As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, Governor Tom Wolf is reminding Pennsylvanians to observe all health and safety regulations to help prevent further spread of COVID-19. 

The Wolf Administration Thursday asked residents to avoid large gatherings and to wear masks around other people. Gov. Wolf issued an order on Wednesday requiring masks to be worn whenever anyone leaves home. 

Although all 67 Pennsylvania counties will be green as of Friday, Pa. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine says that the green phase is not a green light to stop exercising caution. 

"My mask protects you, and your mask protects me," Dr. Levine said. "Wearing a mask shows that you care about others, and that you are committed to protecting the lives of those around you." 

The green phase of reopening prohibits gatherings of more than 250 people. The expanded mask-wearing order also requires mask-wearing in any public space, not just in businesses. 

Late Thursday afternoon, officials in Allegheny County issued an order for all activities that involve over 25 people to close for one week, effective Friday, July 3 at 12:01 a.m. This includes restaurants, bars and casinos. Takeout and delivery will still be available. 

Additionally, the Wolf Administration is asking any residents that have traveled, or plan to travel, to an area where there are high amounts of COVID-19 cases to quarantine for 14 days upon return. Those states include: 

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Nevada
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah

As Pennsylvania approaches 90,000 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, case numbers have been inching up again. Thursday's state report of 832 new cases was the highest number of positive cases in a 24-hour period in Pennsylvania since May.