Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday announced that COVID-19 event and gathering occupancy limits will be increased beginning May 17.

Event and gathering maximum occupancy limits will be increased to 50% for indoor events and gatherings and 75% for outdoor events and gatherings effective Monday, Wolf said.

Current maximum occupancy is 25% for indoor events and gatherings and 50% for outdoor events and gatherings, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.

Citing the increasing number of residents getting vaccinated and guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wolf said raising event and gathering limits is a step toward reopening the state.

“We recognize the significant strain businesses have faced during COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Throughout the last year and half, we have seen businesses continue to put the safety of their patrons first and I believe they will continue to do so even with this capacity increase,” Wolf said. “As we continue implementing our reopening plan as quickly as possible, the safety of Pennsylvanians remains at the forefront of our decision making. I urge each eligible Pennsylvanian to get vaccinated to help protect your neighbors and loved ones as we work to safely reopen our beloved commonwealth communities.”

Wolf said the occupancy increases will not prevent municipalities, school districts, restaurants and venues from continuing and implementing stricter mitigation efforts. Based on current CDC guidance, social distancing is strongly recommended for municipalities, school districts, restaurants and venues, he said.

The state defines an event or gathering as a temporary grouping of individuals for defined purposes that takes place over a limited timeframe, such as hours or days. Examples include fairs, festivals, concerts or shows and groupings that occur within larger, more permanent businesses, such as shows or performances within amusement parks, individual showings of movies on a single screen in a multiplex, business meetings or conferences, or each party or reception within a multi-room venue.

Face coverings are still to be worn indoors and outdoors away from home. The latest CDC guidance says fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask during certain activities. The current order requiring Pennsylvanians to wear masks will be lifted when 70% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated, Wolf said.