On June 5th, Delaware County transitioned to the yellow phase of reopening. According to Pennsylvania’s official process for reopening, the yellow phase lifts the most severe restrictions, including the stay at home order. However, other mitigation efforts remain in place as more of the economy begins to reopen. Restrictions are adjusted as necessary based on public health indicators. 

After a county transitions to the yellow phase, that county will be closely monitored for increased risk (such as significant outbreaks). If overall risk remains mitigated for fourteen days, the county will transition to the green phase. The green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay at home and business closure orders, and allows the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health. 

According to Delaware County, residents are urged during the yellow phase to adhere to the same guidance we have followed all along, including social distancing and wearing a mask. “Some, in their eagerness to return to normalcy, may begin to disregard the guidance. Many may want to gather with their friends and family at barbeques and pools this Memorial Day weekend,” said Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden. “Now is not the time to let our guards down. We are urging residents to stay the course so we can reach and stay in the yellow phase and then reach the green phase as quickly as possible.” 

In addition, Delaware County has announced the formation of the ReOpen Delco Task Force. The task force, composed of business leaders and community stakeholders, will be working to help Delaware County businesses, organizations, and residents navigate the safe transition into the yellow phase and eventually the green phase. The website provides resources for businesses and residents about the yellow phase of reopening. 

When individuals must leave their place of residence in connection with allowable individual activities, allowable essential travel, or by virtue of exemption from this policy, the Department of Health strongly encourages individuals to abide by the following social distancing requirements: 

• Maintain a distance of at least six feet from other individuals; Issued 05-27-2020. 
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. 
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a sleeve or elbow, not hands. Do not shake hands.
• Regularly clean high-contact surface areas. 
• When sick, stay at home. 
• Follow all guidance on gathering sizes applicable in yellow and green phase counties.

It is important with reopening that health and CDC guidelines are still followed in order to continue with the following phases. The safest move for most people is still to stay home as much as possible, but if you do go out, there are ways to reduce the risks and continue to protect yourself and others.