Gov. Wolf extends Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order, sets date for reopening economy

Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday extended the statewide stay-at-home order and set a target date to begin reopening the economy.

The order, which was set to expire April 30, will now last through May 8. On that date, plans are for the state to reopen gradually. Social distancing guidelines and limits on large gatherings will be in place during the process, Wolf said.

“I want to caution that we will not be resuming operations as they were in February,” he said. “We’re going to continue to take precautions that limit our physical contact with others, and we will closely monitor this to see if it can be done safely.”

Wolf signed a bill Monday afternoon that allows online vehicle sales by approving remote notary services. According to the governor’s office, car dealers can remain open to conduct repairs and sell parts, but in-person sales and leases are still prohibited.

Construction will be allowed to resume May 8, as long as safety guidelines are followed. Projects considered life sustaining are allowed to continue under social distancing limits.

The state still needs to build up its testing capacity before things can fully reopen, Wolf said. The governor said he was on a call with Vice President Mike Pence on Monday morning during which he stressed that state needs reagents and test kits.

The bill also permits local governments to conduct public meetings remotely and allows tax agencies to waive late fees and penalties on property taxes paid by Dec. 31.

This story was originally published April 20, 2020 at 2:34 PM.