Pennsylvania further relaxes capacity limits on indoor, outdoor gatherings

Pennsylvania will relax its COVID-19 restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings on May 17, allowing for greater numbers of people to attend events like proms, graduations and fairs, festivals or concerts. 

Effective at 12:01 a.m. on May 17, event and gathering maximum occupancy limits will be increased to 50 percent for indoor events and gatherings and 75 percent for outdoor events and gatherings.

Currently, maximum occupancy is 25 percent for indoor events and gatherings, and 50 percent for outdoor events and gatherings, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.

"As more Pennsylvania adults get vaccinated and guidance from the CDC evolves, we can continue to move forward with the commonwealth’s reopening efforts," said Gov. Tom Wolf in a release. "We recognize the significant strain businesses have faced during COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Throughout the last year and half, we have seen businesses continue to put the safety of their patrons first and I believe they will continue to do so even with this capacity increase."

Face coverings are still to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home. Pennsylvania's current mask order will remain in place until 70 percent of residents age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.

All Pennsylvanians 16 years and older and eligible to be vaccinated, and the CDC in the process of making the vaccine eligible to those 12 years old and older. 

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The news comes just a week after the Wolf administration announced that effective  May 31, restaurants, stores and others businesses can open at 100% capacity, and all crowd-size limits will be lifted on indoor and outdoor gatherings. That reopening date is still in place.

"During the pandemic, all Pennsylvanians have worked collaboratively to stop the spread of COVID-19," Wolf said. "We must continue that same mindset during our reopening efforts."

Municipalities, school districts, restaurants and venues will be still be able to continue implementing stricter mitigation efforts if they choose to do so. 

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