Gov. Wolf officially issues 'green' phase orders, updates guidelines for dining and pro sports, and other news ...

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Gov. Wolf Issues Updated Guidance, Allows Outdoor Dine-in for 'Yellow' Phase, Indoor Dine-in for 'Green'

The Wolf administration releases updated guidelines to address dine-in services allowed in "yellow" and "green" phase.

As more counties move into the "yellow" and "green" phases of the Wolf administration's plan to reopen the Commonwealth, Gov. Tom Wolf announced on Wednesday updated guidelines for dining services and professional sports. The governor also provided additional information and elaborated on general guidelines for "green" phase counties, issuing an updated order for those municipalities moving in the "green" phase on Friday.

Gov. Wolf said beginning June 5, restaurants and other retail food businesses located in "yellow" phase counties will be allowed to provide outdoor dine-in services, in addition to the already approved take-out and delivery options. Those offering outside dining will need to obey certain requirements, including maximum occupancy limits, closing off indoor areas of the business to customers except for through-traffic, and mandating customers to be seated at tables in order to receive service. The guidelines also prohibit self-serve food and drink options, such as buffets and drink stations.

For restaurants and bars in "green" phase counties, businesses will be permitted to provide dine-in service in both indoor and outdoor seating areas, still obeying the maximum occupancy limits. The guidelines allow for bar seating to be utilized if customers are seated and comply with social distancing protocol of at least 6 feet, or provide for physical barriers between customers.

The administration worked closely with the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association on the details of the guidance, but the governor stressed that no business is required to conduct in-person operations, even if in a "yellow" or "green" designated county.

In addition, Gov. Wolf issued guidelines for Pennsylvania's sports teams to resume practices and competitions within the Commonwealth. The new guidance will allow pro teams to resume activities in "yellow" and "green" phases of the governor's reopening plan, but without spectators and fans attending the events.

Pro teams, or the leagues they are a part of, must also develop a COVID-19 safety plan, which must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The administration encouraged professional sports organizations within the state to contact the administration to share their reopening plans and expedite approval by the Department of Health.

Daily COVID-19 update for Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 780 new positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 statewide on Tuesday, bringing the state total to 69,417. In addition, 5,265 Pennsylvanians have died from complications from the virus. To date, there have been nearly 350,000 negative cases across the state.

Daily COVID-19 update for Ohio

The Ohio Department of Health reported 33,439 cumulative cases of COVID-19 and 2,044 deaths, including probable cases, by Wednesday afternoon. There have been 5,700 hospitalizations and 1,492 ICU admissions.

Other News...

Federal effort underway to help struggling youth sports organizations impacted by the pandemic. Legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress this month would provide dedicated funding for youth sports programs throughout the country to help offset the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation, named the COVID-19 Youth Sports and Working Families Relief Act, would create a fund to provide aid to youth sports organizations, which have seen at least $8.5 billion in losses nationwide due to the novel coronavirus.

McNees attorneys provide FAQ on Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness. As the federal Small Business Administration finally released guidance related to Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness, attorneys with the McNees Corporate and Tax Law Practice Group released a FAQ on how the federal government plans to treat the program. The FAQ provided by McNees offers answers that are available so far, but additional guidance is still expected from the federal government.

Pa. Senate Republicans hold workshop on how to boost western Pa. economy. Members of the Pennsylvania Senate's Republican Policy Committee held an informational workshop meeting on Tuesday to gain perspective and insights on how to safely reopen western Pennsylvania's economy. Panelists consisted of small and large business owners from Washington and Greene counties, as well the PA Chamber.

After struggles with performance during COVID-19, Pa. state-run liquor stores once again a target. After poor performance outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania's state-run liquor stores are once again under criticism. Rep. Tim O'Neal of Washington County is the latest member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to introduce legislation to close the state stores, privatize the wholesale liquor system and create private retail liquor outlets.

Gov. Wolf endorses Joe Biden for president. On Wednesday, Gov. Tom Wolf officially endorsed presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for the nation's top office. With Pennsylvania's election being held next week, recent polls put Biden slightly ahead of current President Donald Trump.

Unprecedented times, but McNees is here to help

The situation surrounding COVID-19 is changing by the hour. Capitol Buzz will do its best to keep our readers as up-to-date as possible as to local, state and federal actions relating to the virus.

As we have stated in previous editions, for those businesses seeking guidance or assistance on how to proceed during this unprecedented time, please contact the McNees Labor and Employment Practice Group , or for government relations and nonprofit consulting assistance please contact the McNees Strategic Solutions Group (MSSG) .

You can also visit the McNees COVID-19 Article & Resource Page for more information on various legal and political issues created by the novel coronavirus.

For more information on what you can do to protect yourself and others, check out the CDC's coronavirus information page or visit www.health.pa.gov .