Gov. Tom Wolf announced new steps Thursday to combat the surge in coronavirus cases, including temporary measures to prohibit indoor dining in restaurants, the closure of casinos and theaters and a halt to scholastic sports.
In a news conference, Wolf said he is imposing other limits on all businesses serving the public, capping retailers, barber shops and salons and other businesses to 50% of indoor occupancy limits. Gyms and fitness centers can offer outdoor classes but cannot offer indoor operations.
Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people, the governor’s office said, but churches and other houses of worship are exempt from those restrictions. Wolf has urged faith leaders to exercise care in holding services and to consider alternative forms of worship.
Restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries can remain open to offer outdoor dining, carryout and delivery services. Extracurricular activities at K-12 schools are suspended. Pro and college sports can continue but spectators won’t be allowed.
The measures are slated to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 and are expected to last until 8 a.m. on Jan. 4.
“We need to slow the spread right now to save lives,” Wolf said.
Most entertainment venues will be closed during that three-week span, including concert venues, movie theaters, museums, private clubs, arcades and bowling alleys.
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Wolf said he understood restaurants are facing an extraordinarily difficult time but the new measures are needed to slow the spread of the virus.
While extracurricular activities are sidelined, the Wolf administration did not impose any statewide measures to close schools. Some schools continue to offer a mix of face-to-face classes with remote instruction, but some schools have shifted to virtual learning as COVID-19 cases have risen. Schools have been required to submit “attestation forms” to demonstrate they are following appropriate measures to protect students and staff.
The governor announced the steps as COVID-19 cases have soared in the commonwealth. Wolf said Wednesday he has tested positive for the coronavirus; he spoke via video from his home. During Thursday’s news conference, Wolf said he has since had a negative test for the virus.
Cases have surged in recent weeks and hospitalizations have risen sharply, according to the state Department of Health and local health care officials. The state has reported more than 10,000 new daily coronavirus cases five times in the past week, including nearly 12,000 new cases Thursday. More deaths have been reported in recent days.
Across Pennsylvania, 5,852 COVID-19 patients are being treated in hospitals, with nearly 1,200 in intensive care units. In late September, less than 500 people required hospitalization. Some area health care systems have said they are concerned about maintaining enough staffing if cases and hospitalizations keep climbing.
Last month, Wolf expanded the state’s mask order and has called for residents to wear face coverings whenever leaving the home. Wolf has also advised residents to stay home as much as possible and to refrain from traveling, including during the holidays. Wolf and health officials have also advised against holding large holiday gatherings in homes.
Some business owners, particularly in the restaurant and hospitality industry, have been dreading the prospect of additional restrictions, particularly during the holiday season. Even as restaurants can remain open to offer takeout and delivery, some said they may consider closing if they can’t offer indoor dining. Retailers also typically count on holiday sales to offer a boost to their bottom line.
Republican lawmakers, who control the General Assembly, have pushed back on some of the Democratic governor’s aggressive measures in the past. In anticipation of Wolf announcing new steps, House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre, urged Wolf, “Do not cancel Christmas.”
“I recognize we are facing a serious resurgence of COVID-19 and our health care systems are struggling to keep up with the increased demand; however, job-crushing, harmful government mandates are not the answer,” Benninghoff said.
Wolf said the temporary measures, while painful, can make a difference and urged Pennsylvanians to be united over the next few weeks to slow the spread of the coronavirus and to help hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.
“I’m asking we work together to turn the tide of this surge so that our communities can safely bridge the gap between where we stand today and when a vaccine is widely available,” Wolf said.
Since the pandemic began, more than 450,000 people in Pennsylvania have contracted the coronavirus and more than 12,000 have died. Roughly two-thirds of those deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities.
Dr. Jaewon Ryu, president and chief medical officer of Geisinger, said in the news conference his health system has scaled back some services and procedures as cases have spiked. He said the coronavirus “truly is out in the community.”
“The rate of climb gives us tremendous pause,” Ryu said.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., commended Wolf for taking the steps, as difficult as they are, to protect Pennsylvanians.
“There’s no question that these measures will result in real challenges for restaurant owners, workers and families,” Casey said in a statement. “That’s why it’s vital that Congress do its part to come together and pass a COVID-19 relief bill to help those impacted by this pandemic.”
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