Philadelphia entered a modified, restricted green phase of reopening on Friday, July 3. See the executive order for all the details.

Not all activities can restart right away. Philadelphia will still restrict some activities that are allowed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and we’ll have stricter guidance for some of the newly reopened activities. As Philadelphia Public Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley said, “We may be tired of the pandemic, but the virus is not tired of us.”

COVID-19 is not gone, so we must reopen with care. Read more about our progress on the Reopening With Care site.

New for yellow phase

These activities resumed on June 26, while Philadelphia was still in the yellow phase:

  • Residential swimming pools and private swim clubs
  • Zoos (outside only)
  • Personal services such as salons, barbers, and spas
  • Small indoor social and religious gatherings (up to 25 people)

Green phase: Immediate openings and activities

When Philadelphia enters the green phase on July 3, these activities and businesses can resume:

  • Outdoor group recreational and sports activities for youth and adults
  • Schools and colleges
  • Libraries and museums
  • Indoor shopping malls
  • Outdoor performances and small outdoor events (up to 50 people)
  • Casinos (with strict restrictions)

Green phase: Not permitted right away

These activities and businesses involve crowds, people in close proximity to each other, high-risk activities (eating, drinking, singing), or vulnerable populations. The below activities gradually will restart later in the green phase based on their risk and the state of COVID-19 in Philadelphia.

  • Restaurants and bars with indoor seating
  • Gyms and indoor exercise classes – permitted as of July 20, 2020.
  • Large outdoor events (more than 50 people)
  • Theaters and indoor events
  • In-person conventions/conferences
  • Large indoor social and religious gatherings (more than 25 people)
  • Senior services involving gatherings, such as adult daycare

Reopening guidance

Business owners and people leading the reopened activities are responsible for following guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

The reopening guidance includes restrictions on the number of participants and requirements for masks, physical distance, handwashing, cleaning, and more—all to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Take a look at our general Safety Checklist.

How did we get here?

Philadelphia’s strategy in the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus focuses on virus containment (testing, contact tracing, and isolation and quarantine), social distancing, and protection of vulnerable populations.

While we have made progress, Philadelphia’s case numbers are no longer falling. And cases continue to rise nationally and regionally.

We are committed to reopening with care; for now, that means a restricted green phase to keep residents safe.

Find reopening guidelines at phila.gov/reopen