Pennsylvania Department of Health: Fully vaccinated people don’t need mask in certain settings

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Officials with the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Thursday that the state’s mask order is now in line with the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance.

>>>RELATED: CDC eases mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated Americans

The CDC guidelines that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a face covering while indoors or outdoors is now automatically in effect in Pennsylvania. This only applies to fully vaccinated people. Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam said in a news release masks are still required for unvaccinated people until 70% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.

State officials said the CDC’s guidance says fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing except where required by law, rule and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

>>STORY: Where you will and won’t need a mask around the region

For more information on the CDC guidance, CLICK HERE.

Beaver County

An email went out Friday morning to Beaver County leaders that in accordance with the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health, both employees and visitors who have been fully vaccinated no longer need to wear a mask. Those that have not been vaccinated should continue to cover their face.

The Jail is excluded from this.

Washington County

Washington County commissioner Nick Sherman sent Channel 11 a statement following the CDC’s announcement:

“Washington County is very happy we are moving in the right direction We do plan to abide by state recommendations and follow the CDC guidelines. We are waiting to hear if there is an announcement from the governor.”

Westmoreland County

Officials with the new Live! Casino haven’t made any final decisions about changing their mask policy.

Westmoreland County leaders said they are revising their policies to be in line with the state’s guidelines:

“Attention all County Employees, As of May 13, 2021 the CDC and PA Department of Health have released updated guidance regarding wearing a mask/ face covering to prevent the spread of COVID 19. The provided guidance states that fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing except where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Under the guidance, individuals are still being required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals will still need to follow guidance at workplaces and local businesses.

“Effective immediately, Westmoreland County will be following the new guidance released by the CDC and PA Department of Health. Employees who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask/ face covering within Westmoreland County buildings, with the exception of those employed at Westmoreland Manor and the Prison. At this time, the CDC has issued separate guidance for those in a healthcare setting and has recommended that fully vaccinated people continue to wear a mask in correctional facilities.

“In addition, the County encourages masking for unvaccinated, higher risk employees or those not feeling well or showing any symptoms related to COVID 19.

“Please remember this policy is based on the honor system and if you are not fully vaccinated and are not wearing a mask you have the potential to spread or contract the COVID19 virus. Under no circumstances are you to question an employee regarding their medical condition(s) or vaccine status and no one should be reporting on other employees. Please assess these new regulations on a personal level to determine how you will proceed.

“Employees at Westmoreland Manor should follow applicable CDC guidance for health care facilities.

“We appreciate your cooperation with this matter.”

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