Business owners can continue requiring masks to be worn in their place of business if they choose to. | Pixabay
Business owners can continue requiring masks to be worn in their place of business if they choose to. | Pixabay
Pennsylvania lifted its mask mandate on June 28, after more than a year of taking steps to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Starting today, masks are no longer required in Pennsylvania. Thank you to each and every Pennsylvanian who did their part to get us here," Gov. Tom Wolf Tweeted on June 28.
Initially going into effect April 15, 2020, the mask mandate was lifted after 75% of residents over the age of 18 had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the governor's office.
“Together, Pennsylvanians have hit a significant milestone in our fight against COVID-19,” said Wolf. “Now, three out of four Pennsylvania adults have done their part in keeping themselves and their loved ones safe by getting at least one COVID-19 vaccination. We should be proud of how far we have come, as data shows us that with increased vaccination rates, we see a decline in COVID-19 cases. We have watched our percent positivity rate decline week after week -- as evident in our current positivity rate of 1.2%, as opposed to 1.4% last week."
Although the mandate has been lifted, masks are still required in some areas, such as public transportation. Individual business owners can decide whether a mask is required to enter their place of business, according to CBS Pittsburgh.
According to the governor’s office, Pennsylvania is eighth in the nation for first-dose vaccinations.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we must continue to inform all eligible Pennsylvanians about the effectiveness of the available vaccines and the importance of getting their second dose," Wolf said. "They remain our best defense against this deadly virus and the potential threat of the delta variant. We each have the tools needed to make our communities safer, healthier places, by getting vaccinated, continuing to wear masks as needed and staying home if we are sick. It is our collective responsibility to remain resilient and do our part for our fellow Pennsylvanians.”
U.S. residents who are over the age of 12 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
To find a vaccine provider near you, visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.
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