Faced with potential new COVID-19 numbers that rival or exceed the height of cases in April, Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf announced new restrictions on bars and restaurants, reports pittsburgh.cbslocal.com.

Starting today, July 16, nightclubs will close, bars can only offer dine-in meals or to-go alcohol.

Restaurants are limited to 25 percent capacity.

Non-bar seating in outdoor areas will still be allowed.

Indoor events of more than 25 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 250 are banned.

Gyms and fitness centers can be open with health guidelines in place, with outdoor activities prioritized.

Businesses violating the new order face fines, business closure or other enforcement measures.

Cases are increasing because people aren’t masking or social distancing at bars and restaurants. People are also traveling in and out of Pennsylvania, carrying the virus, Gov. Wolf said.

“When we hit our peak on April 9, we had nearly two thousand new cases that day with other days’ cases hovering around 1,000. Medical experts looking at the trajectory we are on now are projecting that this new surge could soon eclipse the April peak. With our rapid case increases we need to act again now.”

Read more about this latest effort to contain COVID-19 here.

You Might Also Like                            

Delaware County Monitoring Bars, Restaurants Ignoring COVID-19 Guidelines, as Young Adult Cases Swell

Gov. Wolf Orders Restaurants, Bars to Close Dine-In Service in Delaware County

State Says: Philadelphia Region COVID-19 Cases Too High to Lift Restrictions Right Now