Gov. Wolf reinstates mask order for state employees

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is reinstating a mask mandate for all state employees and contracted staff working under his jurisdiction regardless of their vaccination status, starting on Monday.

State employees were notified on Friday about this change in policy that comes as cases of COVID-19 infections are on the rise.

In a memo to employees, the administration cites the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation for everyone in areas with high or substantial transmission to wear a mask in public indoor settings.

“With nearly all Pennsylvania counties now with high or substantial levels of COVID-19 in their communities, the commonwealth will be reinstating measures to reduce potential spread in our workplaces,” the memo said.

Wearing masks, however, will remain optional for visitors to state office buildings, the memo states.

The administration lifted its mask mandate on June 28 for most commonwealth employees unless they worked in health care settings and

correctional facilities where they have been required to comply with the Centers for Disease Control recommendations, he said.

Earlier this month, Mr. Wolf said Pennsylvania state workers who are employed in health care facilities or other “high-risk” settings will be required to get vaccinated or be tested weekly for COVID-19. The requirement covers 25,000 state employees, including those working in state hospitals, state homes for people with intellectual disabilities, veterans homes, community health centers and state correctional institutions.