PA Delays Business Closure Enforcement; Updated List Released

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf said he's delaying enforcement of the closure of all non-life-sustaining businesses until Monday at 8 a.m. Wolf ordered Thursday that all non-life-sustaining businesses must close to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Enforcement was originally set to start Saturday, but has been extended due to the high volume of waiver requests. The order stands, his office confirmed. The only change is the enforcement timing.

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The governor has also made some changes to the list of businesses that are defined as life-sustaining and non-life-sustaining.

All sectors of the natural resource and mining industry are permitted to stay open. Dry cleaning and laundromats have been now classified as life-sustaining, as are specialty food stores.

Other additions include insurance carriers, agencies, and brokerages and accounting and tax preparation services.

Here is the updated list:

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 1-877-PA-HEALTH and select option 1 to reach DCED staff.

Businesses who would like to apply for a waiver can do so online here.

When a business completes a waiver form, state officials will review each request and respond. Those requesting a waiver will be notified via email if their operations are permitted to re-open.

Businesses applying for a waiver must remain closed until a decision is made about their application, the governor's office said.

As of Friday, the state had a total of 268 cases of the coronavirus. One person has died.

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