New orders from Gov. Wolf / Dr. Levine

Sorry for the brief hiatus, folks. I think I was suffering from a little election fatigue. I expect to be back in the flow after Thanksgiving. For now, "enjoy" these two new orders from Governor Wolf and Dr. Levine that may impact your workplace:

Traveler Testing

Just in time for Thanksgiving! People coming into Pennsylvania from another state (whether traveling to, or returning to, Pennsylvania) are required to either (a) get a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering PA; or (b) quarantining for ~~72 hours~~ 14 Days (updated on 11/18/2020) (sidenote: perhaps some FFCRA implications here?). Full order.

Strengthened Masking

Masks are required to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home.

When outdoors, a mask must be worn if you are not able to remain physically distant (at least 6 feet away) from someone not in your household the entire time you are outdoors.

When indoors, masks will now be required even if you are physically distant from members not in your household. This means that even if you are able to be 6 feet apart, you will need to wear a mask while inside if with people other than members of your household.

This order applies to every indoor facility, including homes, retail establishments, gyms, doctors’ offices, public transportation, and anywhere food is prepared, packaged or served.

Of course, there are exceptions:

If wearing a face covering while working would create an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.

If wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition, or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition or a disability.

When necessary to confirm the individual’s identity.

While obtaining a service that requires the temporary removal of the face covering, such as dental services.

When working alone and isolated from interaction with other people with little or no expectation of in-person interaction.

If an individual is communicating or seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired or has another disability, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

Full order.

Other Guidance

We also got two industry-specific memos: