COVID-19 In PA.: Wolf To Announce New Dining, Bar Restrictions

UPDATE: New Restrictions On Restaurants, Gatherings As PA Cases Rise

By Elizabeth Hardison| Stephen Caruso, The Pennsylvania Capital-Star

This breaking story will be updated.

Gov. Tom Wolf is set to announce a set of new restrictions on nightlife, workplaces and restaurants that will take effect on Thursday as the state tries to slow a surge of COVID-19 cases, sources who were briefed on the matter said.

The statewide order represents Wolf’s first walk back in Pennsylvania’s reopening plan, which began to take effect in stages starting in May.

The requirements Wolf will issue stand to have the most profound effects on bars, restaurants and nightclubs, according to four sources with knowledge of a briefing the Wolf administration delivered to state lawmakers.

Alcohol sales will only be permitted with the purchase of food, and bar and restaurant patrons will not be able to sit at bars if they are solely drinking.

Restaurants and bars, which have been allowed to offer indoor dining at 50 percent capacity in the green phase, will be limited to 25 percent indoor seating capacity, though outdoor dining will still be permitted.

Nightclubs and music venues must also close. The order Wolf issued earlier this month, requiring masks in public places, will also remain in effect.

The order will also require businesses to have their employees telework if they are able.

Wolf and state Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine are scheduled to hold a press briefing at 3:30 p.m. in Harrisburg. You can watch here.

This story was originally published by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. For more stories from the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, visit PennCapital-Star.com.