Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered all businesses that are not “life-sustaining” to close by 8 p.m. Thursday.

“No person or entity shall operate a place of business in the commonwealth that is not a life-sustaining business regardless of whether the business is open to members of the public,” the order reads. 

Previous attempts to combat the spread of the coronavirus depended on compliance, however Wolf said there has not been complete compliance.

Businesses that do not follow Wolf’s mandates can face citations, fines and license suspensions. Enforcement is set to begin Saturday. Wolf said he understands the circumstances and economic ramifications but he needs to keep in mind what is best for the state.

“Before we can save livelihoods, we must save lives,” Wolf said.  

The order provides exceptions for virtual and telework businesses where employees can work from home. Employees of life-sustaining businesses that remain open must follow social distancing practices.

Life-sustaining businesses include food production, building supplies and construction, medical supplies and non-elective medical procedures, transportation, news media and religious and social services. 

Closed businesses include education services, accounting and legal services, department stores, automobile dealers, appliance and vehicle manufacturing, 

For a list of what businesses are considered life-sustaining and not life-sustaining, check the list  Wolf sent out. 

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