Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
Last updated: May 11, 2021
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
Every Pennsylvania adult is now eligible for the COVID vaccine and more and more Pennsylvanians are getting vaccinated every day.
Here are resources to help individuals, families, and businesses follow safety guidance and get vaccinated.
If somebody has taken drugs and becomes unresponsive, call 911 immediately. These resources are intended for preventive measures only.
Popular Resources
Get Vaccinated
All Pennsylvania adults are now eligible to be vaccinated.
Want to get vaccinated? Remember the 3 Cs
Step 1: Check for a provider near you with vaccine supply
Step 2: Call to set up your appointment
Step 3: Can’t forget your second dose!
Step 1: Check for a Provider Near You with Vaccine
Use the vaccine provider map to locate a provider near you who has the vaccine.
Step 2: Call to Set Up Your Appointment
Call or email the provider of your choice to set up your appointment.
Step 3: Can’t Forget Your Second Dose!
COVID vaccines are given in two doses, given a couple of weeks to a month apart.
Your provider will give you a card to keep track of both of your vaccine doses.
Track Pennsylvania’s Progress
Check out the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard to track the progress of vaccine distribution in Pennsylvania.
Why Vaccines?
Vaccines are safe and are the best way to protect yourself and those around you from serious illnesses.
The COVID-19 vaccine can keep you from getting COVID-19, and may even lessen symptoms if you do contract the virus.
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience sickness.
What If I’ve Already Had COVID?
Because experts don’t know how long immunity lasts after someone get sick with COVID-19, a vaccine would still offer important protection to Pennsylvanians who have already had COVID.
How Much Do Vaccines Cost?
Vaccine doses purchased with American dollars will be provided by the federal government at no cost.
Learn More
Get the latest vaccine updates and answers to frequently asked questions from the Department of Health. If you have questions about the vaccination process in Pennsylvania, please call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
COVID-19 Dashboard
Check out the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Dashboard to see up-to-date data on case counts and demographics, hospital preparedness, and testing.
Mask Up, PA
In Pennsylvania, masks are required indoors and outdoors if you’re away from your home.
The masking order will be lifted when 70% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated.
According to the CDC, there are several activities that fully vaccinated people can resume now without wearing a mask, as low risk to themselves, while being mindful of the potential risk of transmitting the virus to others. Learn more.
See the frequently asked questions on the Department of Health website for more information on masking in Pennsylvania.
COVID Mitigation in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is uniting against COVID. Here are the mitigation measures in place to keep people safe:
| Business, Work, School, Child Care, and Congregate Settings |
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| Social Restrictions |
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Local Guidelines
The Wolf Administration supports local officials who choose to maintain additional restrictions. The following counties are under additional local guidelines:
Upcoming Changes to Mitigation
Effective May 17, 2021, maximum capacity limits for events and gatherings will be increased to 50% for indoor and 75% for outdoor.
Effective May 31, 2021, we are lifting COVID mitigation orders. The masking order will be lifted when 70% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated.
These updates will not prevent municipalities and school districts from continuing and implementing stricter mitigation efforts.
The Department of Health recommends that Pennsylvanians refer to CDC guidance and recommendations regarding ongoing COVID-19 safety measures and procedures. More information about this announcement.
COVID Mitigation Orders
Get Help
Unemployment Compensation
If you are employed in Pennsylvania and are unable to work because of COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation (UC) or Workers’ Compensation (WC) benefits.
Check out the guide to unemployment benefits to learn more.
Other Financial Help
Credit Cards
If you have seen a reduction in pay due to COVID-19 and are struggling to make your credit card or loan payments, contact your lender right away. Regulatory agencies have encouraged financial institutions to work with customers impacted by the coronavirus. For guidance, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or contact a credit counselor near you.
Mortgage, Rent, and Utilities
If you can’t cover your mortgage payment or rent, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Do not wait until you’re behind on payments. Some lenders may work out an agreement with you to waive late fees, set up a repayment plan or offer loan forbearance.
If you are at risk for eviction or loss of utility service help is now available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Pennsylvanians can submit applications online at compass.state.pa.us.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman has also put protections in place for low-income Pennsylvanians. Learn more about these protections.
Home heating help is available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Learn more and apply for the program.
Food Assistance
Pennsylvanians out of work and without pay, or with significantly reduced hours as a result of COVID-19, are eligible to receive state and federally sourced foods from Pennsylvania’s food banks and pantries. Find a pantry near you, then give them a call to make arrangements.
There are many other food assistance resources available. Find a comprehensive list on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website.
Mental Health Resources
It’s normal to feel stress around COVID-19. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not an indication of weakness.
Use the Mental Health Resources guide to find more help and information available to Pennsylvanians
More Resources for Pennsylvanians
Resources for Businesses
Businesses play a critical role in protecting your workers, customers, suppliers, and the general public.
All businesses with in-person operations should follow building and business safety guidelines issued by the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines may change over time, so be sure to check back for updates. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations still apply.
COVID-19 Guidance for all Businesses
All businesses are required to review and comply with the COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses. This guide includes the basics our businesses and workers need to safely get back to work. As you reopen, you will need to follow all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Please print, sign, and post the COVID-19 Safety Procedures for Businesses sign (updated 6/26/20) near all public entrances and in worker common areas. Signs should be easy to spot. Two sizes are available for download — use whichever size that works best for your printer.
Legal-sized paper (8.5×14 inches and only uses one piece of paper)
Letter-sized paper (8.5×11 inches and uses two pieces of paper)
Restaurant Self-Certification
Self-certification is an optional program by which you can reassure your employees and customers that you are adhering to all appropriate guidance.
It’s free to join the program and enrollment is voluntary. Participating restaurants will receive a listing on the searchable public Open & Certified PA Business Directory.
The self-certification form is available here.
For questions about the Open and Certified Pennsylvania program, read the Frequently Asked Questions or email covidselfcert@pa.gov.
Resources and Loans
To help navigate through the potential financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Pennsylvania businesses, the state and federal government are offering loans to help offset the revenue lost.
Check the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website for the most up-to-date information on resources and loans for businesses.
