States are starting to reopen even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course we heard Gov. Tom Wolf wasn't going to just flip the switch and reopen Pennsylvania. Instead, he rolled out a 3-phase plan. Currently, many counties are in the red phase, which is basically the current lock down. However, this Friday, May 8, there are about 24 counties who are set reopen. Are you ready to hear those words? According to Patch, 24 counties are moving from the red to the yellow phase.The color designation determines what mitigation measures previously set to stop the spread of the virus can be lifted, if any. So is Philaldephia County or included? Nope! And definitely not Montgomery County, the county that was first to shut down due to the coronavirus spread. The counties that will move from red to yellow May 8 are: Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Venango and Warren. Do you think we are ready to reopen? Well, these counties were deemed ready to move to the yellow phase because of low per-capita case counts, the ability to conduct contact tracing and testing, and appropriate population density to contain community spread, according to the site. By the way, if you aren't familiar with the yellow phase, here is a breakdown: stay-at-home orders will be lifted, but large gatherings of 25 or more people will be prohibited. Retail stores may reopen but with curbside and delivery the preferred method of operation. Restaurants will still offer carry-out and delivery. The gyms, spas and theaters and other entertainment venues will remain closed.
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