CRANBERRY TWP — As Butler County moved to the yellow phase Friday, residents moved outside.

Amid temperatures in the 70s and blustery winds, many Pennsylvanians celebrated the state moving toward a grand reopening in one particular way: shopping.

“Thank you, Jesus,” said Michelle Skal of Lyndora, who stopped by her favorite store in Cranberry Township on Friday morning.

Skal had ordered a sweater and tops from Versona days ago. She arrived in front of the shop at 11:30 a.m. Friday to be one of the first 10 customers allowed inside at the same time.

Her ultimate goal was to pick up her order.

“Then do a little bit of retail therapy,” Skal said. “The people (who) work in there are delightful.”

Cranberry Township resident Steve Parks also took advantage of the county moving from red to yellow by doing some general shopping.

He stood in line outside Fine Wine & Good Spirits-Premium Collection at the Cranberry Mall wearing a mask and gloves.

“I want to replace my bourbon,” Parks said.

Parks said the governor's stay-at-home order hasn't affected him too much the past two months. He is retired and has been able to do typical errands.

Susan Miller lives in Wexford, but did her shopping in Cranberry Commons on Friday afternoon.

“(It's) just a couple errands,” Miller said. “I'm going to the same places I always go to.”

Miller said she has worked from home during the pandemic. She doesn't go many places at the moment.

Skal said she works at UPMC Cranberry Place as the activity director, and hasn't missed a day of work since the pandemic started.

She has been charged with organizing creative events to keep residents engaged and active. One of her recent events was an ice cream social.

For her, the hardest part of the pandemic has been social distancing. “Nobody can hug anybody. I hate that,” Skal said. “I have a personal space of about 2.5 inches.”

Social distancing might be causing bigger obstacles, according to Skal.

Between staying away from each other and wearing masks, there is a growing number of barriers between people.

“You forget how much of our communication is eye contact, body language,” Skal said.

Many Pennsylvanians are ready to ease stay-at-home directives. Butler County's shift to yellow Friday was a welcomed move, at least by Parks.

“I think it's good,” Parks said. “As long as we move at the right pace.”

Skal said everything has been put on hold since COVID-19 came to Pennsylvania. She's looking forward to getting back to normal activities, such as dentist appointments.

Allegheny County also moved to the yellow phase Friday. Miller is cautious about the state slowly opening back up.

“I think we have to wait and see how it goes,” Miller said.

“Wear that mask,” added Skal. “Wash those hands.”