Skip to content
Philly Tips
Link copied to clipboard
Link copied to clipboard

These are the current Philadelphia coronavirus guidelines

We’ve broken down Philadelphia's reopening info to give you an overview of what’s allowed across the city.

Here are the current coronavirus guidelines for Philadelphia.
Here are the current coronavirus guidelines for Philadelphia.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer
    by Grace Dickinson
    Updated 
    Published 

Keeping track of both city and state pandemic guidelines can give anyone a headache. So we’re breaking them down for you with an overview of what’s allowed at restaurants, concert venues, sporting games, and beyond.

Pennsylvania is still in the green phase. But Gov. Wolf’s administration supports local officials who choose to maintain additional restrictions, and Philly has issued its own set of guidelines from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

Although many earlier restrictions have been lifted, the number of cases remains on the upswing. Experts advise continued caution, and guidelines are expected to evolve.

Indoor dining, indoor gatherings and events, and indoor organized sports are prohibited until January 15.

Check back for updates. For the latest information, COVID-19 case numbers, and full details on rules and regulations, visit phila.gov.

👉 Looking for Pennsylvania? Click here

👉 Looking for New Jersey? Click here

» READ MORE: Tracking the spread: Coronavirus numbers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

What are the COVID-19 restrictions in Philadelphia?

General guidelines

  1. 😷 Wearing a mask is required in public; all staff at businesses must wear masks.

  2. ↔️ You must remain six feet from those outside of your household.

  3. 🏠 Teleworking, or remote work, is encouraged when possible.

  4. 👥 When planning a gathering or event, you’re urged to evaluate if you really must meet in-person.

Indoor events and gatherings

  1. 👥 + 🏠 Indoor gatherings of any kind, public or private, are prohibited

  2. 📋 Full guidelines for indoor gatherings

Outdoor events, gatherings, and entertainment venues

  1. 👥 + 🌳 10% capacity or 10 people per 1,000 square feet, with a maximum of 50 people

  2. 🍽 🚫 No food or beverages can be served

  3. 😷 Masks must be worn at all times

  4. 📋 Full guidelines for outdoor gatherings

Dining

  1. 🍽 + 🏠 Dining (indoor): Indoor dining is allowed at 25% capacity, and 50% capacity for restaurants that meet specific ventilation requirements outlined here

  2. 🍽 + 🌳 Dining (outdoor): 50 people or fewer, unless approved by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health

  3. 🍽 + 🏠+🌳 + 👥 Party sizes limited to 4 people or fewer outdoors; Everyone must be from the same household

  4. 🍽 + 🌳 Food must be ordered by 11 p.m., and outdoor dining must close by midnight. Guests must leave by 12:30 a.m.

  5. 🍻 Alcohol can only be served when food is ordered

  6. 🍽 + 🌳 + ❄️ Rules for what settings are considered “outdoor” dining during the winter can be found here.

  7. 🍽 + 🚚 Dining (Food cart): 50 people or fewer; 10 people or fewer in line

  8. 📋 Full guidelines for indoor dining, mobile carts, and outdoor dining

Retail centers and indoor malls

  1. 🛍 + 🏠 Maximum 5 people per 1,000 square feet

  2. Full guidelines for retail

Indoor entertainment (live theaters, music venues, bowling alleys, arcades, game spaces)

  1. 🎶 🎭 🎳👾🕹Indoor entertainment venues are closed

Theaters

  1. 🎥 10% capacity; no food or drink permitted (starting Jan. 16)

Casinos

  1. 🎲 50% capacity

Libraries

  1. 📚+ 🏠 Libraries are closed, except those serving as Access Centers

  2. 📚 + 🌳 Curbside drop-off and pickup services are allowed

  3. 📋 Full guidelines for libraries

Museums

  1. 🖼 + 🏠 50% capacity

Drive-in movies and events

  1. 🚘 + 🌳 250 or less people per event

  2. 🚘 + ↔️ All cars must stay a minimum of six feet apart (window to window).

  3. 🚘 People must stay inside cars, unless purchasing food or going to the restroom. Windows may be open or closed.

  4. 📋 Full guidelines for drive-in movies

Religious institutions

  1. 🛐 + 🏠 5% capacity or 5 people per 1,000 square feet; maximum 50 people

  2. 🛐 + 🌳 10% capacity or 10 people per 1,000 square feet; maximum 50 people

  3. 😷 Masks are required for all staff, including the leader or celebrant, and visitors ages three years and older; face shields may be substituted for masks.

  4. ↔️ Chairs or pews must be roped off so that guests can only sit in every 3rd row; social distancing between individuals and family groups is encouraged.

  5. 🚫🥖 No food and drink at services or gatherings

  6. 🚫🎤 No choir practices or performances, or group singing; humming or clapping are encouraged alternatives.

  7. 📋 Full guidelines for religious institutions

Recreational activities and sports

  1. 🏀 + 🌳 Outdoor sports can resume, with no more than 10 people per 1,000 square feet

  2. 🏀 + 🏠 Indoor sports are prohibited.

  3. 🏀 + 🎾 Professional and collegiate sports are allowed in accordance with guidance from the CDC and the Department of Health; Spectators are prohibited.

  4. 📋 Full guidelines for recreational activities and sports

Barbershops and salons

  1. 💇🏽‍♀️ +💇🏻‍♂️ 50% maximum capacity; appointments required

  2. 😷 Services that require that masks be removed are prohibited

  3. 📋 Full guidelines for barbershops and salons

Gyms and fitness facilities

  1. 🏋🏾 50% capacity

  2. 🌳 + 🤸‍♀️ Classes are permitted, with a maximum of 10 people per 1,000 square feet

Ana Graciela Méndez contributed to this article.