In order to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses close by 8 a.m. March 23. Senator Hughes supports these closings, understanding that we must prevent the spread of this potentially deadly disease during this public health crisis. We must flatten the curve.
The list of non-life-sustaining businesses was updated Friday evening. The governor initially ordered the shutdown for 12:01 a.m. March 20, but he is working with businesses to provide waivers and ensure communities have the services they need.
You can view the full list of businesses by sector from the governor’s office here. It is important to note that dry cleaners and laundromats, specialty food stores, and accounting and tax preparation services can now remain open. If you have any questions about the business distinctions here is an FAQ on life-sustaining businesses. You can also contact the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) customer service resource account at ra-dcedcs@pa.gov, or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH and select option 1 to reach DCED staff. For businesses that determine from the list that they are non-life sustaining, but would like to appeal and seek a waiver, there is an online waiver application.
If you are a business owner and have questions about the rules, here is an FAQ from the governor’s office.
Here is guide issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, helping provide clear guidance and direction in response to coronavirus COVID-19.
Montgomery County is doing the same.
Senator Hughes and his colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus are working to ensure state-level resources get to our people, especially the most vulnerable. We will provide more information as it becomes available. Visit senatorhughes.com/coronavirus for the latest updates.
In the meantime, here are some reminders about preventing spread of the disease:
Best practices to plan, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
What to do if you think you have coronavirus COVID-19, according to the CDC:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Wear a facemask if you are sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
For more details on what to do prevent coronavirus COVID-19 spread, visit the CDCs full list of recommendations
