Back to News

Court Strikes Down Some of the State’s COVID-19 Restrictions

Published on

September 15, 2020

A federal district court in Pittsburgh on Monday ruled that key portions of Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies are unconstitutional, including restrictions that shut down nonessential businesses, limited the size of gatherings and required people to stay at home during the initial phases of the pandemic.

The business shutdown and stay-at-home orders had previously been lifted by the state, but the restriction that limited the size of indoor gatherings to 25 and outdoor gatherings to 250 have remained in place. The court held that the state’s limits on the size of gatherings violated rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The court’s action does not affect other COVID-19 mandates in place, such as the requirement to wear masks in public and orders related to worker safety and remote work. It specifically does not include indoor capacity limits for bars and restaurants, which are scheduled to increase from 25% to 50% on September 21.

Despite this ruling, businesses should proceed with caution until the legal ramifications of the court’s action are clarified. A spokesperson for Gov. Wolf stated that Pennsylvania will immediately seek a stay of the court’s order and will file an appeal to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Philadelphia. It is possible that the court’s order will be stayed and that the restrictions on the size of gatherings will remain in place for some period of time. We expect that there will be greater clarity about the status of the court’s action within the next week.

While technically these restrictions are no longer enforceable, this literally could change overnight. Businesses that inform customers that they can now host larger events may need to reverse course if a stay of the court’s decision is granted.

Lawyers with the Barley Snyder COVID-19 Response Service Team will continue to monitor developments in this fluid situation. If you have any questions about the status of COVID-19 restrictions, please contact me or any member of the Barley Snyder COVID-19 Response Service Team.


Related News

View More News
Press Release
October 1, 2024

Barley Snyder Partner Christopher Naylor Named to United Way of York County Board of Directors

For Immediate Release York, Pa. – Barley Snyder partner Christopher A. Naylor has been appointed to the United Way of Y...

Learn More
Press Release
September 23, 2024

Barley Snyder Partner John T. Reed Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers for Second Time

For Immediate Release Lancaster, Pa. – Barley Snyder Partner John T. Reed has been named a “Lawyer of the Year” by The ...

Learn More
Press Release
September 20, 2024

Barley Snyder Partner Christopher Naylor Named to Community Progress Council of York County Board of Directors

For Immediate Release York Pa. – Barley Snyder partner Christopher A. Naylor has been named to the Community Progress Counc...

Learn More

Other Upcoming Events

View All Upcoming Events
Oct
02
3:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
event
Location

2024 Reading Business Seminar

Learn More
Oct
23
3:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
event
Location

2024 Lancaster Business Seminar

Learn More
Oct
30
3:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
event
Location

2024 Harrisburg Business Seminar

Learn More

Get in Touch

Our attorneys, paralegals and staff look forward to hearing from you. Please reach out to let us know how we can help.

Get In Touch
RECOGNIZED IN
Super Lawyers
Best Law Firms US News
Best Lawyers