On March 14, the Department of Community and Economic Development, in consultation with the Department of Health, issued guidance for non-essential businesses in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Gov. Tom Wolf has strongly urged non-essential businesses in the four counties to close during their county-specific mitigation periods to protect employees, customers, and suppliers and limit the spread of the virus through personal contact and surfaces.
As a matter of public health, it is the Department of Health’s strong recommendation that businesses cease operations to mitigate the spread of this disease. In particular, the following types of businesses should temporarily cease regular operations:
-- Community and recreation centers
-- Gyms, including yoga/spin/barre facilities
-- Hair salons, nail salons, and spas
-- Casinos, concert venues, and theaters
-- Bars
-- Sporting events facilities and golf courses
-- Non-essential retail facilities, including shopping malls (except for pharmacy or other health care facilities located therein)
-- NOTE: Liquor stores will begin an orderly closure. Individuals can still buy wine and beer at grocery stores with PLCB licenses
-- NOTE: Restaurants should stay open for carry-out and delivery only
DCED and DOH are reaching out to businesses through a letter to provide guidance on the types of businesses that are urged to close. The letter also indicates to businesses that financial assistance opportunities are available to mitigate the financial impact of closures.
“We are committed to keeping all Pennsylvanians safe and healthy, and we are taking every measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said DCED Secretary Dennis Davin. “We continue to report new cases of coronavirus every day, and additional steps must be taken to stop the spread. Therefore, we strongly urge non-essential businesses across Pennsylvania to do their part by temporarily closing to help mitigate the spread of this contagious virus.”
“We understand that small businesses are an economic driver in Pennsylvania, and a temporary closure will be a financial and community disruptor,” Davin said. “However, our top priority is maintaining public health and safety of all Pennsylvanians and taking these proactive steps now can help mitigate a potential community spread. DCED is committed to working with the business community to provide helpful resources for financial assistance.”
DCED offers working capital loans that could be of assistance to businesses impacted by COVID-19. Resources and information will be posted to DCED’s Resources webpage as they become available.
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in addition to local funding partners, may also be a source of assistance for affected businesses.
Stronger Action
The Wolf Administration strongly encourages businesses to act now before the governor or the Secretary of Health finds it necessary to compel closures under the law for the interest of public health, including section 7301 of the Emergency Management Services Code.
For more information on the coronavirus and to keep up-to-date, visit the Department of Health’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage, Follow them on Twitter, or Like them on Facebook.
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[Posted: March 14, 2020]
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