Gov. Wolf revises mitigation order on gatherings and lifts out-of-state travel restrictions

PHILADELPHIA - As COVID-19 cases continue to decline and Pennsylvania's vaccination plan is amplified, the Wolf Administration announced revised and lifted mitigation restrictions that are effective statewide Monday.

Among the revised mitigations, maximum limits for indoor events will allow for 15% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size and maximum occupancy limits for outdoor events to allow for 20% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size.

For both indoor and outdoor events, venues must require masks and follow physical distancing guidelines, state officials said.

The Wolf Administration also lifted the out-of-state travel restrictions, making it so those who travel out of state don't need to provide a negative COVID-19 test upon their return.

"Pennsylvania is taking a measured approach to revising or lifting mitigation orders," Gov. Wolf said. "The reason we are seeing cases drop can be attributed, in part, to people following the mitigation efforts we have in place. Mask-wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene are making a difference and need to continue even as we see more and more people fully vaccinated. We need to balance protecting public health with leading the state to a robust economic recovery. We are lifting mitigation efforts only when we believe it is safe to do so."

In Philadelphia, the Wells Fargo Center said it would quickly allow fans into Flyers and 76ers games if city officials give the go-ahead.

"We’re ready to safely welcome fans back to Broad Street, and as soon as the city further eases its restrictions, we will have Flyers and 76ers fans in the building within days," said Valerie Camillo, president of business operations for the Flyers and Wells Fargo Center.

James Garrow, spokesperson for the city health department, said Monday that officials are studying what needs to be done to "bring Philadelphia into alignment with the state."

The governing body for Pennsylvania interscholastic sports, meanwhile, said the relaxed statewide limits could pave the way for fans at winter sports playoff contests. The board of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association said it would discuss the matter at its meeting on Wednesday.

For both indoor and outdoor events, venues must require masks and follow physical distancing guidelines, state officials said. Venues will be permitted to seat spectators in groups of up to 10, or more than 10 if everyone lives in the same household. Seating pods must be separated by at least 6 feet.