Pennsylvania Shut-Down Order Updates on
Criteria for Life-Sustaining and Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses
Dear clients and friends:
Pennsylvania has updated its list of life-sustaining and non-life-sustaining businesses for the state. These distinctions are important because Governor Wolf has previously ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close their physical offices in the effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The most recent changes include the addition of the following industries under the category of life-sustaining businesses: gun dealerships, wood product manufacturers, and telecom resellers. See the latest list here. The state has also updated its handout on Life-Sustaining Business Frequently Asked Questions.
Non-life-sustaining businesses can still operate virtually or remotely so long as physical/social distancing practices are observed. Life-sustaining businesses may remain open while following strict physical/social distancing practices and by following other mitigation guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The state of Pennsylvania has begun to enforce the closure of non-life-sustaining businesses, with reports of fines being issued for businesses that have violated the closure order. Enforcement for non-compliance can also include criminal charges, citations, fines, or license suspensions. In addition to the Pennsylvania State Police enforcing non-life-sustaining business closures, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the Department of Health, and the Department of Agriculture are also involved. Further, Governor Wolf’s administration has advised that businesses that fail or refuse to comply with the governor’s order will also forfeit their ability to receive any applicable disaster relief and/or become subject to other administrative actions.
The physical office locations of Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees, P.C. will remain closed in accordance with the Governor’s order; however, our professionals will continue to work from home and remain ready to assist you. If you have questions or concerns, please contact any of our attorneys.
Wishing you and your family the best during these challenging times,
David Frees, Douglas Kaune, and Andrew Friedlander
DISCLAIMER: We continue to work to provide updates on the status of important legal news related to these uncertain times as we face this period of unprecedented legal and business uncertainty. Due to the rapidly changing situation, it’s important to note that the information provided in our alerts is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. The information contained in our alerts is for general informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice or an alternative to legal counsel. Please reach out to one of our attorneys if you have questions about your legal situation, on how to apply the information contained in this alert to your situation, or any other information found on our website. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy or timeliness of any information provided herein or by any linked website. Users are strongly advised to verify any information before relying on it due to information changing rapidly.
