Labor & Employment News Alert

Updated List of PA Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses and Waiver/Exemption Process

March 21, 2020

By: Lindsay D. Petrosky, Jason L. Ott, and Derrick L. Maultsby, Jr.

After receiving a large number of waiver requests from Pennsylvania businesses, the Wolf Administration delayed enforcement of its order for all non-life-sustaining businesses to close their physical locations to slow the spread of COVID-19. Enforcement will now begin Monday, March 23, at 8:00 a.m. 

The list of life-sustaining businesses has also been revised.  Some notable additions to the list of companies that may continue physical operations include forestry and logging services, the mining industry, and accounting and tax preparation services.  Businesses seeking clarification on whether they qualify as life-sustaining can email the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) customer service resource account at ra-dcedcs@pa.gov, or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH and select option 1 to reach DCED staff. Businesses can also review the State’s guidance for businesses.

The Governor’s office has also posted information about how businesses can request a waiver/exemption from the requirement to close all physical locations.  To request a waiver to keep your location open, submit the online waiver application. All decisions will be communicated by email and will balance public health, safety, and the security of our industry supply chains supporting life-sustaining businesses.