In order to avoid confusion in our communities, we are sharing the PA Department of Economic and Community Development's request for "non-essential businesses" to close temporarily in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

Click here for the link.

March 14, 2020

Dear business owner: The Pennsylvania Department of Health is committed to keeping all Pennsylvanians safe and healthy, and we are taking every measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Governor Tom Wolf's recommendation to temporarily close non-essential businesses in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties was intended to ensure the safety of all people in the county and beyond. At recent press conferences, Governor Wolf strongly urged non-essential businesses in these counties to close for 14 days from the start of the county's mitigation period to protect employees, customers and suppliers and limit the spread of the virus through personal contact and surfaces. We strongly encourage businesses to act now before the Governor or the Secretary of Health find it necessary to compel closures under the law for the interest of public health, including section 7301 of the Emergency Management Services Code. As a matter of public health, it is the PA Department of Health's strong recommendation that businesses cease operations to mitigate the spread of this disease. In particular, the following types of businesses should temporarily cease regular operations:

•Community and recreation centers

• Gyms, including yoga/spin/barre facilities

• Hair salons, nail salons, and spas

• Casinos, concert venues, and theaters

• Bars

• Sporting events facilities and golf courses

• Non-essential retail facilities, including shopping malls (except for pharmacy or other health care facilities located therein)

•NOTE: Liquor stores will begin an orderly closure. Individuals can still buy wine and beer at grocery stores with PLCB licenses

• NOTE: Restaurants should stay open for carry-out and delivery only

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) offers working capital loans that could be of assistance to businesses impacted by COVID-19; resources and information will be posted to http://dced.pa.gov/resources as they become available. The U.S. Small Business Administration, in addition to local funding partners, may also be a source of assistance for affected businesses. We are greatly appreciative of everyone's joint efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19. We need to work together to make the health and safety of our families, friends, and neighbors our highest priority. Sincerely,