DEAR MOUNT POCONO:
As of today, May 29, 2020, Monroe County has moved from COVID-19 Reopening Phase Red to Phase Yellow, per Governor Tom Wolf’s orders. The Administration has used a measured, scientific approach, not just a random approach akin to flipping a switch to go from closed to open; the state used risk-based metrics from Carnegie Mellon University, alongside contact tracing and testing capability to help decide where and when to move to Yellow.
The purpose of Phase Yellow is to begin to power back up the economy while keeping a close eye on public health data to ensure the spread of disease remains contained to the greatest extent possible.
Phase Yellow means stay-at-home restrictions have been lifted in favor of aggressive infection mitigation controls. Certain businesses can open and operate within proper safety orders; gatherings under 25 people are permitted utilizing recommended social distancing guidelines; and individuals can be out and about, similarly following recommended social distancing guidelines.
Some restrictions on work and social interaction have eased, but others, such as closures of schools, gyms, and other indoor recreation centers, hair and nail salons, as well as limitations around large gatherings, remain in place.
As we move toward Phase Green, in which almost all limitations are lifted, I urge you to be vigilant in trying to keep the spread of the disease suppressed, following Phase Yellow guidelines, recommended social distancing behavior, and CDC and DOH guidance.
Here’s more detail on guidelines in each color-coded reopening phase, also included in the infographic below:
Red Phase
- Only life-sustaining businesses, such as grocery and drug stores, may be open in person, unless allowed by the governor’s office.
- Residents told to stay at home. Large gatherings are prohibited, and travel is limited to “life-sustaining” purposes.
- Restaurants are limited to carryout food.
- Schools cannot have in-person instruction.
- Child-care is closed except when needed for essential workers.
Yellow Phase
- Businesses can reopen in person but must follow safety procedures. Employees should telework when possible.
- In-person retail is allowed, but curbside pickup or delivery is preferred.
- Outdoor dining is allowed at restaurants, provided they comply with state regulations on service and customer limits.
- Hairdressers, nail salons and massage therapists must remain closed.
- The ‘stay at home” orders will be lifted, but precautions including social distancing and wearing a mask are still recommended.
- Large gatherings remain prohibited, but ones under 25 are allowed.
- Child-care, including summer camps, may reopen with a written plan for worker and client safety. Youth, club and rec team sports remain prohibited.
- Schools remain closed to in-person instruction.
- Gyms, theaters, casinos, entertainment venues stay closed.
- Professional sports teams can begin practicing and holding games again, though a reopening plan must be submitted to and approved by the state.
Green Phase
- Businesses may resume operations, though they must continue to follow CDC and Pa. Department of Health guidelines.
- Yes, you can finally get a haircut.
- Indoor dining is available, but at limited customer capacity.
- Youth, club and rec sports resume.
- People are also asked to follow CDC and Department of Health guidelines.
Michael Penn, Mayor
Mount Pocono Borough Offices
1361 Pocono Boulevard
Mount Pocono, PA 18344
(570) 839-8436
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