Posted on 12/10/2020 1:38:08 PM PST by lightman
Gov. Tom Wolf announced new steps Thursday to combat the surge in coronavirus cases, including measures to prohibit indoor dining in restaurants, the closure of casinos and theaters and a temporary 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.
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 will not be affected.
The measures are slated to take effect Saturday, Dec. 12 and are expected to last until Jan. 4.
“We need to slow the spread right now to save lives,” Wolf said.
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.
Wolf said he understood restaurants are facing an extraordinarily difficult time but the new measures are needed to slow the spread of 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.
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.
This wasn't the case before SCOTUS ruled, correct?
But Guv, Aren’t face masks helping? And the 6 feet social distancing, we’re still doing that along with washing our hands every 20 minutes? Why are the cases going up?
We totally destroy our economies by inauguration day, so that we can say how good a job the Biden did restoring them when we terminate our mandatory closing on Jan 21st.
Just think,the American Revolution was initially based on much less. These governors of today would be hung after they were humiliated publicly back then.
This wasn't the case before SCOTUS ruled, correct?
Nope...even during the March "stay at home" period houses of worship were exempt...problem was too many Hierarchs never read the fine print and ass/u/med that they were subject to restrictions.
Of course, not. It's only small businesses he wants to kill.
Estimates are over 100,000 bars and restaurants alone will never reopen. Auctions for restaurant equipment is through the roof.
Push back is coming for these lockdown bastards.
DD you MF
The ‘rat bastard gets sick and make everyone else as miserable as he is.
Our Founding Fathers would have already burned down their houses and offices.
Stuck on stupid... Or is it stuck on tyrannical.. Or is it BOTH. Yeah, it’s both.
The lockdown will end Jan 4?
LOLOLOL! Right!
FU Tommie The Commie and the beast from Trans-sylvania.
The filthy prick is afraid of whats coming when the Supreme Court rules in favor of President Trump. Then he and his traitor comrades will be arrested and hanged.
The entire process should last at least two days. Then they can burn in hell for eternity.
Indeed, if a large segment of the population rose up in defiance and threatened the Governor with severe personal consequences, the restrictions might be modified. If not, people will have to decide if rope and lead contageon might be coming.
Can Cigar International still accept and ship new orders?
ML/NJ
Exactly, remember when the financial collapse occurred just before the 2008 election ? Obama and the Dems used the briefly extremely low numbers to show what good job (gag) Obama did with the economy.
Not necessarily. This subhuman might have been “voted in” by Dominion.
I go to PA for work a lot. Two weeks ago I found a Chinese buffet that was actually open and fully operational.
I was hoping to get to an Amish one soon. Looks like Tommy the Commie took care of that for me.
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