Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced on Monday, 3/16, that he is extending the shutdown orders to the rest of the state. Only essential businesses should remain open. The order had only previously effected four counties in suburban Philadelphia and one in Pittsburgh. "This isn't a decision that I take lightly at all," Wolf said. "It's one I'm making because medical experts believe it's the only way we can prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed."
The Pennsylvania Turnpike will stop accepting cash and credit cards. Cars without E-ZPass will be billed through TOLL BY PLATE. You should still go through the "Tickets" lane and keep moving.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced that all schools will close starting Wednesday, 3/18. That includes public and private schools K-12 along with colleges and universities. He also announced that all bars, restaurants, casinos, racetracks, theaters, and gyms will close starting at 8 p.m. Monday, 3/16. Bars and restaurants can remain open but only for take-out and delivery. Non-essential businesses must close at 8 p.m. each day. All non-essential and non-emergency travel is strongly discouraged between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Philadelphia city officials announced new restrictions on non-essential commercial activity. Starting today Monday, 3/16, at 5 p.m. all non-essential businesses should close until at least March 27. Essential businesses include supermarkets and grocery stores, big box stores, pharmacies, discount stores, mini-markets, and non-specialized food stores, daycare centers, hardware stores, gas stations, banks, post offices, laundromats and dry cleaners, veterinary clinics for domestic pets and pet stores. Restaurants can remain open, but only for pick-up and delivery. There can be no dine-in services.
Also included are stores that sell any of the following: frozen products; non-specialized stores of computers, telecommunications equipment, audio and video consumer electronics, household appliances; IT and telecommunication equipment; hardware, paint, flat glass; electrical, plumbing and heating material; automotive fuel; domestic fuel; sanitary equipment; personal hygiene products medication not requiring medical prescription; medical and orthopedic equipment; optics and photography equipment; and soaps and detergents.
Non-essential City of Philadelphia government operations will be stopped and city government buildings will be closed to the public started Tuesday, March 17. |