Dust those masks off, Philadelphians! The number of COVID cases is rising every day, so officials have raised the response level from “All Clear” to “Mask Precautions.”
Here’s what you need to know:

• WHY is the Mask Mandate back?

  The bottom line is, cases are up and the city is trying to get ahead of major problem. According to the latest numbers from the Inquirer, the seven-day average of new daily cases was 142. The benchmark is 100. There has also been a 60% increase in case counts over the past 10 days. That benchmark is 50%.

• WHEN does the Mask Mandate begin?

  The mandate begins Monday, April 18th. This gives businesses a week to educate and prepare.

• WHEN will the Mask Mandate end?

  Well, we don’t know a date, but here are the guidelines to an “All Clear” status. At least two of the following three points must be met:

  • There are fewer than 100 average new coronavirus cases a day.

  • Less than 50 people are hospitalized with COVID-19.

  • Cases have increased by less than 50% in the previous 10 days.

• WHERE should you wear a mask?

  If you’re under a roof in Philadelphia, you should mask-up. That includes:

  • Schools

  • Health-care settings

  • City buildings

  • Private businesses

  The federal government also requires masks on public transit and other modes of transportation, including trains and planes.

• WHEN should you start wearing a mask?

  Right now isn’t a bad idea. City health officials say the numbers are high enough to warrant a mandate, but it won’t be regulated for a week so that businesses have time to prepare. With the number of cases rising at the rate they are, you’re better off being safe than sorry.

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