Who needs a COVID-19 Mitigation Plan?
Gatherings and events including sporting events with more than 25 people indoors/250 outdoors must complete the COVID-19 Mitigation Form for review and approval by the Office of Public Health.
Occupancy limits
Indoor venues, regardless of venue size, must determine their established occupancy limit as defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code and then apply the gathering limitation of 15% of the maximum occupancy.
Outdoor venues are limited to an established occupancy of 67 people per 1000 square feet and then apply the gathering limitation of 20% maximum occupancy limit when there is no NFPA code capacity.
Effective April 4, 2021 occupancy limits will increase to 25% indoors and 50% outdoors of maximum occupancy regardless of venue size only if individuals are able to comply with the 6-foot social distance requirement.
Can I open the snack stand?
Yes, snack stands can open and should follow PA Guidance for the Restaurant Industry and CDC Considerations for Restaurants. Businesses and employees in the restaurant and retail food service industry authorized to conduct in-person activities are prohibited from doing the following as per the state guidance:
- Placing condiments on tables for use by multiple parties. Condiments should instead be dispensed by employees upon the request of a customer or provide single service packets.
- Refilling food and beverage containers or implements brought in by customers, unless the container or implement can be refilled without contact with the tap or dispenser, containers are sanitized before use, or the tap or dispenser is sanitized before and after each use.
It’s important to remember everyone must wear a mask, social distance, practice good hand hygiene, make sure individuals know when to stay home if they are not feeling well, clean and disinfect surfaces frequently including seating if applicable, post signs, etc. The concession stand is takeout food but if seating (picnic tables, etc.) is available ensure people social distance and clean the surfaces frequently.
What mitigation protocols should I follow if I do not have to fill out a COVID-19 Mitigation Plan?
- Wear a mask indoors and outdoors, unless when outdoors you can consistently maintain social distancing of at least six feet. (Excludes people who fall under section 3 of the mask order) Ensure proper mask wearing, the nose and mouth must be covered.
- Socially distance (six feet or more) from those you do not live with, avoid crowds, do not congregate. Maintain social distancing while on the side lines, dugout, bench, etc.
- Wash your hands frequently. Provide hand washing breaks and have hand sanitizer available.
- Avoid carpools when possible, try to stay with only members of your household.
- Provide signs and broadcast messages promoting all the protective measures to be taken.
- Do not share equipment and gear, clean and disinfect frequently.
- Increase the cleaning and disinfection of all frequently touched surfaces.
- Limit nonessential visitors, spectators, volunteers.
- Visit Responding to COVID-19 in PA for more specific guidance applicable to you or your business or organization.
- Other guidance to follow: PA Guidance for Sports and CDC Guidance for Youth Sports
What is an event or gathering?
An event or gathering is a temporary grouping of individuals for defined purposes that takes place over a limited timeframe, such as hours or days and must fill out a COVID-19 Mitigation Plan for the county.
Spectators may attend sporting events, but count towards the statewide large gathering limitations, and must follow the Universal Face Covering Order and social distancing guidance when arriving, attending, and departing the event.
Gatherings and events including sporting events with more than 25 people indoors/250 outdoors must complete the COVID-19 Mitigation Form for review and approval by the Office of Public Health.
