Pennsylvania’s remaining masking order will continue for those who are unvaccinated until the end of June or when 70 percent of adults get their second dose.
Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam announced Thursday morning that the decision was made after looking at data and discussion among the COVID-19 Vaccine Legislative Task Force.
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While Monday, June 28 is the latest the masking order would be removed, state officials could lift it sooner when the 70 percent number is hit.
“Pennsylvanians are realizing that they have the power to stop COVID-19 and they are stepping up to get vaccinated,” Beam said.
“Once the statewide masking order is lifted, Pennsylvania will continue to follow the CDC guidance for wearing a mask where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The CDC requires individuals to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals should still follow guidance at workplaces, local businesses, long-term care facilities, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters,” a statement from the state health department said.
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Despite the order, there is no state requirement to show proof of vaccination, making it hard to tell who is lying about being inoculated. State officials said they won’t be implementing a so-called “vaccine passport.”
Two recent ballot questions related to the governor’s authority relating to disaster declarations won’t impact the mitigation measures.
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On Memorial Day, all remaining statewide COVID-19 mitigation measures will be lifted, aside from the masking mandate. After federal health officials said people who are fully vaccinated can go without masks and social distancing earlier this month, the state followed that guidance.
“Yesterday we hit a milestone with 70 percent of adults receiving at least one dose of vaccine,” Beam said. “That’s a strong indicator that we are on track to get at least that many getting both doses by the end of June.”
New COVID-19 infections in Bucks County and Pennsylvania have dramatically dropped as vaccinations have expanded.
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Last week, all but one person in area hospitals with COVID-19 had not been vaccinated.
The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are easy to obtain and have been proven safe and effective.
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All Pennsylvanians age 12 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. People can find vaccination locations near them using Vaccines.gov.
Individuals also can text their zip code to GETVAX (438829) for English, or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish and receive three possible vaccination sites in their area.
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