Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf Urges Non-Essential Business to Close

 Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf is urging non-essential businesses across the state to close for at least 14 days to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

Previously, the Governor had designated Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montogmery Counties for mitigation but expanded that to the entire commonwealth at 12:01 a.m. March 17.

Wolf says 'non-essential businesses' include entertainment, hospitality and recreational facilities (including gyms), community and recreation centers, casinos, nail salons, sporting event venues, retail facilities ( including shopping malls) and golf courses.  Stores like pharmacies would be exempt.

The Governor is ordering Pennsylvania restaurants and bars to close dine-in facilities and eating and drinking inside restaurants and bars is temporarily prohibited. 

Wolf says residents should be aware of distancing practices and the Trump Administration’s guidance to avoid gatherings of 10 or more.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation now says all driver, photo license centers are closed. Expiration dates are extended and all PennDOT rest areas and welcome centers statewide are closed.