RESOURCES & TRAINING

COVID-19 updates & resources

​Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, PFMA has advocated for the safety and well-being of its members, who have remained open and compliant with all health guidelines and regulations in order to serve their communities. As vaccine rollout continues, PFMA is working with federal, state and city officials to prioritize frontline grocery, convenience and food supply chain workers to the fullest extent possible.

COVID-19 updates

On February 16, 2022, the City of Philadelphia released new criteria for COVID-19 response levels. The city will update its tier each Monday. View each tier and response here.

On January 13, 2022, the U.S Supreme Court blocked the federal government's COVID-19 vaccine-or-test emergency temporary standard for workplaces. The court ruled 6-3 on its decision, blocking the OSHA policy. Read more.
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As of September 10, 2021, President Biden has requested that OSHA develop a rule requiring all employers with at least 100 employees have their workforce fully vaccinated or receive a negative test at least once a week.
 
Read news coverage of the announcement here. PFMA is monitoring this development and will provide updates as more details are provided.

As of August 11, 2021, Philadelphia issued a new mask mandate that will go into effect at 12:01 am on Thursday, August 12. Read more about how this affects Philly businesses, institutions, restaurants and outdoor events.

As of August 10, 2021, Gov. Wolf took a step to require vaccinations or undergo weekly testing for state employees who work in congregate facilities. He also announced a new incentive for vaccinated state employees. Read the full announcement. 
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Effective June 28, 2021, the Wolf Administration has lifted its masking mandate.
  • All COVID-19 restrictions related to gatherings, restaurants and businesses have now been lifted.
  • The Department of Health continues to urge Pennsylvanians to follow CDC guidance for wearing a mask where required by law, rule, and regulations, including healthcare, local business and workplace guidance. For the protection of themselves and others, individuals who have not yet been vaccinated  or are partially vaccinated are still encouraged to wear a mask when in public. The CDC requires individuals to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals should still follow guidance at workplaces, local businesses, long-term care facilities, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, prisons, and shelters.  
​Learn more.
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Effective June 11, 2021, the City of Philadelphia lifted all Safer at Home restrictions. 
  • ​People who got their final dose of COVID vaccine at least two weeks ago are considered fully vaccinated, and the Health Department no longer requires that they wear masks indoors or outdoors in most settings. People who are not vaccinated or are not fully vaccinated are still strongly recommended to wear masks indoors and outdoors when around others but are no longer required to do so by Philadelphia
Learn more.

Updated May 16, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided new guidance for vaccinated individuals. Revised guidelines state:
  • If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
  • Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
Learn more.

​Get free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.

Visit https://special.usps.com/testkits

CDC Director Backs Boosters for Front-line Workers
September 24, 2021
​NACS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those 65 and older, high-risk individuals 18-64 years old and 18-64 year-olds whose jobs increase their risk for COVID-19 such as front-line workers... Read more!

CDC Director Backs COVID Booster Plan And Makes An Additional Recommendation
September 24, 2021
​NPR

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday endorsed booster shots for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans, opening a major new phase in the U.S vaccination drive against COVID-19. Read more!

Have questions about mask mandates in PA?
August 9, 2021​
City & State Pennsylvania

COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in Pennsylvania, thanks to the highly-contagious delta variant that is spreading across the country.

With increased case counts come new concerns about whether the state’s mask requirements will change, so we’ve developed a guide to what the commonwealth’s approach to face coverings currently looks like. Read m​ore!

PA Department of Health

Vaccine distribution
We are in Phase 2 of Pennsylvania's vaccine rollout. All Pennsylvanians age 16 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more.

City of Philadelphia

Vaccine distribution
Per the City of Philadelphia website, Phase 2 includes all individuals 16 years and older not previously immunized. Learn more.

Operational information

​PA Department of Health 

Vaccine distribution

Vaccination communication toolkit for essential workers

The CDC designed a COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit for Essential Workers  to help employers build confidence in the vaccine. The toolkit helps employers raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination and address common questions and concerns. Resources include: 
  • Key messages
  • Educational slide deck
  • FAQs
  • Posters/flyers
  • Newsletter content
  • Vaccine factsheet (available in several different languages)
  • Template letter for employees
  • Social media content
  • Vaccination sticker templates

STAY IN TOUCH

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email
pfma@pfma.net
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phone
(717) 731-0600
(800) 543-8207

address
1029 Mumma Road
Wormleysburg, PA  17043
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association
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