Pennsylvania Expands Mask-Wearing Requirements

HARRISBURG, PA — Officials in Pennsylvania on Wednesday expanded mask-wearing requirements amid the coronavirus pandemic, making it mandatory that all residents wear a mask anytime they leave home.

This is one step further than the previous rule of making face coverings mandatory while in businesses.

The order, signed by the health secretary under the Disease Prevention and Control Act, takes effect immediately.

“This mask-wearing order is essential to stopping the recent increase in COVID-19 cases we have seen in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “Those hot spots can be traced to situations where Pennsylvanians were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing – two practices that must be adhered to if we want to maintain the freedoms we have in place under our reopening.”

According to the order, 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

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.

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

As of Wednesday, Pennsylvania has reported 87,242 COVID-19 cases and 6,687 total deaths.

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