Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's administration has offered guidance for the return of professional sports. On Wednesday, a release from Gov. Wolf said that professional sports may practice or play in the "yellow" and "green" phases of reopening as long as spectators are neither at the venue or on-site, and only if they have a prepared coronavirus safety plan.
The plan, which has to be approved by the state Health Department, must include testing or screening and monitoring of all players and personnel. "No fans or spectators may be permitted on interior or exterior venue property," it reads.
Pittsburgh, home to the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates, among other sports teams, has moved into the yellow phase of reopening. Philadelphia, from which teams like the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers, and more hail, is expected to be moving into the yellow phase by June 5. The Sixers reopened their practice facility in New Jersey this week, and the Flyers will be following suit once restrictions are lessened.
The United States hit a particularly unfortunate milestone this past Wednesday when the coronavirus was announced to have taken 100,000 American lives. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy stated that Pennsylvania is "well past the peak" of the pandemic.