Pennsylvania has made it mandatory for people to wear face masks in all public spaces, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced on Wednesday.
Governor Tom Wolf said the directive, which takes effect immediately, is essential to stopping the steep climb of COVID-19 cases in the state.
“Those hot spots can be traced to situations where Pennsylvanians were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing – two practices that must be adhered to if we want to maintain the freedoms we have in place under our reopening,” Wolf said.
Individuals are required to wear face masks or face coverings when they are outdoors and unable to strictly observe physical distancing protocols of 6 feet. They are also mandated to wear masks when indoor but public areas like auditoriums or shopping malls.
Pennsylvanians must wear face masks while in the workplace, driving public transport, or onboard a shared ride. They must also have their masks on when going to a doctor, getting laboratory work, or going to the hospital for a check-up.
The state clearly outlined situations where wearing face masks must be strictly enforced. There are also a few exceptions such as people with respiratory problems, and children under two years old.
Pennsylvania authorities said all of their COVID-19 mitigation efforts have helped slow down the rate of transmission and guarantee that the state’s healthcare systems do not get overwhelmed.
Gov. Wolf also said a copy of the mandatory mask-wearing order will be sent to state and local officials, law enforcement, and other departments.