3. COVID-19 outbreak in Pa.: What’s open and what’s closedThis story will be updated with the latest COVID-related shutdowns. Last update: Monday, March 23 at 2:45 pm.
Update: Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday strengthened his orders for most Pennsylvania businesses to temporarily close their doors, using his executive power to threaten legal enforcement against those that refused to cease operations.
The broad designation applies to laundromats, performing arts venues, recreation centers, entertainment venues, and general merchandise stores, which all must shutter by 8 p.m. Thursday, Wolf announced in a late afternoon press release.
State agencies including the Pennsylvania State Police began enforcing the order at 8 am on March 23, and businesses that don’t comply could face fines, citations, license revocations, or criminal prosecution, Wolf said.
The order also affects many office workplaces, including accounting businesses, law firms, real estate offices and certain administrative support services, according to a list of business classifications that accompanied the release. |