In response to the rapid spread of COVID-19, Governor Tom Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania to close their physical locations as of 8:00 p.m. on March 19, 2020. This order was issued in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, Governor Wolf published a detailed list of those businesses that may continue physical operations, and those that may not: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/all-non-life-sustaining-businesses-in-pennsylvania-to-close-physical-locations-as-of-8-pm-today-to-slow-spread-of-covid-19/ While the list of those businesses that may continue operations has been revised since Governor Wolf’s original order, many businesses that are required to cease physical operations may still be struggling with these changes and how they affect their business operations.
If a business is not on the list and has been ordered to close under these Orders, Governor Wolf’s office and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) have provided an online form that allows for such businesses to seek a waiver. The form can be found here: https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/DCED/Waiver-process-keeping-physical-locations-open. If the waiver is granted by the DCED, the business may continue physical operations.
If you believe that your business has been forced to close under these Orders but would like to seek a waiver from the DCED to continue physical operations, Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald is here to help assist you in these uncertain times and guide you through the waiver process.
If you would like to know more information or have any questions about the Waiver or Governor Wolf’s order, please give us a call at (570) 826-5600 or contact Attorney Nick Marinelli at nmarinelli@rjglaw.com.