Pennsylvania Mask Order Will Be Lifted Monday

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania's mask order will be lifted at 12:01 a.m. Monday, the state Department of Health announced Friday.

The state had initially set a target adult vaccination rate of 70 percent before the mask order would be lifted, but later said it would end no later than June 28. Those who have not yet been vaccinated or are partially vaccinated are still encouraged to wear a mask in public, state officials said.

“We are continuing to make progress toward stopping the spread of COVID-19 throughout the commonwealth, as many Pennsylvanians have taken responsibility for their own health and the health of their communities by getting vaccinated,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “Even though the universal masking order will be lifted in a few days, businesses, organizations, health care providers and other entities maintain the option of requiring employees, guests or customers to wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status.”

Officials said Pennsylvanians are urged to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for wearing a mask. The CDC requires people to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. In addition, all people should still follow guidance at workplaces, local businesses, long-term care facilities, hospitals and other health care facilities, prisons and shelters.

“As we shift to wearing masks less often, it is important to remain resilient in the fight against COVID-19, just as we have done together over the last year and a half,” Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said.