As more Pennsylvanians are vaccinated for COVID-19 and cases remain down from previous peaks, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday afternoon that more mitigation measures will be eased on Sunday, April 4.
The easing of targeting restrictions will allow bar service to resume; alcohol service will be allowed without the purchase of food; the 11 p.m. last call for alcoholic drinks will be lifted; and indoor dining capacity will be raised to 75 percent for those restaurants that are currently self-certified and those that undergo the self-certification process through the state, according to the governor’s office.
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The governor’s announcement also said personal services facilities, gyms and entertainment facilities, like casinos, theaters, and malls, will be able to increase to 75 percent occupancy. The maximum occupancy limits for indoor events were revised to allow for 25 percent of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size, and maximum occupancy limits for outdoor events to allow for 50 percent of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. Maximum occupancy is allowed if attendees and staff are able to comply with the physical distancing requirement of six feet.
The state will retain its mask-wearing and physical distancing requirements.
“Pennsylvanians have stepped up and done their part of help curb the spread of COVID-19,” Wolf said in a statement. “Our case counts continue to go down, hospitalizations are declining, and the percent positivity rate gets lower every week – all very positive signs. The number of people getting vaccinated increases daily and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. It’s time to allow our restaurants, bars and other service businesses to get back to more normal operations.”
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Restaurants, bars, gyms, and theaters have been financially impacted by COVID-19 mitigation measures and some have pushed back against the state’s mitigation measures.
“While we are happy to see that the restrictions have been eased, we are disappointed to see that the state required a three week delay rather than implement changes immediately, especially while neighboring states have been taking action in a timelier fashion,” said John Longstreet, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association.
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Ways residents can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Wear a mask properly when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
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