Pennsylvania Business owners have probably heard that Governor Tom Wolf ordered that all "non-life-sustaining" businesses in Pennsylvania must close their physical locations to slow the spread of COVID-19. This order went into effect last evening. You may be wondering whether your business is “life-sustaining” and may stay open. There is little guidance from the Governor’s office, other than the chart published by the Governor.
We do know that non-life-sustaining businesses can continue to work remotely from home as long as social distancing and other mitigation measures are observed. Non-life-sustaining businesses that rely on physical plants or locations, however, must cease operations until further notice. According to the Governor’s press release, non-life-sustaining businesses that supply products or services to health care providers can apply for an exemption.
Failure to comply with these requirements will result in enforcement action that could include citations, fines, or license suspensions, ineligibility for disaster relief loans and other programs. Moreover, violators are subject to criminal prosecution (including fines and/or imprisonment) and face possible quarantine, isolation or other disease control measures.
While Antheil Maslow & MacMinn has closed our office, our attorneys are full provisioned to work remotely and are available to help you navigate these new regulations. We are set up to receive calls, emails using the usual contact information.