Pennsylvania's mask requirement ends Monday

Jun. 25—As of 12:01 a.m. Monday, masks will no longer be required in Pennsylvania except in certain situations outlined in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

"We are continuing to make progress toward stopping the spread of COVID-19 throughout the commonwealth, as many Pennsylvanians have taken responsibility for their own health and the health of their communities by getting vaccinated," acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said in a news release announcing the end of the mask mandate. "Even though the universal masking order will be lifted in a few days, businesses, organizations, health care providers and other entities maintain the option of requiring employees, guests or customers to wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status."

Pennsylvanians should continue to follow CDC guidance for wearing a mask where required by law, rule and regulations, including healthcare, local business and workplace guidance.

For the protection of themselves and others, people who have not been vaccinated or are partially vaccinated are still encouraged to wear a mask when in public.

The CDC requires people 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. In addition, everyone should still follow guidance at workplaces, local businesses, long-term care facilities, hospitals and other health care facilities, prisons and shelters.

"As we shift to wearing masks less often, it is important to remain resilient in the fight against COVID-19, just as we have done together over the last year and a half," acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said in the news release. "The COVID-19 vaccines are the best tools we have to defeat COVID-19. Pennsylvanians are aware of this and have been getting vaccinated. If you have not already been vaccinated, there are plenty of options available near you. Getting as many Pennsylvanians vaccinated as possible will offer more protection against the virus for everyone and is the fastest and safest way for us to return to our normal activities."

According to the CDC vaccine tracker, as of Friday morning, 74.9% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older have received their first dose, while 59.4% are fully vaccinated. The state ranks eighth for first doses administered by percentage of population.

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