Governor Wolf announced today that Secretary Health Dr. Rachel Levine has signed a new order that expands on the business safety order signed in April that requires that masks be worn in businesses.
Wolf’s announcement states “masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home” and takes effect immediately. You can read the new order here. Wolf shared that Dr. Levine has the authority to issue this order un the Disease and Control Act.
Throughout the pandemic, Wolf has consistently and poorly explained the recommended and required behavior the public is to follow. The new order doesn’t mean you have to wear a mask every time you walk out of your front door as Wolf’s announcement suggests.
The order states masks must be worn when people are “outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a social distance of six feet from individuals who are not members of their household.” The other four requirements involve indoor spaces, taxis/rideshare, obtaining medical care, and work/common spaces.
“This mask-wearing order is essential to stopping the recent increase in COVID-19 cases we have seen in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Wolf said. “Those hot spots can be traced to situations where Pennsylvanians were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing – two practices that must be adhered to if we want to maintain the freedoms we have in place under our reopening.”
“It is essential that Pennsylvanians wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “While cases increase in some areas, we cannot become complacent. My mask protects you, and your mask protects me. Wearing a mask shows that you care about others, and that you are committed to protecting the lives of those around you.”
The mask-wearing order will be sent to state and local officials, law enforcement and others tasked with education about the order for those not in compliance.
Photo: If you are wondering, its a stock photo, but as we were walking out of the Weis in East Norriton one day, a guy was walking in wearing something very similar to this.