PITTSBURGH — Fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear a mask indoors or outdoors in most places: that’s the new guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday.
However, individual stores, businesses and other entities still have the power to require you to wear one, so check with them first.
>>>RELATED: PA Department of Health says fully vaccinated people don’t need a mask in certain settings
Channel 11 spoke with Allegheny County leaders and business owners about how they’ll enforce the latest guidance.
“It’s almost like the honor system. I think peer pressure, if you work in an office. Everyone knows who is and isn’t vaccinated. If you aren’t vaccinated and you don’t have your mask on, you are violating these protocols and procedures,” Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald explained.
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We also spoke with local business owners who said they are excited to hear the news, but are concerned about the honor system.
“What else are we going to do? We can’t say, ‘Hey give me your ID and show me you’re vaccinated,” said Crafty Jackalope owner Mike Simoni.
Fitzgerald also told Channel 11 that if you’re two weeks out from your shot, you’re free to show up to the voting polls without a mask.
We’re keeping a list of places so you know before heading out:
Here are places in our area where you’ll still need to wear a mask:
- Penguins games at PPG Paints Arena
- Duquesne University
- University of Pittsburgh: “The University’s health rules have not yet changed. The University is reviewing evolving guidance and will make changes as appropriate for our overall population and will provide an update when Standards and Guidelines are changed. So for our remaining athletics events on campus, the guidelines remain the same on masks and capacities.”
- Port Authority buses, ‘The T’ light rail
- Whether traveling by plane, bus or train, masks are still needed. The Port Authority of Allegheny County confirmed masks are still mandatory.
- Pittsburgh International Airport, all commercial flights
- Vaccinated or not, the CDC has made it clear that people must continue to wear masks when traveling -- like at Pittsburgh International Airport. Travelers at Pittsburgh International Airport said that regardless of the guidance, there is some relief and a sign of progress. The CDC director said despite the latest guidance, they’re continuing to review travel policies. A spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration said the agency will continue to work with the CDC on directives.
- School districts like North Hills and Fox Chapel Area
- “Through at least the remainder of the school year, the Fox Chapel Area School District will continue to require all students, staff, and visitors in our schools to wear face coverings. Face coverings should be non-valved and cover the nose and mouth. Face coverings will be required as a continued COVID-19 mitigation strategy and in adherence to our district’s Board-approved Health and Safety Plan, regardless of vaccination status. Thank you in advance for your cooperation,” Fox Chapel Area School District stated.
Here is where you will not need a mask (in general, according to the CDC) if fully vaccinated:
- Voting in person for May primary
- Barber shops, hair salons or spas
- Check with your individual location, as a business is allowed to maintain its own guidelines
- Shopping malls
- Museums
- Movie theaters
- Worship services
- Individual congregations can follow guidance based on the higher agency followed
- The Diocese of Pittsburgh: “Effective immediately, the fully vaccinated may attend Diocese of Pittsburgh Masses and all gatherings on parish property without wearing a mask. To accommodate those who are not fully vaccinated, and those who may feel more comfortable seated around others who are wearing a mask, a section in every church will be maintained for mask wearing.”
- Restaurants
- Rivers Casino
- Meadows Casino
- Bars
- Dave & Busters at the Waterfront and the Block both haven’t changed the mask policy and are awaiting guidance from corporate offices.
- Gyms/exercise classes
- Baierl Family YMCA in Wexford will still require masks for now
- Parades
- Sporting events
- Officials with the Pittsburgh Pirates said “Effective immediately, the Pirates will no longer require guests who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to wear a face mask while at PNC Park. Guests who are not yet fully vaccinated must continue to wear a face mask while at PNC Park..
- Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II said they’re preparing to have a full-capacity crowd. “The trends are all headed in the right direction, and we’re excited about getting our fans back in the stadium,” he told Steelers.com.
[ Steelers planning for full capacity at Heinz Field; Latrobe training camp still uncertain ]
- Exercising outdoors
- Backyard cookouts
- Amusement parks and outdoor venues
- Kennywood: “We do not require vaccination cards and expect guests to follow the park rules & CDC/state guidance.”
- Trader Joe’s
- Giant Eagle
- A spokesperson for Giant Eagle said masks are still being required in their stores: “ We will no longer require that masks or face coverings be worn by fully vaccinated Team Members and guests in our supermarkets or GetGo locations beginning on Monday, May 24, 2021. Those not fully vaccinated will continue to be required to wear a mask or other face-covering while in-store.”
- Aldi
- Walmart
- Target
- Starbucks
Still working out the details:
- Idlewild Park & SoakZone: “A final determination on any changes to Idlewild and SoakZone’s policy will be made before our opening day on May 29.”
- Live! Casino
Have a specific place or event where masks are or are not required? Let us know so we can keep this list updated. Email us at desk@wpxi.com.
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