As of Thursday, March 19th at 8pm, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced that all businesses that aren't deemed "life-saving" or "life sustaining" must be closed. What does that include, though? What stays open and what can't?
Thanks to Billy Penn, here is the list of all the stores and businesses that are still allowed to stay open under the new rule:
- Banks
- Post offices
- Pharmacies
- Gas stations
- Supermarkets and grocery stores
- Mini-marts and “non-specialized” food stores
- Farmers markets
- Beer distributors
- Hardware stores
- Vets
- Pet stores
- Bike shops
- Auto repair shops
- Nursing homes
- Funeral homes (aka “death care services”)
- Rental centers
- Restaurants must close dine-in service, but are allowed to take phone orders for delivery and pick-up.
Also, stores that sell any of the following are allowed to stay open:
- Frozen food
- Personal hygiene products
- Sanitary equipment/cleaning supplies
- Soaps and detergents
- Medical and orthopedic equipment
- Medication not requiring medical prescription
- Household appliances
- Electrical, plumbing and heating material
- Hardware and paint
- Home heating fuel
- Gas for cars
Some professional businesses and infrastructure services are also permitted to remain open, including:
- Utilities
- Transportation services
- Delivery services
- Waste collection
- Security services
- News media
- Religions organizations
- Social services and advocacy orgs
- Scientific research orgs
- Health care providers (may not do elective procedures)
CORONAVIRUS: Philly Breaking News and Updates
By Matt Michaels