Philadelphia has lifted some COVID-19 restrictions. Here’s what you need to know
Philadelphia Department of Public Health have completed its vaccine mandateand changed how it responds to COVID-19 cases by introducing one new system for setting restrictions.
But that does not mean you should stop taking preventative measures. According to Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole, “the absence of state restriction does not mean that people should not still use their common sense.”
Here’s what we know so far:
Not necessarily. Under the new rules, you will no longer have to show proof of vaccination at any restaurant, hotel, bowling alley or sports center in Philadelphia.
However, companies may still require proof of vaccination for employees and guests if they so choose. So it’s a good idea to call before you go.
Yes. Even though the vaccine mandate is over, it is the mesh requirement remains in effect. So while New York, New Jersey and California have dropped their mask mandates, you still need to wear a mask indoors in Philly.
For Mayor Jim Kenney and Bettigole, keeping Philadelphia’s mask requirements in line with the CDC makes this city a “much safer place to go.”
Yes. Currently, there are no changes to the current mask mandates for students. For Bettigole, school mask mandates and demands are “separate but parallel talks” between the city and the Philadelphia School District.
There is no exact date, but it may be a matter of weeks, according to Bettigole. The city does not want to roll back the mask mandate too soon and risk causing cases to rise, but Bettigole says that if cases continue to fall, the rules could go back to where we were last summer.