Dine-In Ban Continues Two Weeks In Allegheny County, Outdoor Dining Can Resume

Business Closed due to COVID-19
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PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - In an effort to curb the rise of COVID-19 cases in Allegheny County, health department director Dr. Debra Bogen has ordered that indoor dining will continue to be banned for the next two weeks.

The new order rescinds the previous order and will take affect at 12:01 on Friday, July 10.

In a statement the order, “prohibits indoor dining or alcohol consumption at bars, restaurants, or any other business establishments in Allegheny County; permits take-out and delivery and sales of food and alcohol, as well as dine-in service, in outdoor seating areas; alcohol consumption, and take-out sales of alcohol may continue subject to any limitations; events and gatherings of more than 25 persons indoors and more than 50 persons outdoors in Allegheny County are prohibited,” a release from the county explained.

Religious establishment are exempt from that order but are asked to practice social distancing and other safety measures. 

The following rules apply to outdoor dining:

 

  • Indoor areas, including bar areas, of restaurants and retail food service businesses must be closed to customers except for through-traffic. Non-bar seating in outdoor areas may be used for customer seating.
  • Customers being served must be seated at a table.
  • Customers are subject to a three (3) drink maximum for dine-in service at outdoor seating areas.
  • Dine-in service at outdoor seating is permitted until 11:00 PM. Take-out and delivery service remain permissible after 11:00 PM.
  • The use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited at outdoor dining facilities and indoors at casinos. In accordance with the Commonwealth’s Order dated July 1, 2020, face coverings must be worn at all times while in a casino.

On Tuesday, during a weekly press conference, Bogen said that the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths will dictate orders and that they are subject to change as cases rise or decline.

On Wednesday, Allegheny County reported over 200 cases for the third straight day.

While hospitalizations remain relatively low, they are slowly increasing.

Governor Tom Wolf's office was expected to make an announcement regarding mitigation efforts in surrounding counties, but his office tells KDKA Radio, no official announcement will be made Wednesday.

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