Pennsylvania tightens mask restrictions and tells residents to wear masks inside their homes when non-family members are present

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced new coronavirus restrictions this week, including the strengthening of face mask orders.

Face coverings, which were already mandated statewide, are now required outdoors and indoors, including in people’s own households when someone from outside of the household is present, even if the parties are socially distancing, according to Erie News Now.

“Strengthening masking order,” the Pennsylvania Department of Health tweeted Tuesday. “Masks are still required. Indoors: masks now required anytime you’re with people outside of your household, even if you’re socially distant. Applies to all indoor facilities + if you have people in your home not part of your household.”

Additionally, anyone entering the commonwealth must be tested at least 72 hours before arrival and quarantine for 14 days if they are unable to do so.

The number of positive tests in the commonwealth is up 115% in the past two weeks, with hospitalizations and deaths both rising as well.

Pennsylvania’s governor, Democrat Tom Wolf, has been criticized for his strict coronavirus restrictions implemented over the past several months, and a federal judge ruled in September that his push to limit the size of gatherings and close businesses was unconstitutional.

Face coverings used to stop the spread of the coronavirus have become a political issue over the past several months, including recently when President-elect Joe Biden signaled his intention to encourage states nationwide to impose face mask mandates in line with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.

Prominent Republicans, including Sen. Rand Paul, have rejected calls for a nationwide mandate, citing questions from the scientific community about the effectiveness of masks in stopping the spread of the virus.