HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday announced the process for online vehicle sales, curbside pickup at state liquor stores and the date for construction to restart statewide.
“Over the past six weeks, Pennsylvanians have come together like never before to halt the spread of COVID-19,” said Wolf. “It has not been easy, but it has paid off.
“Today, we are taking small steps toward a degree of normalcy.” He said curbside pick-up (for phone orders) will be allowed at state liquor stores as well as online vehicle sales.
Beginning May 8, Wolf said construction will be able to resume statewide with strict guidance. “I want to caution that we will not be resuming operations as they were in February.
“We’re going to continue to take precautions that limit our physical contact with others, and we will closely monitor this to see if it can be done safely.”
Wolf said these limited steps forward will be closely observed in the coming days and weeks to ensure there isn’t a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases.
If that were to occur, he said he’ll use his authority under the emergency disaster declaration to resume restrictions to protect public health and safety.
Online Vehicle Sales
Wolf said he’ll sign Senate Bill 841 later today that approves qualified Pennsylvania notaries public to perform remote online notarizations.
This will also allow auto dealerships to conduct limited car sales and leasing operations through online sales, as a notary is required to complete the transaction.
Auto dealerships may continue to remain open for certain activities, such as repairs to passenger and commercial vehicles and sales of auto parts.
However, it was noted that in-person vehicle sales or leases are still considered non-life-sustaining and remain prohibited at this time.
Construction with Strict Guidelines Resumes Friday, May 8
Wolf said public and private residential and non-residential construction may resume statewide, starting Friday, May 8, in accordance with safety guidance that will be issued by the administration shortly.
Construction projects already deemed life-sustaining may continue while adhering to social distancing, personnel limits and other guidance as announced by the administration.
PLCB Begins Limited Curbside Pickup
Wolf said that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) on Monday began accepting orders by phone for curbside pickup at 176 locations.
Phone orders can be placed between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or until reaching a store’s maximum order capacity each day.
Curbside pickups will be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. within a few days of order placement. Callers will be guided through each store’s unique inventory.
There is a limit of six bottles per order, and credit cards are the only accepted form of payment. At pickup, customers will be required to present identification before the order is delivered.
Wolf said the PLCB Web site lists the stores offering curbside pickup, and PLCB anticipates expanding the service at more locations in the future.
The PLCB Web site, FineWineAndGoodSpirits.com, is also increasing order capacity.
Wolf said curbside sales at Fine Wine and Good Spirits Shoppes will serve as a guide to determine whether other non-life-sustaining businesses may be able to resume limited operations through curbside pickup. This is currently only permitted for life-sustaining businesses that offer food and pharmaceuticals.
He said his administration will monitor the implementation of curbside pickup including the safety of the supply chain to determine if broader curbside pickup can be done safely and effectively to provide goods and services, while still limiting person-to-person contact not just at retail locations, but also throughout the supply chain.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, Pennsylvanians should visit https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/.