Will PA Mask Order Be Enforced? 8 Things To Know About New Rules

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania has expanded its mask-wearing requirements, making it mandatory that all residents wear a face covering whenever leaving their homes.

The order takes the mask-wearing measures one step further than the previous rule of making face coverings mandatory while in businesses.

Here are some common questions about the updated order, and about mask wearing in general:

When does Pennsylvania's new mask order go into effect?

The updated order, issued Wednesday, went into effect immediately.

When do I have to wear a mask?

As of Wednesday, all Pennsylvanians must wear a face covering that goes over their nose when:

• outdoors and unable to maintain a distance of 6 feet at all times
• in any indoor location where there are members of the public
• waiting for, riding on, driving in, or operating public transportation, taxi, or ride-sharing car
• at a hospital, doctor's office, pharmacy, and any healthcare setting
• at work

What if I am not sure the activity I am doing requires a mask?

When in doubt about a circumstance or if a specific situation is not included in the order, err on the side of caution and wear a mask, said Sara Goulet, the governor's deputy press secretary.

Why do I have to wear a mask?

There is increasing evidence, both in studies and in real-life scenarios, that mask wearing slows the spread of the virus.

The virus is spread through respiratory droplets dispersed when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks.

The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a study that showed nearly all droplets emerging from someone's mouth when they said "stay healthy" were blocked when the person's mouth was covered by a damp washcloth.

A Nature Medicine study found when people with influenza or the common cold wore a surgical mask, it significantly reduced the amount of respiratory viruses in droplets and aerosols.

Health Affairs, which recently compared the COVID-19 growth rate before and after mask mandates in 15 states, found the mandates led to a slowdown in daily infection growth rates.

Another study by ResearchGate looked at 198 countries and found those with government policies supporting public mask wearing had lower per-capita mortality from COVID-19.

Masks are credited for preventing the spread of coronavirus in a Missouri hair salon. Two stylists who later tested positive for COVID-19 interacted with 146 clients and coworkers while wearing masks and didn't infect anyone else, the local health department said.

How will this be enforced? Can I get a ticket if I am not wearing a mask?

Pennsylvania officials say they're "relying on the good sense and cooperative spirit" of residents.

"At this time law enforcement will not be charged with enforcing this latest order with citations for noncompliance. Other existing orders, such as the business safety order, will continue to be enforced with educational tactics, warnings and possible citations for non-compliance," Goulet said.

Who doesn't have to wear a mask?

There are limited exceptions to the face-covering requirement, including for those who cannot wear a mask due medical condition and children under the age of 2. Other exceptions include people who can not remove it without assistance, and those who are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired.

What should I do if I see someone who isn't wearing a mask?

All businesses should post that masks are required. Customers who are not wearing one should be asked to leave and return with a mask on, officials have said.

If you encounter an unmasked person in a public place that is not inside a business, it's best to approach the situation with sensitivity, says Aziza Ahmed, a Northeastern University law professor who specializes in health.

“We have to be sensitive to the fact that we don’t actually know why they might not be following public health guidance,” Ahmed said in a report published by the university. “You just might have to leave or separate yourself, and I think it’s becoming increasingly acceptable to say things like, ‘please stand back,’ ‘please stand away from me.’”

One thing is for certain: don't engage in a physical confrontation over the matter. "We don't want physical confrontations" over mask wearing, Health Secretary Rachel Levine said this week.

How long will we have to wear masks everywhere?

The updated order remains in place "until further notice."

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