BREAKING NEWS: Wolf delays enforcement of closure order, provides online waiver application...

BREAKING NEWS:

Wolf Delays Enforcement of Closure Order, Provides Online Waiver Application

Just over 24 hours after announcing that all "non-life-sustaining” business must close their physical locations, Gov. Tom Wolf has delayed the enforcement of his Executive Order until 8:00 a.m., Monday, March 23. Originally, the governor gave businesses until 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 to comply with the order before enforcement actions would be taken.

The administration’s decision to delay the enforcement of the Executive Order was due to the high volume of inquiries and requests for waivers submitted to the state by concerned and impacted businesses across the Commonwealth.

Wolf said in a press release that the order for “non-life-sustaining businesses” to close physical locations still stands and that businesses applying for a waiver must remain closed until a decision is made about their application.

Earlier this evening, Wolf updated the list of business types that would be considered “life-sustaining” and permitted to continue physical business operations during the closure order, after conversations with businesses, stakeholders, and individuals, and in consultation with the Department of Health. Business guidance has also been aligned with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency advisory released yesterday.

In addition, the administration established an online waiver application for businesses not included in the updated list and who are seeking an exemption to the order. The administration also provided an FAQ document related to the Governor's Executive Order mandating closures for COVID-19 mitigation.

It is still unclear how long the closure order will remain in effect, and what actions legislative leaders might take to provide relief to businesses throughout the Commonwealth affected by the governor's Executive Order. But in the meantime, for those businesses seeking guidance or assistance on how to proceed during this unprecedented time, please contact the McNees Labor and Employment Practice Group, or for government relations assistance, contact the McNees Strategic Solutions Group.

The situation surrounding COVID-19 is changing by the hour. Capitol Buzz will do its best to keep our readers as up-to-date as possible as to the state and federal governments' actions relating to the virus.

For more information on what you can do to protect yourself and others, check out the CDC's coronavirus information page or visit www.health.pa.gov.