13 More PA Counties To Begin Reopening Next Week

HARRISBURG, PA —Thirteen additional counties will begin to reopen May 15 after six weeks of being under a stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced Friday.

The counties that will move to the yellow phase of coronavirus mitigation measures next week are: Allegheny; Armstrong; Bedford; Blair; Butler; Cambria; Fayette; Fulton; Greene; Indiana; Somerset; Washington; and Westmoreland.

The reopening is part of a three-phase plan that designates each county as red, yellow or green. The color designation determines what mitigation measures previously set to stop the spread of the virus can be lifted.

That makes 37 counties that will be in or soon moving to the yellow phase; 24 moved to that phase Friday.

On Thursday, Gov. Wolf extended the stay-at-home order through June 4 for counties not in the yellow phase.

To determine each region's eligibility to reopen, officials are assessing target goals related to infection rates, testing capabilities, hospital capacity and other factors. MORE: Here Are The Metrics That Will Guide PA's Reopening

In the yellow phase, stay-at-home orders will be lifted, but large gatherings of 25 or more people will be prohibited. Retail stores may reopen but with curbside and delivery the preferred method of operation. Gyms, spas and entertainment venues such as theaters and casinos will remain closed in the yellow phase. Restaurants will still be limited to carryout or delivery.

Businesses that reopen will be required follow a set of rules and procedures to conduct in-person operations.

Child care centers will reopen in the yellow phase with safety orders, and telework must continue whenever possible. Organized team sports are not permitted in the yellow phase.

Congregate care and prison restrictions will remain in place, and schools will remain closed for in-person instruction. All reopened businesses must follow guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health for social distancing and cleaning.

Officials have already stated there is no timeline for reopening the Philadelphia region, which will be among the last to have the mitigation measures lifted.

Pennsylvania's coronavirus death toll reached 3,616 after 200 new deaths were reported Friday. The state health department also confirmed 1,323 additional positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 54,238

>>>Full coverage of coronavirus in Pennsylvania