Gov. Wolf Announces Changes To Event Capacity Rules

HARRISBURG, PA — Event and gathering capacity limits in Pennsylvania will increase next week, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Tuesday. Starting May 17 at 12:01, permitted capacities will increase to 50 percent for indoor events and 75 percent for outdoor events.

“As more Pennsylvania adults get vaccinated and guidance from the CDC evolves, we can continue to move forward with the commonwealth’s reopening efforts,” Gov. Wolf said in a statement. “We recognize the significant strain businesses have faced during COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Throughout the last year and half, we have seen businesses continue to put the safety of their patrons first and I believe they will continue to do so even with this capacity increase.”

The state has said all mitigation orders will be eased as of Memorial Day.

This update will not prevent municipalities, school districts, restaurants and venues from continuing and implementing stricter mitigation efforts, the governor's office said.

Social distancing is "strongly recommended for municipalities, school districts, restaurants, and venues," the governor said in his announcement.

Face coverings must be worn indoors and outdoors if you are outside your home. Fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians are not required to wear a mask during certain activities.

The current state order requiring masks will be lifted when 70 percent of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated. Experts estimate that will likely be sometime in June.