Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf put new mitigation restrictions on Pennsylvanians today in a virtual press conference, aimed at blunting the current Covid-19 surge.
Wolf, who tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, announced measures that prohibit indoor dining in restaurants, closes casinos and theaters and puts a temporary halt to scholastic sports and other extracurricular activities, including “tournament and practices.”
Wolf imposed other limits on all businesses serving the public, capping retailers, barber shops and salons and other businesses to 50 percent of indoor occupancy limits. If you’re going to the gym or fitness centers, only outdoor classes and operations can be offered.
Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people, but churches and other houses of worship are exempt from that restriction.
For restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries, only outdoor dining, carryout and delivery services will be allowed.
Pro and college sports will not be affected by the new measures.
“Today I am announcing additional, temporary COVID-19 protective mitigation measures in the commonwealth,” said Wolf. “With these measures in place, we hope to accomplish three goals: First, stop the devastating spread of COVID-19 in the commonwealth. Second, keep our hospitals and health care workers from becoming overwhelmed. And third, help Pennsylvanians get through the holiday season – and closer to a widely available vaccine – as safely as possible. This is a bridge to a better future in Pennsylvania.”
The measures are slated to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on December 12, and remain in effect until 8 a.m. on January 4, 2021.
A summary of the measures announced today:
– Prohibited: Indoor gatherings and events of more than 10 persons
– Prohibited: Outdoor gatherings and events of more than 50 persons
– Prohibited: All in-person indoor dining at businesses in the retail food services industry, including, but not limited to, bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, social clubs, and private catered events
– Prohibited: Indoor operations at gyms and fitness facilities
– Prohibited from operation: All in-person businesses in the entertainment industry serving the public within a building or indoor defined area, including, but not limited to, theaters, concert venues, museums, movie theaters, arcades, casinos, bowling alleys, private clubs, and all other similar entertainment, recreational or social facilities
– Outdoor dining, take-out food service, and take-out alcohol sales are permitted and may continue, subject to any limitations or restrictions imposed by Pennsylvania law, or this or any other Order issued by the Sec. of Health or by the governor.
– All in-person businesses serving the public may only operate at up to 50 percent of the maximum capacity stated on the applicable certificate of occupancy, except as limited by existing orders to a smaller capacity limit.
– Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other places of congregate worship are specifically excluded from the limitations set forth above during religious services, these institutions are strongly encouraged to find alternative methods for worship, as in person gatherings pose a significant risk to participants at this time.
– Outdoor facilities and outdoor classes can continue, but all participants must wear face coverings in accordance with the Sec. of Health’s Updated Order Requiring Universal Face Coverings, including any subsequent amendments, and practice physical distancing requirements.
– Voluntary activities sponsored or approved by a school entity’s governing body or administration are suspended, but these extracurricular activities may be held virtually. This includes, but is not limited to, attendance at or participation in activities such musical ensembles, school plays, student council, clubs, and school dances.
– Paused: All sports at K-12 public schools, nonpublic schools, private schools and club, travel, recreational, intermural, and intramural sports, including practices
– Professional or collegiate sports activities may continue in accordance with guidance from the CDC and the Department of Health.
– Spectators may not attend such sports activities in person.
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