Bucks County and surrounding counties will move to the “green” phase of the state’s reopening plan Friday at 12:01 a.m.
On Thursday, Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine signed the amended green phase orders for the 12 counties, including Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Susquehanna, according to his office.
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Over the past two months, Bucks County has seen a decreasing number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. Since the “yellow” phase eased many restrictions earlier this month, Bucks County’s case count remained low.
Among the most busy businesses are expected to be eateries, especially with the green phase allowing in-door dining for the first time since mid-March.
Bucks County health officials warned this week that they will be keeping an eye on bars and restaurants to make sure patrons and staff are being safe.
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“We know there are current outbreaks happening in other states from these activities, as there were here in Bucks County before the restrictions were put in place,” Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker said.
Inspectors from the Bucks County Health Department will be going around the county during daytime and evening to make sure mitigation measures are being followed to reduce chances of COVID-19 outbreaks.
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“We know those are high-risk areas where things can happen if we’re not careful,” Damsker said during a Thursday virtual press conference.
Health officials plan to continue working with operators of bars and restaurants to allow them to keep customers and staff safe during the pandemic.
Damsker said the county doesn’t want to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, which, if widespread enough, could cause stepped up mitigation measures again.
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Under the reopening guidelines, eatery and bar staff will have to masks or face shields. Frequent handwashing and gloves will be required along with cleaning of areas that are often touched.
In a statement, health officials said bars and restaurants who are not complying with safety measures will be first warned and issued guidance, but repeat offenders could face further measures.
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“As always, we want to work with the facilities,” Damsker said. “We want to make sure we go out there and educate to ensure they are fully aware. At the same time, we are not going to put up with repeated violations for something that could cause a spike in cases throughout the county.”
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