County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen are asking non-essentail businesses in Allegheny County close voluntarily for at least 14 days in an effort to help curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
"This is an unprecedent challenge that our community is facing," said Fitzgerald. "This is an unprecedented time in our community. Our region has always been at its best when we work together, and this challenge is no exception. We need everyone to step up and play a part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our region. We understand that this may cause hardship for some, and frustration for others, but it's imperative that we work together to do what's best for our community."
Businesses that are considered non-essentail include:
- child care centers
- senior centers
- community and recreation centers
- gyms – including yoga, spin, barre and other similar facilities
- hair salons, nail salons and spas
- casinos
- bars
- concert venues
- theaters
- sporting event facilities
- golf clubs
- social clubs
- non-essential retail facilities including shopping malls (except for pharmacy or other health care facilities located therein)
Restaurants are encouraged to remain open for carry-out and delivery only. Churches and religious institutions are asked to not hold social gatherings but should remain open services and support of their communities.
The county is recommending that gatherings should be limited to 20 people or less.
Supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations are not part of the closure request.
"We fully recognize the impact that these recommendations will have on our community – their livelihoods, their mental health, their day-to-day needs. We are working collaboratively to put the systems in place that can meet those challenges," said Fitzgerald. "We will also be calling on those of you who are healthy and able to assist those of our community who are not. We hope to have additional announcements regarding those plans in the coming days."
