Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam announced Thursday that after reviewing state vaccination data, the commonwealth’s mask order will be lifted by June 28 or when 70 percent of adults get their second dose.
“After reviewing the vaccination data for people 18 and over and discussing it with the COVID-19 Vaccine Legislative Task Force, we have determined that the commonwealth’s mask order can be lifted on June 28 or when 70 percent of adults get their second dose, whichever comes first,” Beam said. “Pennsylvanians are realizing that they have the power to stop COVID-19 and they are stepping up to get vaccinated.”
According to the Pennsylvania Government website, the Health Acting Secretary expressed her confidence on the vaccination process. “Yesterday we hit a milestone with 70 percent of adults receiving at least one dose of vaccine. That’s a strong indicator that we are on track to get at least that many getting both doses by the end of June.”
“The Department of Health will continue to make getting a vaccine as convenient as possible by making it widely available and supporting equitable and effective efforts to reach every Pennsylvanian who wants it.”
CDC mask order
However, once the statewide mask order is lifted, Pennsylvania will continue to follow the CDC guidance for wearing a mask where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
The CDC requires individuals to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. Additionally, all individuals should still follow guidance at workplaces, local businesses, long-term care facilities, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters.
You can read: PA. Health System: COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for clinical staff
To date, 52.7 percent of the 18 and older population are fully vaccinated. According to the CDC, 97.7 percent of Pennsylvanians over 65 have received at least one dose of vaccine.
All Pennsylvania residents age 12 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. People can find vaccination locations near them using Vaccines.gov, also known as Vaccine Finder.
Individuals also can text their zip code to GETVAX (438829) for English, or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish and receive three possible vaccination sites in their area.
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