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Governor Wolf Introduces Temporary Restrictions Amid Rising Coronavirus Cases, Deaths

As Pennsylvania faces rising coronavirus cases and deaths, Governor Tom Wolf rolled out new and temporary regulations on dining, gathering sizes, and more Thursday.

Wolf’s new policies will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, and last until 8 a.m. on January 4.

During that period, all in-person indoor dining at restaurants, bars, clubs, privately catered events, and more will be prohibited under Pennsylvania’s updated policies. Outdoor dining and takeout sales can continue but are subject to “any limitations or restrictions” imposed by state law.

In-person businesses can operate at up to 50% capacity. Gyms and fitness facilities, meanwhile, must close indoor operations. Outdoor classes can continue, but participants need to wear masks and follow social distancing requirements.

Entertainment venues, including movie theaters, concert venues, museums, arcades, clubs, and casinos, must also close during the three-week period.

Additionally, all indoor gatherings and events with more than 10 people will be prohibited. Religious services are exempt from the policy change, but institutions are “strongly encouraged” to find alternative methods for their events while gatherings post a threat.

“While this an incredibly difficult recommendation to make, particularly at this time of year, faith leaders must carefully weigh the health risks to their congregants given the immense amount of community spread of COVID-19,” the Wolf administration said in a statement.

Outdoor gatherings, meanwhile, are now capped at 50 people. Professional and collegiate sports can continue, but spectators won’t be allowed to attend.

“We know that COVID-19 thrives in places where people gather together,” Wolf said. “Therefore, these mitigation measures target high-risk environments and activities and aim to reduce the spread of this devastating virus.”

Wolf’s new measures come after Pennsylvania reported record highs of coronavirus cases in each of the last two days. According to Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania reported close to 1,100 coronavirus-related deaths over the past week.

Centre County reported 78 new cases Thursday, bringing its all-time case total to 7,154 since March.

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About the Author

Matt DiSanto

Matt proudly served as Onward State’s managing editor for two years until graduating from Penn State in May 2022. Now, he’s off in the real world doing real things. Send him an email ([email protected]) or follow him on Twitter (@mattdisanto_) to stay in touch.

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