The City has introduced a new, tiered approach to COVID-19 safety requirements, as the number of new cases and hospitalizations continue to fall in Philadelphia. As of today (Wednesday, Feb. 16), the City has lifted the proof of vaccination requirement for indoor dining and drinking at bars, restaurants and other places that serve food or drink. The mask requirement for all indoor public settings still remains in place until further notice.

The City’s Department of Public Health has presented four COVID-19 response levels, from Extreme Caution to All Clear, which will be implemented based on the number of new cases, hospitalizations and other criteria. As of today, Philadelphia is in Level 2: Mask Precautions. The response level will be updated as needed every Monday.

If Philadelphia reaches the All Clear level (Level 1), the indoor mask requirement for public places will also be lifted, in addition to the vaccine requirement, with the exception of the following settings: schools, healthcare institutions, congregate settings, and public transportation. It’s not clear when the city is planning to lift the remaining restrictions, since some of them, like masks in healthcare settings and on public transit, are recommended under federal guidance.

Schools and early childhood education settings will continue to require 100 percent masking even in the All Clear level under the current guidelines. The City’s Health Department is discussing what that looks like if the City moves to Level 1 (All Clear).

There was also an update for large outdoor events with more than 1,000 people in attendance in the newly released public safety mandates. Starting today, these events will have no restrictions during Level 2 or Level 1.

For more information on how this tiered system works and other details, please visit this page.