State Imposes New Restrictions for Three Weeks to Curb COVID Spikes

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No indoor dining. Gyms and casinos are closed. Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people or less. There’s a moratorium on extracurricular school activities, including winter sports.

It’s déjà vu all over again as Gov. Tom Wolf has announced new mitigation efforts to contain COVID-19.

“The work we do now to slow the spread of COVID-19 is not only crucial to keeping our fellow Pennsylvanians safe and healthy,” Gov. Wolf said. “It will help all of us get back to normal, and back to all of the things we’ve missed, faster. And it means more Pennsylvanians will be alive to celebrate that brighter future. This year, we show our love for our families and friends by celebrating safely and protecting one another.”

The new orders take effect at 12:01 AM on Dec. 12 and remain in effect until 8 AM on Jan. 4.

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the last week has seen the highest number of COVID deaths since the beginning of the pandemic … close to 1,100 across the state.

“The virus continues to strain our healthcare systems, and the dramatic rise in cases among all age groups, including among school-age children, is alarming.”

The order prohibits indoor dining at retail food establishments – bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, social clubs, and private catered events. Outdoor dining and take-out is allowed.

No indoor gatherings of more than 10 people. Places of worship are excluded from this order but strongly encouraged to limit attendance.

No outdoor gatherings of more than 50.

Businesses serving the public must keep capacity at 50 percent.

Indoor gyms and fitness center activities are prohibited.

Outdoor facilities and classes can continue, with masks.

Indoor entertainment – theaters, concert venues, museums, movie theaters, arcades, casinos, bowling alleys, and private clubs – is prohibited.

In-person school extracurricular activities are prohibited.

Sports at K-12 public schools, non-public schools, private schools and clubs, travel, recreational, intermural, and intramural are “paused.”

Professional and collegiate sports can continue with no spectators and following CDC guidelines.

For more information and details surrounding what the mitigation efforts will impact, click here.

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