As you may be aware, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf issued an order late on Thursday prohibiting the operation of a business that is not life-sustaining.  The order went into effect at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020.  Enforcement is scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2020.  A comprehensive list of the types of businesses impacted by this shutdown order can be found here.

I am hearing tonight that the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is granting waivers to the Governor’s shutdown order on a case-by-case basis. Priority for waivers is allegedly being given to companies that serve or supply the health care industry. That said, I have heard of non-medical manufacturing operations getting waivers as well.

This DCED website has more information about the Governor’s order. You can apply for an exemption by sending an outline explaining the need for the exemption to “RA-dcexemption@pa.gov”.  You can also send questions about the Governor’s order to “ra-dcedcs@pa.gov”.  Finally, you may also call the following number: 877-PA-HEALTH.

Governor Wolf today also announced the availability of low interest disaster-relief loans for small businesses and non-profit companies in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

I realize that none of this seems very comforting right now. We at Fox Rothschild intend to be with you every step of the way, and will update information as we learn more.  Our Coronavirus Legal Resource page is regularly being updated with new information. Godspeed, everyone.