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Motion of the Council of Allegheny County urging individuals and businesses within Allegheny County and throughout the Commonwealth to carefully review and remain cognizant of the standards and guidance in place as counties progress in easing restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Wolf began issuing strict “stay at home” orders to counties within the Commonwealth in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, those orders ultimately covered all counties within the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, on May 8, 2020, Governor Wolf began a gradual easing of these orders for several counties, mostly located in the northern portion of the Commonwealth, according to a color-coded system; and
WHEREAS, under this color-coded system, counties subject to strict stay at home orders are categorized as “red,” counties subject to intermediate restrictions are categorized as “yellow,” and counties subject to the fewest restrictions are categorized as “green”; and
WHEREAS, on May 15, 2020, several more counties - including Allegheny County - were moved to “yellow” status; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Governor has posted the general parameters of the color coded system on the Commonwealth’s website, at https://www.governor.pa.gov/process-to-reopen-pennsylvania/ ; and
WHEREAS, while the information contained at that location is helpful, it appears to be intended as a summary of the applicable guidelines for citizens and businesses as restrictions are eased; and
WHEREAS, additional, more specific information is available at https://www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200504-COVID-19-Business-Guidance.pdf ; and
WHEREAS, it is the judgment of Council that all County and Commonwealth residents and businesses should carefully review all information that is available to them as restrictions are eased rather than relying solely upon the abbreviated summary, in order to minimize confusion and the potential for conflict relating to what activities are permitted or required;
The Council of the County of Allegheny therefore hereby moves as follows:
Council hereby urges individuals and businesses within Allegheny County and throughout the Commonwealth to carefully review and remain cognizant of all standards and guidance in place as counties progress in easing restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. In support of this goal, a copy of the Commonwealth's publication entitled “Guidance for Businesses Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency to Ensure the Safety and Health of Employees and the Public” is attached hereto.