Pennsylvania Travel Quarantine Revised to Match the CDC Standard

On December 4, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health amended the travel Quarantine to match the updated CDC Quarantine standard. (Check out my previous blog on the CDC Quarantine requirements.) As discussed in my previous blog, the latest order required travelers to obtain a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of returning to the Commonwealth. If the individual does not get tested, then that person would have to quarantine for 14 days.

Since the time of the original order, the CDC updated its quarantine requirements. (See my previous blog on this update.) In response to this update, the Secretary of Health revised the Travel Quarantine to read as follows:

  • Individuals returning to the Commonwealth must get a COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to returning to Pennsylvania.

  • Individuals who cannot get a test, or choose not to present for a COVID-19 test, then they must quarantine for 10 days (not 14 days).

    • Instead of completing a quarantine for 10 days, individuals may complete a 7 day quarantine so long as they present for a COVID-19 test on Day 5 of the quarantine, and that test has a negative result.

There are EXCEPTIONS to this Order. The Quarantine Requirements do not apply to:

  • Individuals traveling to/from the Commonwealth for the purposes of work;

  • Individuals who are returning to the Commonwealth after traveling outside of the commonwealth for less than 24 hours.

  • Individuals traveling to and from the Commonwealth by order or directive of a state or federal military authority.

  • Individuals in transit through the Commonwealth to another destination, provided that the time spent in the Commonwealth is only the amount of time necessary to complete the transit, make use of travel services such as a highway rest top, or make necessary travel connections.

  • Individuals traveling to comply with a court order, such as child custody, or other exemptions issued by guidance.

Businesses should update their COVID Travel Policies so that they are in line with the current Order.

Susie Cirilli