Philadelphia Announces New Mask Requirements for Businesses
With COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations rising, and the spread of the Delta variant, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has announced new COVID-19 mitigation measures. These requirements went into effect as of 12:01 a.m. on August 12, 2021:
- In Philadelphia, businesses and institutions that require vaccination for all employees and patrons are exempted from having a mask requirement. Masks will be required indoors at all Philadelphia businesses and institutions that do not require vaccination for employees and patrons. That means that, for businesses and institutions that do not require everyone who enters to be vaccinated, everyone on site will be required to wear a mask.
- Indoor dining will be allowed to continue in restaurants. In restaurants that require proof of vaccination for everyone (staff and patrons), masks will not need to be worn. If proof of vaccination is not required for everyone that enters a restaurant, masks are to be worn by all patrons and staff the entire time while not seated and eating or drinking.
- Masks will be required at all non-seated outdoor events in Philadelphia with more than 1,000 attendees.
Additional information and guidance from city officials about these requirements, such as other applicable exceptions, should be coming soon.
Employers should consult with experienced human resources professionals and/or labor and employment counsel with any questions regarding pandemic-related policies or practices. For MEA members, the Hotline and a Member Legal Services attorney are available to provide this assistance.
For more on this and other important Covid-related issues, join our weekly Recovery & Growth webinars on Tuesdays at 11 AM.
Amy G. McAndrew, Esquire
Director of Legal and Compliance Services
MidAtlantic Employers’ Association
800-662-6238
*This Alert is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.