Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health and Safety Guide
ASERT has compiled resources for those with autism and those who care for people with autism relating to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Phases of Reopening
Overview
This resource provides information on how restaurants and retail stores will be reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes information on what stores and businesses may only open during the green phase.
Red
Only takeout or delivery is allowed
- No dine-in service is allowed
- Some restaurants will stay completely closed
Yellow
Starting June 5: Outdoor seating areas may open
- There will be limits on how many people can be in the outdoor seating area
- May only enter restaurants to pick up food or use restrooms
- Customers must be seated at a table
- Self-service areas like buffets, salad bars and drink stations are not allowed
- Condiments are not allowed on tables. They must be dispensed by employees when requested
- No reusable menus
- Customers may not bring refillable containers
Green
Indoor and outdoor seating may open
- There will be limits on how many people can be in the restaurant
- Customers may sit at a bar if there is 6 feet between customers or there are physical barriers between people. Standing isn’t allowed in bar areas
- A maximum of 4 customers who know each other may sit together at the bar
- Additional rules may be in place around wearing masks, social distancing and cleaning procedures to keep staff and customers safe
*Guidelines are continuing to change. For the most up to date information, visit PA.gov. You can also check with individual stores to see their rules and policies around opening.
Red
Only life sustaining locations are open
- Only essential businesses like grocery stores
and places that sell items like toilet paper, soap, or home supplies can stay open. - Safety guidelines like wearing a mask and social distancing are enforced.
- Curbside pick up and delivery may be available and is encouraged.
Yellow
Most retail locations may open
- You are allowed to go shopping in stores of all kinds except for shopping malls.
- Stores will limit the number of people allowed inside at a time.
- Curbside pick up and delivery options are encouraged when possible.
- Safety guidelines like wearing a mask and social distancing are still in place.
Green
All retail locations may open
- All shopping locations may open.
- Stores will limit the number of people allowed inside at a time, but more people will be allowed inside than in the yellow phase.
- Curbside pick up and delivery is still encouraged when possible.
- All businesses are required to follow current CDC safety guidelines.
*Guidelines are continuing to change. For the most up to date information, visit PA.gov. You can also check with individual stores to see their rules and policies around opening.
These businesses are allowed to open only when a county moves into the Green Phase
- Personal care services like hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, and spas. These places also require appointments and may have extra rules in place around wearing masks and social distancing.
- Indoor recreation, and health/wellness facilities, such as gyms and spas may open. Some places may require appointments or have extra rules in place around masks and social distancing.
- Entertainment businesses like casinos, theaters, and shopping malls. There may be new rules in place around masks and social distancing.
- These businesses will still need to limit the number of customers they allow in at a time.
- Businesses will also be required to follow CDC safety guidelines around wearing masks, social distancing and special cleaning procedures.
*Guidelines from the Department of Health change often. For the most up to date information, visit PA.gov. You can also check with individual businesses.
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.