DOH: Pa. mask order to be lifted by June 28

May 27—Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam on Thursday announced that Pennsylvania's mask order will be lifted by June 28.

"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% of adults get their second dose, whichever comes first," she said. "Pennsylvanians are realizing that they have the power to stop COVID-19 and they are stepping up to get vaccinated."

The announcement comes a day after the state received news that 70% of adults had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Health officials believe this is a strong indicator that the state will be on track to meet the 70% second dose statistic by the end of June.

To date, 52.7% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 97.7% of Pennsylvanians 65 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Once the statewide mask order is lifted, state officials said it will continue to follow CDC guidance for wearing a mask where required by law, rule or regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Currently the CDC still requires individuals to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation.

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