Revised spectator rules ease restrictions on schools, supporters

More than a month after the PIAA requested expanded spectator limits for high school athletic contests, Gov. TomWolf has complied, giving local schools the ability to allow up to 25% of maximum capacity for outdoor events and up to 20% for indoor events.

The relaxed restrictions, announced Tuesdaymorning, go into effect Friday and will lessen restrictions on schools hosting athletic events.

It will also ease restrictions placed on indoor girls volleyball and boys and girls water polo.

For outdoor gatherings, venues that hold up to 2,000 people can allow 25% of capacity. Venues which hold between 2,001-10,000 can allow 20% of capacity. Venues of over 10,000 can allow 10% of capacity, up to a maximum of 7,500 people.

For indoor gathers, venues which hold up to 2,000 people can allow 20% capacity. Venues which hold between 2,00110,000 can allow 15% capacity. Venues of over 10,000 can allow 10% capacity, with a maximum of 3,750 people.

“Pennsylvanians must continue to social distance and wear masks as we prepare to fight the virus through the fall and winter,” Wolf said. “Regardless of the size of an event or gathering, those things are still imperative to stopping the spread of COVID.”

Venues must require attendees to comply with six-foot social distancing requirements, towearmasks or face coverings, and to implement best practices such as timed entry, multiple entry and exit points, multiple restrooms and hygiene stations.