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Modified green phase: What’s open in Philly right now

Philly is taking a more gradual approach and will remain in a “modified green phase.” Here's what that means, what's open and what's next.

At Morgan’s Pier on the Delaware River, runner Gabriel Ritter (right) cleans a plexiglass partition that was installed prior to their re-opening on June 12, 2020. Outdoor dining is now allowed as Philadelphia moves into the yellow phase of the re-opening due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
At Morgan’s Pier on the Delaware River, runner Gabriel Ritter (right) cleans a plexiglass partition that was installed prior to their re-opening on June 12, 2020. Outdoor dining is now allowed as Philadelphia moves into the yellow phase of the re-opening due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.Read moreELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Staff Photographer

By Friday, all of Pennsylvania will be in the “green” phase of reopening. In this phase, all businesses may reopen and most restrictions are lifted. Groups of up to 250 people are allowed to gather.

However, Philadelphia is taking a more gradual approach and will remain in a “modified green phase.” While Philly was supposed to fully reopen Friday, a recent uptick of cases has moved that date back to Aug. 1.

City officials initially set a target of 80 new cases per day to move into the green phase. Daily case counts are averaging around 100 per day. The Health Department will reevaluate the city’s status and what’s allowed to open weekly. If case counts continue to rise, Health Commissioner Thomas Farley warned, some open businesses may have to close.

In all stages of Philly’s green phase, most businesses will operate or look a little different than before, with mandated health precautions and protocols in place. For example, when shopping malls, casinos, museums, and libraries reopen, no eating or drinking will be allowed inside. Face masks are now mandatory in all public spaces in Pennsylvania.

» READ MORE: How to shop safely now that stores are open

Modified green phase: What’s open and what’s not?

Allowed to open/resume now

  1. Hair salons, barbershops, and spas

  2. Private swim clubs and residential swimming pools

  3. Child care facilities

  4. Outdoor parts of the Philadelphia Zoo

  5. Outdoor dining

  6. Small indoor social and religious gatherings (up to 25 people)

» READ MORE: Outdoor dining returns to Philly. Here's how it works.

Allowed to open/resume Friday:

  1. Outdoor group recreational and sports activities for youth and adults

  2. Schools and colleges

  3. Libraries and museums

  4. Indoor shopping malls

  5. Casinos (with strict restrictions)

  6. Outdoor performances and small outdoor events (up to 50 people)

Opening/resuming later (expected date Aug. 1):

  1. Restaurants and bars with indoor seating

  2. Gyms, fitness centers, and indoor exercise classes

  3. Large outdoor events (more than 50 people)

  4. Theaters and indoor events

  5. In-person conventions/conferences

  6. Large indoor social and religious gatherings (more than 25 people)

  7. Senior services involving gatherings, such as adult day care