PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced further coronavirus restrictions to help curb the spread of the virus, including temporarily shutting down indoor dining across the state.
Wolf is ordering a ban on all indoor dining, which would go into effect on Saturday, Dec. 12. Takeout and delivery will still be allowed.
Gyms, casinos and entertainment-related venues will also be ordered to close.
All retail businesses, as well as barbershops and salons, will be limited to 50% capacity.
Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people, and outdoor gatherings capped at 50 people. Places of worship are excluded but are encouraged to make accommodations in line with the safety precautions.
All youth sports and in-person school extracurriculars will be suspended — practices included — but clubs can continue to be held virtually, if applicable. Professional and collegiate sports can continue in accordance with CDC guidelines.
There are no additional restrictions to schools. Those remain under local control.
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All of these restrictions begin on Saturday, Dec. 12 and will remain in effect until 8 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2021.
Wolf’s office cited several studies to substantiate the state’s reasoning for the restrictions. According to a Yale University study, for instance, closing businesses like gyms and restaurants, as well as limiting outdoor gatherings, reduced fatality rates.
And, a Stanford University study found that restaurants, gyms and other crowded indoor venues accounted for some eight in 10 new infections.
Wolf’s announcement comes a day after he tested positive for COVID-19. He is isolating in his home. First Lady Frances Wolf tested negative.
“With these measures in place, we hope to accomplish three goals,” he said in a statement. “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.”