Governor Tom Wolf announced on April 15 that PA Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine signed an order which outlines safety measures for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This order provides critical protections for the workers needed to run and operate these life-sustaining establishments,” said Governor Wolf in a press release.

Employers are to provide masks for their employees to wear during in person business as well as make it a mandatory requirement on the work site, all in line with the PA Department of Health’s published guidelines.

In addition, employers are made to prevent large gatherings of people in one area at the same time as well as provide sufficient space for six feet social distancing.

Guidelines for how businesses are supposed to react in the case of exposure to a confirmed case of the virus are also given.

The order instructs businesses to require all customers to wear masks while on the premise and even deny entry to possible customers not wearing masks. An exception is made for businesses that supply food, medication, and/or medical supplies. In such cases, the business is made to provide alternative methods for customers to receive their goods.

Another exception is made for individuals incapable of wearing masks due to a medical condition, which includes children the age of 2 years. Said exempt individuals are not required to provide medical proof of their condition.

Failure of businesses to comply with the order’s regulations may result in citations, fines, or license suspensions.

The order will be enforced starting April 19 at 8pm.

“Together,” said Dr. Levine, “we can all help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”