Erie County is allowed to move to the green phase of Pennsylvania's reopening plan next Friday, June 26, according to Gov. Tom Wolf Friday.

Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and Susquehanna will also move from yellow to green on the same date.

Philadelphia County met the criteria and will move to the state’s green phase on June 26; however, local officials will maintain some additional restrictions until July 3.

The designation allows gyms, barbers and theaters to reopen. Bars and restaurants may allow indoor dining, at half their normal capacity.

Gatherings of up to 250 people are permitted in green zones.

Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper said the community still needs to take precautions to keep the rate of infection from growing, and she reminded the public the virus is still out there, and the pandemic is not over.

Dahlkemper also said the county does not condone businesses opening before next Friday.

Erie County Department of Health environmental health services supervisor David George said it has come to their attention that some businesses have become lackadaisical in enforcing the mask mandate.

Gov. Wolf said mask-wearing is required when entering any Pennsylvania business in both the yellow and green phases of reopening.

Erie County was among the first counties to move to the yellow phase May 8.

Crawford and Warren Counties transitioned to the green phase May 29.

The state has allowed outdoor dining in yellow phase counties including Erie since June 5.

 

GREEN PHASE
WORK & CONGREGATE SETTING RESTRICTIONS
  • Continued Telework Strongly Encouraged
  • Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Updated Business and Building Safety Requirements
  • All Businesses Operating at 50% Occupancy in the Yellow Phase May Increase to 75% Occupancy
  • Child Care May Open Complying with Guidance
  • Congregate Care Restrictions in Place
  • Prison and Hospital Restrictions Determined by Individual Facilities
  • Schools Subject to CDC and Commonwealth Guidance
SOCIAL RESTRICTIONS
  • Large Gatherings of More Than 250 Prohibited
  • Masks Are Required When Entering a Business
  • Restaurants and Bars Open at 50% Occupancy
  • Personal Care Services (including hair salons and barbershops) Open at 50% Occupancy and by Appointment Only
  • Indoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities, and Personal Care Services (such as gyms and spas) Open at 50% Occupancy with Appointments Strongly Encouraged
  • All Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) Open at 50% Occupancy
  • Construction Activity May Return to Full Capacity with Continued Implementation of Protocols