Coronavirus In PA: Enforcement Underway For Business Closures

HARRISBURG, PA — Enforcement began Monday morning against non-life-sustaining businesses that have not closed their physical locations following to the governor's order to do so, issued to fight the spread of the new coronavirus.

Enforcement could include citations, fines, and license suspensions, Gov. Tom Wolf said.

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During a news conference Sunday evening, Wolf urged compliance, asking businesses to do their part to safeguard the health of all Pennsylvanians. As of Sunday, Pennsylvania was reporting 479 cases of COVID-19 and three deaths.

In Philadelphia, a stay-at-home order too effect at 8 a.m. Monday.

Wolf ordered Thursday that all non-life-sustaining businesses must close in an effort to blunt the spread of the coronavirus. Enforcement was originally set to start Saturday but was extended to 8 a.m. Monday due to the high volume of waiver requests.

Life-sustaining businesses include grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies. Restaurants are permitted to offer takeout only. Non-life-sustaining businesses may continue to operate remotely by telework.

State police have said they're prepared to enforce the order.

“The priority of the Pennsylvania State Police is protecting lives and maintaining order in the commonwealth," said Col. Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. "In light of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, troopers and liquor control enforcement officers are prepared to ensure compliance with Governor Wolf’s order."

Other agencies that will be enforcing the order include the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and local officials.

Here is the list of businesses and what their designation is:

Businesses needing clarification on whether they are defined as life-sustaining should email the Department of Community and Economic Development at ra-dcedcs@pa.gov, or call 877-PA-HEALTH and select option 1 to reach DCED staff.

Businesses that would like to apply for a waiver can do so online here. Businesses applying for a waiver must remain closed until a decision is made about their application, the governor's office said.

>>> Full coverage of coronavirus in Pennsylvania