other orders or guidance that may be required at that time. All businesses operating at 50% occupancy in the yellow phase can now increase to 75% occupancy.
PA Safety Guidelines
May 26
More counties in PA enter Yellow Phase: 5/26/20
Governor Tom Wolf announced that eight additional counties will move to the "yellow" phase of reduced restrictions by May 29. The Governor anticipates that the remaining 10 "red" counties — mostly in Southeastern Pennsylvania (part of the NESPA region) — will be allowed to enter the yellow phase on June 5.
Under the yellow phase, retail locations will be able to open in-store operations if they follow state guidance though curbside pick-up and delivery is still preferred.
PA Safety Guidelines
May 12
Pool Retail Update: 5/12/20
Around our region, State and local enforcement officials have taken different approaches to retail operations for the pool and spa industry. NESPA has reviewed guidance from each of our States and it is our position that pool retail stores are essential businesses.
Our goal is to provide you with the information and tools you need to make the best individual decisions for your company. Please review the information below as you consider how your retail business should operate.
May 1
Governor Wolf announced that in PA all construction can restart on May 1st. This is a week earlier than previously announced.
It is important to fully review the new requirements from the State in order to comply with all safety guidelines. Below you will find a link to the State's guidance as well as valuable resources developed by NESPA to help your company work safely. Complying with State Guidance is important so that we can all continue to work. Bad actors that choose not to follow the rules will negatively impact the rest of the industry.
Below are some important details in the new Construction Guidelines. We recommend you read the complete document to ensure you company is following all of the requirements.
- Follow previously announced guidelines from the PA Secretary of Health and the CDC. Including the April 15 order and April 5th Order.
- Require social distancing (6-feet minimum distance between workers) unless the safety of the public or workers require deviation (i.e. team lifting)
- Identify a “Pandemic Safety Officer” for each project or work site
- Residential Construction: More than four persons are not permitted on the job site at any time inclusive of employees of both prime and subcontractors, but not inclusive of delivery persons, code inspectors, or similar persons who require temporary access to the site
- Commercial Construction: More than four persons are not permitted on the job sites of 2,000 sq. ft. or less any time inclusive of employees of both prime and subcontractors, but not inclusive of delivery persons, code inspectors, or similar persons who require temporary access to the site. One additional person is allowed for each additional 500 square feet.
March 23
Pool & Spa Service Classified as Essential in PA
Effective Monday, March 23 at 8:00 p.m., a “Stay at Home” order was issued for Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties. Individuals may leave their residence to perform work providing essential products or services.
The Office of Governor Wolf has stated that
- Operating a Swimming Pool store is prohibited.
- The building or constructing of Swimming Pools is prohibited. Residential work that is “substantially complete” may continue to completion
- Maintenance of Swimming Pools/Spas is permitted as they fall under the Service to Buildings & Dwellings.
- A waiver from the State in not needed to service pools/spas.
April 13
ATTENTION MEMBERS WORKING IN PENNSYLVANIA
You Can Make A Difference.
ACT NOW!
PHTA and NESPA have identified a measure that may remove the restriction on private and public construction projects.
The measure, HB 2400, recommends a waiver on the Business Closure Order to all public and private construction activities that adhere to the mitigation measures defined by the CDC.
PHTA and NESPA issued letters of support on behalf of both organizations and our members working in Pennsylvania. See letter sent to House Speaker Mark Turzai
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We need YOU to reach out to your PA State Representative and State Senator and encourage them to support HB 2400
March 20
Pennsylvania Orders Only Life-Sustaining Business to Stay Open
Gov. Tom Wolf orders all Pennsylvania businesses that aren’t ‘life-sustaining’ to close effective Thursday, March 19, 2020. The state has put together a document outlining what businesses can and cannot operate.
We believe based on this guidance that Pool & Spa Service falls under an essential business (Other Services/Repair & Maintenance/Personal & Household Goods Repair and Maintenance).
March 16
The Governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced efforts to increase social distancing requirements effective at 8 p.m. on March 16, 2020. These requirements pertain to certain businesses (restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and casinos) and social gatherings. On Saturday, March 14th, the Governor of Pennsylvania announced similar restrictions in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.
Other businesses, including pool and spa companies, can operate from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm each day but must adhere to the following
- Offices, meetings and gatherings can have no more than 50 people. Retail operations should keep store occupancy under 50 people as well.
- Employees should follow social distancing guidelines (What is social distancing?)
We recommend that our members with larger staff sizes review staffing plans to ensure any gathering is under 50 people. Options include using staggered schedules, virtual meetings or teleconferences with staff when necessary. It is also important for companies of all sizes to make sure all employees are aware of social distancing guidelines and how to effectively use them when with coworkers and customers. View additional resources from the CDC here.