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COVID-19 death toll continues to rise in Pennsylvania

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There were 75 new deaths attributed to COVID-19 statewide Thursday, the state Health Department said.

The death toll from the virus statewide climbed to 5,817, with 73,942 people testing positive for the disease since March 6. The department said there were 537 new cases reported Thursday.

“As counties move into the yellow and green phases, we must take personal responsibility to protect others, state health Secretary Rachel Levine said.

More nonessential businesses in Southwestern Pennsylvania, including Washington and Greene counties, were given the green light to reopen Friday under social distancing guidelines.

People were still being asked to wear face masks in public to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“As counties move into the yellow and green phases, we must take personal responsibility to protect others,” Levine said.

There were no new cases or deaths from the virus reported in Washington and Greene counties.

Meanwhile, Allegheny County reported 13 new deaths Thursday with all but one of them associated with residents of long-term care facilities, the county’s health department said.

What the COVID-19 green phase means:

The green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay-at-home and business closure orders to allow the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health.

While this phase will facilitate a return to a “new normal,” it will be equally important to continue to monitor public health indicators and adjust orders and restrictions as necessary to ensure the spread of disease remains at a minimum.

Work and Congregate Settings Restrictions:

  • Continued telework strongly encouraged
  • Businesses with in-person operations must follow updated business and building safety requirements
  • All businesses operating at 50% occupancy in the yellow phase may increase to 75% occupancy
  • Child care may open while complying with guidance
  • Congregate care restrictions in place
  • Prison and hospital restrictions determined by individual facilities

Social Restrictions

  • Large gatherings of more than 250 prohibited
  • Restaurants and bars open at 50% occupancy
  • Personal care services (including hair salons and barbershops) open at 50% occupancy and by appointment only
  • Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities, and personal care services (such as gyms and spas) open at 50% occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged
  • All entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) open at 50% occupancy
  • Construction activity may return to full capacity with continued implementation of protocols

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