Based on a July 15 press conference with Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, it appears that the exception for churches to have indoor gatherings of more than 25 people/25% capacity is still in place.
At the briefing, a media representative asked if the 25-person/25% limit applied to churches and religious gatherings, and Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, said no.
Unfortunately, this exception is not documented in the Governor’s order or the Department of Health’s order.
I believe churches should look to the previous guidance that was issued in the yellow phase. Until further clarification is provided, church leaders should continue to use discretion based on their congregational needs.
Churches can monitor Pennsylvania’s government “Process to Reopen Pennsylvania” at https://www.governor.pa.gov/process-to-reopen-pennsylvania.
