Still confused? What you should know about Pennsylvania's mask requirement

On the day that Pennsylvania’s order requiring face coverings went into effect, local health officials said they implemented the measure with an eye towards driving down the county’s coronavirus case count to the point where masks will no longer be needed.

If Pennsylvania sees the numbers of new cases confirmed each day hit the low double digits, local officials may decide that people could remove the face coverings, said Dr. Rachel Levine, secretary of health. 

The smaller number of new cases that Pennsylvania has, the more likely, she explained, that contact tracing will help control the spread of coronavirus without masks.

Masks must be worn in any indoor spaces and any outdoor spaces where people are unable to follow social distancing. People who do not comply may be fined. The order applies to anyone over the age of 2.

Why are masks required? 

Gov. Tom Wolf said the decision to require masks is important because even though the state has entered the green phase of his reopening plan, coronavirus numbers have already started rising again in several counties. 

According to health officials, wearing face coverings, practicing good hand hygiene and social distancing can help decrease the spread of the coronavirus.

As of Sunday, Pennsylvania has reported a total of 95,414 coronavirus cases and 6,897 deaths due to the coronavirus. 

Where are masks required? 

Most people over the age of 2 must wear a mask in any public indoor space, including office buildings and stores, or in outdoor areas, such as parks, where it is not possible to stay at least six feet away from others. 

Masks should also be worn in restaurants or bars when an individual is not eating or drinking, according to local officials.

Masks are not required, however, when an individual is at home. If someone is in a room alone they may remove their mask.

What happens if I don't wear a mask?

Those who do not comply with the order are subject to fines and citations as this is a legal order under the Disease Prevention and Control Law. 

Law enforcement officers are authorized to issue warnings or citations, but Wolf said officials will not rush to penalize individuals not wearing face coverings.

Instead, Levine said the main focus in approaching those who are not wearing masks is educating them.

Levine said that, because it is the responsibility of businesses to make sure visitors and customers comply with the public health order, enforcement would likely be handled in such spaces most often.

Are there any exceptions?

The face covering requirement does not apply to the following people:

• Anyone 2 years old or younger
• Anyone with physical, medical or health-related issues that prevent them from wearing a mask, including those who have a hearing or speaking impairment
• Anyone in a hospital or health care facility where wearing a face covering would prevent proper care 
• Anyone who is alone in a room in a public building or traveling in their vehicle
• Anyone who has a job in which wearing a mask would present a safety risk
• Anyone who is in an emergency situation where they lack the time or means to put on a face covering

What counts as a mask?

Levine referred to CDC guidelines, which encourage cloth face coverings.

While the CDC says surgical and N95 masks should be reserved for health care workers and first responders, substitutes such as homemade masks and cloth coverings are encouraged.

According to the CDC, a properly worn face covering fits snugly around the sides of an individuals face and covers their nose and mouth while still allowing them to breathe easily.

How long will this last? 

There is currently no expiration date for the order.