Restore Chester County

Chester County is working together to reopen safely, effectively and sustainably. As we ready ourselves and our businesses for changes in phases, this guide provides an overview of recommended, responsible practices. In addition, you will learn what Chester County businesses are doing to be ready to welcome you back.

Note: On July 15th, the state indicated three catalysts for case increases.

1. Ignoring mask-wearing requirements and social distancing when visiting bars and restaurants. This unknowingly spreads or picks up the virus.
2. Out-of-state traveling, both by returning from travel to hotspot states and travelers visiting from those hotspots.
3. Lack of national coordination, resulting in states in the south and west not committing to social distancing.

Please keep these catalysts in mind and follow guidance to promote public health.

These materials and any related updates are provided and intended for general public informational purposes and guidance. While intended to be timely and accurate, please note that federal and state regulations and directives are changing often. To that extent, please continue to monitor this site for any significant modifications and developments.

• In the Green phase, all businesses must follow CDC and DOH guidelines for social distancing and cleaning. However, all business should be able to operate in some capacity.
• Restaurants, bars, personal care services, indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities, gyms, spas, and entertainment may operate at 50% capacity.
  • No more than 250 individuals may gather at a time.
• As per July 15th State guidance, businesses are required to conduct their operations in whole or in part remotely through teleworking, unless not possible.
• Generally, masks should be worn at any time you leave your home and are not participating in outdoor fitness.
• Construction activity may return to full capacity with continued implementation of protocols.

As per the Secretary of Health's May 1st Order, face coverings are required if individuals are:

• Outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet from those who are not members of their household.
• Any indoors location where members of the public are generally permitted.
• Waiting for, driving, or operating public transportation, paratransit, taxi, or other ride-sharing vehicle.
• Engaged in work in any circumstance where one is not able to socially distance at all times.

Exceptions to this requirement (documentation is not necessary to show exception applies):

• Individuals who cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition.
• Individuals for whom wearing a mask would create an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task.
• Individuals under two years of age.
• Individuals seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired or has a disability where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

As per July 15th State guidance, events and gatherings must adhere to these gathering limitations:

• Indoor events and gatherings of more than 25 persons are prohibited.
• Outdoor events and gatherings of more than 250 persons are prohibited.
• The maximum occupancy limit includes staff.

These are the provisions you can expect to be in place at a business you visit. Guidelines vary by industry. See best practices by industry by clicking on links to individual business sectors below.

Employers must have a safety plan prepared for employees and customers, and all businesses should follow state, local and CDC procedures including, but not limited to:

• Provide signage for employees and consumers
• Provide the ability to maintain a 6-foot distance (including ground markers)
• Provide access to soap and water/hand sanitizer
• Provide PPE materials to staff
• Enforce mask wearing for staff and anyone entering the facility; implement shields where appropriate
• When possible, conduct business or the functions of business virtually
• Provide contactless delivery and curbside options in all situations where it is possible. Where it is not possible, create appointment times.
• Create a plan for if an employee becomes sick, and develop flexible leave policies and practices
• Be ready to communicate with local authorities and employees on developments and changes in circumstances
• No non-essential visitors

Staff will be expected to:

• Wash hands for 20+ seconds, often
• Cover coughs and sneezes (into elbow)
• Clean regularly
• When sick or showing symptoms, stay home
• Not shake hands
• Not gather in large groups/limit number of employees in common areas

As a consumer, you can always ask the businesses you support if they are able to comply with state, local and CDC procedures. For guidance when interacting with specific industries, visit each industry sector page on this site.

• If you have been exposed to COVID-19 recently or have symptoms of COVID-19 (including a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above, cough, or shortness of breath), stay home and use contactless delivery options.
• If you have underlying health conditions, if you have allergies or sneezing, if someone at home is sick, or you are otherwise concerned about contracting COVID-19, stay home and/or use contactless delivery options.
• In general, perform contactless purchases whenever possible, like ordering online for delivery or contactless pick up.
• Wear a protective face covering at all times.
• Practice proper social distancing when picking up food or interacting with restaurant/delivery staff.
• Limit the items you touch within a store to the items you select to purchase.
• Wash your hands before and after you leave the building/office if possible. If not, use hand sanitizer when you enter and before you leave the building.
• Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other customers and employees when walking throughout the store to the extent possible.
• If you get the urge to sneeze or cough, cover your nose, mouth, and mask with a napkin or handkerchief.

In-Home Services

• At minimum, wash your hands prior to your service appointment, after touching your face covering, and after the service provider has left.
• Minimize interactions between at-home service personnel and other occupants to the greatest extent possible.
• Isolate pets prior to at-home service personnel arriving and during work.

Childcare Facilities

• Parents should monitor their children at home for signs of illness and should take their child's temperature before arriving at the care facility. Children should stay home if they show symptoms of illness or have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
• Consider staggering arrival and drop-off times and have child care providers come outside the facility to pick up the children as they arrive. Plans for curbside drop-off and pick-up should limit direct contact between parents and staff members. Designate a parent to be the drop-off/pick-up contact to walk children to their classroom, and at the end of the day, walk their children back to their car.
• Ideally, the same parent or designated person should drop off and pick up the children every day.

Sports

Visit the Sports and Recreation sector page for more guidance and information about which phases allow sports operation.

• Ensure that visitors practice social distancing (at least 6 feet) at all times possible and do not congregate at entry gates, kiosks, concession stands, or similar locations.
• Participants must bring their own water to any activities. Water coolers for sharing through disposable cups are not allowed. Fixed water fountains should not be used.
• Develop a COVID-19 safety plan:
  • Professional Sports: plans submitted to the DOH must include, at minimum, a process for testing or screening for COVID-19 and monitoring all on-premises attendees.
  • Collegiate Sports: institutions must develop and post online an Athletic Health and Safety Plan.
  • Pre-K to 12 Sports: school entities must develop an Athletic Health and Safety Plan that is approved by the local governing body and posted online.
• Spectators, parents, volunteers and nonessential staff must remain outside the practice area.
• As much as possible, focus on individual skill building versus competition and limit contact in close contact sports.
• During down time, athletes and coaches should not congregate, including in locker rooms, sidelines, dugouts, benches, and workout areas.
• Activities that increase the risk of exposure to saliva must not be allowed including chewing gum, spitting, licking fingers, and eating sunflower seeds.

Transportation

• Passengers in vehicles should follow social distancing practices.
• Use a face covering during the trip.
• No handshake greetings.
• Avoid unnecessary touching of surfaces in the vehicle and carry hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol).
• If you are symptomatic or feel unwell, avoid using a rideshare or taxi, if possible. Notify the driver if you may be feeling unwell prior to entering the vehicle.
• Use good cough/sneeze etiquette when in the vehicle.
• Ask the driver to open vehicle vents and/or windows (do not recirculate the air in the vehicle).

Remember to share all the good that your local businesses are offering via social media and with your friends, family and connections. Our communities need businesses, and they need you!