This afternoon Governor Wolf announced that counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania including Delaware County may soon move into the Yellow Phase of the Governor’s Plan for Reopening. During a press conference, the Governor announced a timeline that projects a June 5th transition to the Yellow Phase for Delaware County and the four surrounding counties of Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia.
Under the Yellow Phase:
The current stay-at-home order is lifted
Gatherings under 25 people are permitted
Many businesses will be allowed to open but will be required to follow state guidance to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak
Working from home is encouraged when feasible
Precautions including social distancing and wearing a mask are still recommended
Retail stores can reopen but are encouraged to offer delivery and curbside pickup as much as possible
Child Care Centers can open with guidance
Restaurants and bars remain closed to in-person business but can continue to offer takeout and delivery
Gyms, salons, malls, movie theaters, and casinos will remain closed
“This is a sign that the efforts we have been making as a community to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus have been working and have been recognized by the Governor’s Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Health,” said Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek. “It’s been two months that our County has been under the Governor’s stay-at-home order, which has been extremely difficult for all residents. Council has been advocating for guidelines, metrics, and procedures that would help us to safely loosen the restrictions as soon as possible, and this announcement is a sign that we are moving in the right direction.”
The Governor also announced that, based on the progress counties make to keep the spread of COVID-19 to a minimum while in the Yellow Phase, counties may move into the Green Phase as soon as the end of June. Under the Green Phase, businesses will be allowed to open and there are no restrictions on social gatherings, but all residents and businesses should still follow CDC and Health Department guidelines.
“As Delaware County moves into the Yellow Phase, residents must remain vigilant to ensure we don’t trigger further outbreaks,” said Zidek. “A future spike in positive cases could set counties back to a Red Phase.”
Residents are urged to adhere to the same guidance that we’ve been following, including social distancing and wearing a mask.
“Some, in their eagerness to return to normalcy, may begin to disregard the guidance. Many may want to gather with their friends and family at barbeques and pools this Memorial Day weekend,” said Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden “Now is not the time to let our guards down. We are urging residents to stay the course so we can reach and stay in the Yellow Phase and then reach the Green Phase as quickly as possible.”
Delaware County is also announcing the formation of the ReOpen Delco Task Force. The Task Force, comprised of business leaders and community stakeholders, will be working to help Delaware County businesses and organizations navigate the safe transition into the Yellow Phase and then the Green Phase. More information on the ReOpen Delco Task Force will be announced soon.
The Chester County Health Department has also updated the Delaware County COVD-19 dashboard. The new dashboard includes data and graphics which show progress towards reaching the Yellow Phase. The dashboard can be found here: www.chesco.org/4376/Coronavirus-COVID-19
Detailed information and guidance from the State on phased reopening can be found here: www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#PhasedReopening