Delaware County officials are cracking down on bars and restaurants not following distancing and other COVID-19 safety requirements.

The enforcement action comes as the result of an alarming increase of COVID-19 cases in young people and those who have visited bars, states a press release issued by the county.

Compliance with the state’s public health order is mandatory for bars and restaurants.

Law Enforcement is inspecting establishments with liquor licenses.  A hotline and website have been set up to allow people to report non-compliant businesses. .

Reports can be made to the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement by phone or email: 1-800-932-0602, or by visiting www.psp.pa.gov/LCE/Pages/report-a-violation.aspx

Businesses who fail to comply may face a citation, fine and/or a suspension of their license.

“Numerous complaints have been filed reporting that bars in Delaware County are over capacity with people in close proximity and not wearing masks while they’re standing at the bar drinking,” the release stated.

The behavior is triggering COVID-19 hot spots and new cases.  Wearing a mask and social distancing have been shown to be reliable means of preventing the virus from spreading.

Under the county’s current green phase reopening from the state, bars and restaurants must follow the following guidelines:

• Standing in bar areas is not permitted. All patrons must be seated.
• A maximum of four customers who have a common relationship may sit together at the bar while adhering to the 6-foot physical distance guidelines.
• All customers must wear masks while entering, exiting, or traveling throughout the restaurant or bar. Masks may be removed while seated.
• Employees are required to wear a mask while working at a restaurant or bar.

More details on guidance for bars and restaurants can be found here.

“Business owners and residents who disregard the order are putting the community at risk by allowing the virus to spread,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “They are jeopardizing other business owners as well. A spike in cases and deaths could move our county and the entire region back to the Yellow Phase, which would lead to businesses being shut down again and would jeopardize schools opening in the fall.”

Recently, there has been an increase in cases among residents in their late teens and early 20’s. Over the weekend, the Pennsylvania Department of Health sent an alert to healthcare providers to update them on the change in demographics of those testing positive for COVID-19.

Among 19- to 24-year-olds, cases increased 5 percent in April. In July, it’s been a 15 percent increase.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is also reporting that there are now more COVID-19 cases in younger age groups than in groups older than 50.

“As we entered into the Green Phase, some people wanted to rush out and enjoy hanging out with friends and getting back to normal. But the reality is that we’re not there and a crowded bar or party is one of the riskiest places to contract and spread the virus.” said Delaware County Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaefer.

While the mortality rate for young people is lower than the older population, it’s still not know what the long-term health consequences are of contracting the virus, she said. There’s also the danger to others.

“You risk spreading the virus to someone who may not be as healthy as you such as an older family member, a child with cancer, or a friend with a weakened immune system,” said Schaefer.  “And you, yourself are not immune. There have been thousands of healthy young people across the country who have been hospitalized with severe symptoms and who have even died.”

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