Governor Wolf to Reinstate Crowd Gathering Restrictions

Thursday afternoon the PIAA received information that the Third Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay of Judge Stickman’s decision striking the Governor’s COVID-19 restrictions in several areas.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a request from Gov. Tom Wolf to reinstate crowd gathering restrictions designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The most important for the PIAA purposes is the limitation on gatherings. The PIAA is hopeful that there may be some modifications to the restrictions.

Governor Wolf was quoted stated the following to news outlets, “At the same time, we’ve got to make sure that we’re being reasonable and realistic about how we do things. I’m doing everything I can listening to folks, and continue to change as I did with restaurants, and we’ll continue to look and make sure that the guidelines we have in place are reasonable.”

“Right now, we’re back to the 250, but as I say, I’m working right now with school districts and others to do what we can to recognize the contexts that are different in every community,” Wolf said.

“Stay tuned, we’re working on it as we speak,” Wolf concluded.

Gov. Tom Wolf says his gathering limits are back in place for interscholastic sports but says “stay tuned.” #HSSN #PIAA #WPIAL pic.twitter.com/UOY4Da3mYI

— Chris Harlan (@CHarlan_Trib) October 1, 2020

As result of this, PIAA interprets the Governor’s Order of the 25 (indoor) and 250 (outdoor) limitations on gatherings (spectators) are back in effect. PIAA is informing member schools of the decision and encourage them to consult their solicitors as to what they can and cannot do under the Governor’s reinstated order.

For PIAA District and Inter-District playoffs, and absent revised guidance from the Governor, we will comply with the 25 (indoor) and 250 (outdoor) limitations on people in attendance at playoff contests.