The entire commonwealth is now under statewide COVID-19 mitigation. Here is what statewide mitigation means. 

General Guidance 

• Freedom of travel will remain, but all Pennsylvanians are asked to refrain from non-essential travel. 
• The Wolf Administration strongly encourages the suspension of large gatherings, events, conferences of more than 10 people, and per White House guidelines, ask that individuals and groups cancel any gatherings planned over the next eight weeks. 
• The Wolf Administration encourages religious leaders to exercise discretion in order to mitigate the spread of illness. 

Businesses 

• Supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations will remain open. The administration issued guidance for non-essential businesses, such as gyms, movie theaters and shopping malls to protect employees, customers, and suppliers and limit the spread of the virus through personal contact and surfaces. 
• All restaurants and bars must close their dine-in facilities to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Businesses that offer carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service may continue to do so but eating and drinking inside restaurants and bars is temporarily prohibited. 

Schools 

• Governor Tom Wolf announced on March 13 that all K-12 Pennsylvania schools will be closed for 10 business days effective Monday, March 16. 

Care Facilities 

• Restricted visitors in state centers to ensure health and safety for individuals with an intellectual disability. 
• Restricted visitors in assisted living and personal care homes to minimize exposure to our seniors and individuals with disabilities. 
• All child care centers licensed by the commonwealth close as of Tuesday, March 17 and will be re-evaluated at the conclusion of the 14-day statewide closures. Philadelphia County families should check with their child care facilities to determine status of business operations. 
• Adult day care centers, adult training facilities, Provocations facilities, LIFE centers and Senior Community Centers close beginning Tuesday, March 17, and will be re-evaluated at the conclusion of the 14-day statewide closures. 

Government Services 

• Essential state, county, and municipal services will be open: police, fire, emergency medical services, sanitation, and essential services for vulnerable populations. 
• A no-visitor policy for correctional facilities and nursing homes has been implemented and will be evaluated for other facilities. 

Public Utilities Commission halts service terminations 

Many folks, particularly hourly employees, are out of work given the closure of non essential businesses.  

This may mean that it is difficult or impossible to pay your utility bills, but there is good news from the Public Utilities Commission.   

This week they announced an emergency order prohibiting electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunication and steam utility terminations.    

The moratorium will remain in place for as long as the proclamation of disaster is in effect.  

Please remain healthy, practice as much social distancing as you are able, and do not worry about your utilities being shut off.