Reopening timeline:

April 21, 2020 – Car dealerships were allowed to re open for vehicle sales limited to online transactions and in person by appointment only.

May 1, 2020 –  golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned campgrounds may reopen statewide and are required to follow updated life-sustaining business guidance and FAQ issued by the Wolf Administration to include specifics for how these outdoor recreational industries can resume activities while prioritizing public health and safety. Campgrounds in state parks will remain closed through Thursday, May 14.

May 8, 2020 – Limited construction projects can begin and some parts of the state can reopen non-life sustaining businesses.

May 8, 2020 – 24  Pennsylvania counties are moved into the “Yellow Phase” of reopening, including Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Venango, and Warren. This  “aggressive mitigation” phase means a slight easing of the restrictions that were in place  in the “Red Phase”, where only life sustaining and necessary businesses were allowed to remain open.  For these north-central Pennsylvania communities, it means that retail stores may open, gatherings of up to 25 are allowed and child care centers may also reopen.  However, restaurants and bars are still limited to take out and delivery.  Telework from home should continue and schools, gyms, theaters and casinos will remain closed.

May 8, 2020 –  Beaver County political leaders announce that local businesses that do not have state regulated licenses would be permitted to open even though Beaver County was not included in list of counties that  PA Governor Tom Wolf announced that would enter the “Yellow Phase” of re opening on May 15, 2020.

Beaver County Commission Chairman Daniel C. Camp announces Beaver County’s rogue re opening plan on May 8, 2020.

May 15, 2020 – The next wave of Pennsylvania counties entered the “Yellow Phase” of having some Corona virus restrictions lifted.  According to an announcement by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf on May 8, 2020, those counties included: Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland.

May 22, 2020 –  Beaver County, along with Adams, Carbon, Columbia, Cumberland, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Wayne, and York counties will enter the “Yellow Phase” as announced in a press conference by Governor Tom Wolf on May 15, 2020. That brings the total to  49 counties that will have had business and stay at home restrictions restrictions eased.  The remaining 18 Pennsylvania Counties, primarily in the south and east sector of the state, will continue to be under full stay at home orders.

June 4, 2020 –  Stay at home orders for much of Pennsylvania, including counties that were not moved into the “yellow phase”, were extended up through June 4, 2020 according to an announcement made by Governor Tom Wolf on May 7, 2020.

June 13, 2020 –  Beaver County is scheduled to enter the “Green Phase” of governor Tom Wolf’s plan, meaning that Restaurants and bars will now be allowed to be open for dine in service, barbers and hair salons will be allowed to open, among other things.

Free download information with guidance for re opening a business provided by Craig Pritts at My Benefit Advisor and The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce:

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has published the following set of guidelines as restrictions are lifted:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance on visiting parks and recreational facilities. These guidelines must be followed statewide by businesses and when engaging in outdoor activity while the state disaster declaration remains in effect. The guidelines will ensure the safety of individuals and families engaging in outdoor activities and adherence will help slow the spread of COVID-19.

  • Stay close to home: Pennsylvanians are encouraged to enjoy permitted outdoor recreational activities within their community and avoid crowding popular destinations.
  • Practice social distancing: Maintain the recommended minimum 6 feet apart from fellow recreationists. Pennsylvanians are also encouraged to wear a mask or protective garment that covers the nose and mouth any time they go outside. If a parking lot at a park is full or there are too many people on the same trail, find an alternate place to recreate. Cross the street to avoid running directly past another runner or wait longer at a golf hole for a fellow golfer to move forward.
  • Minimize risk to others: Individuals should only go out if they feel healthy and have not been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Practice good hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs and handrails.
  • Have a plan: Create a safety plan before heading outdoors. Explain to children the need to keep their distance from others, even if they happen to see a friend while outside. Discuss with partners, social distancing while on the golf course. Think through how to avoid other runners when waiting to safely cross a street at the same time.

COVID 19 News and Updates: