On June 5th, Chester County transitioned to the yellow phase of reopening. According to Pennsylvania’s official process of reopening, the yellow phase lifts the most severe restrictions , including the stay at home order. However, other mitigation efforts remain in place as the economy begins to reopen. Restrictions are adjusted as necessary based on public health indicators. 

After a county transitions to the yellow phase, that county will be closely monitored for increased risk (such as significant outbreaks). If overall risk remains low for fourteen days, the county will transition to the green phase. The green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay at home and business closure orders, and allows the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health. 

According to Chester County, residents are urged during the yellow phase to adhere to the same guidance we have followed all along, including social distancing. “The safety measures we have put in place will help protect our staff, as well as the public, as we begin to offer more in-person services,” said Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline. “But the safety measures inevitably will mean some delays in entering county buildings and booking times to meet with department staff. We thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding as we transition into the yellow phase.”

In addition, Chester County has announced the launch of RestoreChesterCounty.org, a resource for the reopening process. The Chester County Commissioners have brought together business, economic, education, and government leaders to form the core team of the COVID-19 Business Task Force. The team is focusing on best practices for reopening and restoring Chester County’s quality of place. Working with state and local health departments, businesses, municipalities, schools, non-profits, places of worship, and residents, they have created Restore Chester County as a toolkit to assist in the reopening process and beyond.

When individuals must leave their places of residence in connection with allowable individual activities, allowable essential travel, or by virtue of exemption from this policy, the Department of Health strongly encourages individuals to abide by the following social distancing requirements: 

• Maintain a distance of at least six feet from other individuals;Issued 05-27-2020 
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. 
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a sleeve or elbow, not hands. Do not shake hands.
• Regularly clean high-contact surface areas. 
• When sick, stay at home. 
• Follow all guidance on gathering sizes applicable in Yellow and Green counties.

It is important with reopening that health and CDC guidelines are still followed in order to continue with these reopening phases. The safest move for most people is still to stay home as much as possible, but if you do go out, there are ways to reduce the risks and continue to protect yourself and others.