State College’s COVID-19 Ordinance Officially Rescinded
Nearly one year after its introduction, State College’s COVID-19 emergency ordinance is no longer in effect, according to the borough.
The ordinance was effectively repealed once the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s own emergency declaration was rescinded following a vote by Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives. It was originally set to remain in effect through July 31 or until emergency declarations ceased — whichever came first.
On May 21, the State College Borough Council voted 5-2 to amend the ordinance to follow loosened mask-wearing guidelines that let fully vaccinated people ditch masks in most scenarios. Unvaccinated people are still required to wear masks, but that’s practically impossible to actually enforce.
Despite the rolled-back ordinance, Pennsylvania’s mask mandate for unvaccinated people will continue until June 28. Whether you’re vaccinated or not, you’ll need to continue wearing masks in doctor’s offices, hospitals, public transportation vehicles, and individual businesses that choose to require it.
Perhaps the only restrictions still enforced by the borough’s ordinance were limits on gathering sizes. Before the measures were repealed, indoor gatherings on residential properties were capped at 50 people, while outdoor gatherings on residential and municipal properties were capped at 100 people.
The borough’s ordinance was first introduced back in August 2020. It originally required mask-wearing in State College, enforced social distancing, placed restrictions on gathering sizes, and prevented businesses from hosting long lines outside their establishments.
Those who violated the ordinance could’ve faced $300 fines, plus any additional court costs. The borough had filed at least 150 ordinance-related citations to date.
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