PA Lifts COVID Travel Restrictions, Eases Gathering Rules

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday announced revised coronavirus mitigation restrictions that are effective immediately. The relaxing of restrictions on attending indoor and outdoor sports and entertainment events comes as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline across the state.

Wolf's announcement means that the state's professional sports franchises that currently are or soon will be playing — the Flyers and Penguins in the NHL and Major League Baseball's Phillies and Pirates — will be able to have fans in attendance. Audiences also will be permitted for events such as live theater and music performances.

The maximum occupancy limits for indoor events are now are at 15 percent, while outdoor venue attendance is capped at 20 percent. Masks and social distancing measures are still required at all venues.

Pennsylvania also is eliminating out-of-state travel restrictions. People over the age of 11 who visit another state no longer will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine themselves for 14 days upon entering the state.

“Pennsylvania is taking a measured approach to revising or lifting mitigation orders,” Wolf said in a news release.

“The reason we are seeing cases drop can be attributed, in part, to people following the mitigation efforts we have in place. Mask-wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene are making a difference and need to continue even as we see more and more people fully vaccinated. We need to balance protecting public health with leading the state to a robust economic recovery. We are lifting mitigation efforts only when we believe it is safe to do so.”

As of Feb. 26, 14 percent of the state's population had received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. The COVID-19 positivity rate in Pennsylvania was 6.3 percent. The hospital bed capacity was at 41 percent.

The state's revised order on gatherings can be found here.

The news comes as Philadelphia enters eased coronavirus restrictions as of Monday. More information on the status of Philadelphia mitigation can be viewed here.