The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on Tuesday it wants state residents to wear masks in their homes if people who do not live with them are visiting during the Thanksgiving season.
The rule is part of new guidelines set forth by Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, and echoed by Gov. Tom Wolf (D), in anticipation of people having family over for the holidays. The masks are required to be worn indoors even if people are socially distant.
Today @SecretaryLevine announced targeted efforts to control the spread of #COVID19 in Pennsylvania, including:
— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) November 17, 2020
?? Issuing memo to acute care hospital CEOs/CMOs outlining opportunity to work collaboratively + expectations if they don’t to ensure health systems can provide care pic.twitter.com/N4yzrkylIt
?? Strengthening masking order. Masks are still required. Indoors: masks now required anytime you’re with people outside of your household, even if you’re socially distant. Applies to all indoor facilities + if you have people in your home not part of your household
— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) November 17, 2020
Masks are still required indoors and outdoors.
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) November 18, 2020
Masks are required indoors anytime you’re with people outside of your household — even if you’re socially distant.
This applies to all indoor facilities. It also applies if you have people in your home not part of your household.
In addition to the mask-wearing, Pennsylvania is requiring those who are traveling from out of state to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to reentering.
"If someone cannot get a test or chooses not to, they must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Pennsylvania," the new order says. "Pennsylvanians visiting other states are required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their return to the commonwealth, or to quarantine for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania. This does NOT apply to people who commute to and from another state for work or medical treatment."