Pennsylvania has imposed additional restrictions on individuals and businesses aimed at curbing the recent spike in COVID-19 infections and addressing the increased pressure on hospitals and healthcare providers.
The Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued an Order, effective Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 12:01 a.m., through Monday, January 4, 2021 at 8:00 a.m., that enacts the following restrictions:
- Indoor gatherings and events (not including gatherings in private homes, for classroom instruction or meetings of electors) are capped at 10 people.
- Outdoor gatherings and events are limited to 50 people.
- In-person dining is prohibited at businesses in the retail food services industry, including, but not limited to, bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, social clubs and private catered events. Restaurants may continue to serve patrons outdoors and by takeout or delivery, and takeout alcohol sales may proceed.
- Theaters, movie theaters, concert venues, museums, arcades, casinos, bowling alleys, private clubs and similar in-person entertainment, recreational or social facilities may not operate.
- Indoor operations at gyms and fitness facilities are prohibited. Outdoor operations may continue with appropriate facial coverings.
- Indoor retail may operate at 50% occupancy.
School Activities, Sports Restricted
Extracurricular activities at schools are prohibited. Interscholastic athletics, intrascholastic athletics and intrastate and interstate sports leagues and tournaments are suspended for all sports during this time. Professional or collegiate sports activities may continue in accordance with guidance from the CDC and the Department of Health; however, spectators may not attend such activities in person.
Religious Services Exempt
Places of worship, including churches, synagogues, temples and mosques, are specifically excluded from the restrictions set forth above during religious services, although they are strongly encouraged to enforce physical distancing and other mitigation measures at their gatherings.
Certain cities and localities in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, have enacted their own restrictions, and businesses should ensure that they follow both the state and local restrictions that apply to them.
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