Posted on 07/21/2020 7:01:57 AM PDT by lightman
Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration has released a list of answers to frequently asked questions about his administration’s recently-announced targeted coronavirus mitigation order.
The new restrictions that were announced last week put gathering limitations back in place -- only 25 people can be at an inside event and 250 outside -- and also prohibits bar service. Additionally, customers can only consume alcohol at a bar, restaurant, or food service business on-site if they purchase a meal. Music and night clubs must close, as well.
“We know what will happen if we wait until cases rise exponentially before taking action,” Health Department Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said last week. “The numbers would continue to increase in our entire state. We then [would] potentially have to quarantine.
“By acting now, and making these specific and targeted mitigation efforts statewide, we can get ahead of the curve and ensure that not only our hospitals and health care system be available to patients, but the economy will survive, while still saving lives.”
Bars and restaurants were quick to question the definition of a meal. Would a bag of pretzels suffice, or would a hot dog or slice of pizza be needed? We now have that answer.
“The PA Liquor Code defines a “meal” as “food prepared on the premises, sufficient to constitute breakfast, lunch or dinner; it shall not mean a snack, such as pretzels, popcorn, chips or similar food.” [47 P.S. § 4-406(e)].” the Wolf administration FAQ writes.
You can find the full document at the link below, but first we’ve picked out the answers to some of the most asked questions. All answers are courtesy of the Wolf administration:
What is an event or gathering?
An event or gathering is a temporary grouping of individuals who interact for defined purposes, that takes place over a limited timeframe, such as hours or days. For example, events and gatherings include fairs, festivals, concerts or shows and groupings that occur within larger, more permanent businesses, such as shows or performances within amusement parks, individual showings of movies on a single screen/auditorium within a multiplex, business meetings or conferences, or each party or reception within a venue.
Similarly, groups of people who share a space within a building in the ordinary course of operations, such as in an office building, classroom, production floor or similar regularly occurring operation of a business or organization, are not "events or gatherings."
Gatherings are subject to the lesser of the building occupancy limit or per-person limit (25 for indoor, 250 for outdoor) as in the Order.
How do these Orders apply to schools?
The Orders do not affect classroom settings but do restrict school activities outside of the classroom that are not related to educational instruction. School activities and gatherings not related to educational instruction that are held indoors are limited to no more than 25 people.
This includes meetings, assemblies, etc. Activities and gatherings held outdoors are limited to no more than 250 people.
How does this order apply to youth sports? Can my little league or children’s soccer team play?
Youth sports must follow the current Order’s limitation on events and gatherings.
For indoor games or practices, 25 people or less can attend. For outdoor games or practices, 250 people or less can attend. At all times, spectators and (when not engaged in play) players should keep social distancing and wear masks.
How does this apply to movie theaters and other multi-stage or venue facilities?
Movie theaters and other multi-stage, screen or venue facilities, may operate at 50% of the total occupancy stated on their occupancy permit, but individual showings of movies on a single screen/auditorium within a theater or multiplex (or the like for similar multi-screen, stage, or venue facilities) are individual events and are subject to the 25 person limitation.
For example, for a multi-screen movie theater, the total number of people in the theater must not exceed 50% of its total occupancy AND only 25 people are allowed per individual movie showing or to view the individual screen. Single screen theaters are limited to 25 attendees.
Are private catered events permitted? For example, when a graduation party or wedding is held in a local hall and catered, do those events adhere to the 25 person limit or the 25 percent maximum capacity for indoor dining?
A wedding or graduation party would be considered an event and therefore limited to 25 indoors/250 outdoors. If a facility is hosting multiple, separate events, the total of those events can’t exceed 25% occupancy. If the event organizer is planning to host more than 25 people in a single indoor location the event should not be held.
Can a wedding be held in a large facility with more than 25 people?
The limitation on indoor events or gatherings is not based on occupancy of a particular square footage. It is only defined by the number of people congregated together for that event. However, venues with multiple event spaces may have two events of 25 people or less at one time. If hosting multiple events organizers should be mindful of shared spaces like hallways or bathrooms where attendees may congregate.
Are patrons allowed to sit at the bar while at a restaurant or event?
For outdoor weddings and similar outdoor private events, attendees may be served alcohol at a bar, but must have an available seat where a meal is being served. For indoor weddings and private events complying with the 25 person limitation, table service is required.
How does the Order apply to food trucks?
Food trucks may not dispense wine, beer or liquor for on-premise consumption unless accompanied by a meal. Food trucks should also ensure that no more than 250 people are in the immediate area. Food truck festivals are limited to a gathering size of 250 people.
If alcohol is only served with a meal, can a person get a second or third drink?
Yes, there is no limit on the number of drinks that can be served, however, patrons should not linger at a restaurant after they have finished their meal.
Can breweries, distilleries and wineries still offer tastings?
The Order applies to breweries, distilleries, wineries or any entity which serves alcohol for on-site consumption. Tastings may occur IF accompanied by a meal (see question on the definition of a “meal”). For example, customers may purchase a tasting or glass of wine to drink on site but the winery must take steps to ensure that the customer has purchased a meal from a food truck on the property.
What is the definition of indoor vs. outdoor dining? Would a tent with walls be considered outdoor?
Indoor dining occurs in a fully or largely enclosed (2-walls or more) space. On the other hand, outdoor dining occurs in a completely or largely open air space (open on three sides).
How does this Order apply to casinos and casino floor service?
Any restaurant or food service in the casinos must follow the Order, including but not limited to the 25% occupancy rate for all indoor (casino) dining.
Second, any events held on casino grounds must follow the gathering or event size limitations (25 people or less for an indoor event, 250 people or less for outdoor event).
Third, casinos must follow the Order’s requirements on serving alcohol – alcohol can only be served alongside and as part of the same transaction as a meal (see question about the definition of a “meal”). Drink service on the casino floor is prohibited under the Order.
‘The WANT to shut places down. Makes them feel important, justifies their existence, and eliminates competition.’
crap like this is why I not just want, but need to get out of this blight of a state....
That’ll be a mid-night snack,,,,,mmm mmmm good.....
‘The technology for vaccinations exists.’
this technology has existed for decades; are you asserting that there is in fact a vaccination that will build antibodies for this specific virus...? I thought that was the entire problem...
‘It’s time to allow people to get vaccinated and get back to normal living.’
I agree; this is the only thing that will shut the panic down...which I am sure will be ready for market right after the election...
Have loophole, will plug. Have fun, will spoil.
Dare to defy the state, you will be punished.
The Democrat objective is to destroy as many small businesses as possible, as small business owners tend to be Republican.
It comes down to the definition of "finished". I can order a beer, a burger, and some fries. I can then eat my burger, but not finish the last of my fries until I feel like leaving.
As long as there is one fry left on my plate, then I am not "finished with my meal".
Please tell me Governor Wolf, what does buying food in a bar do to prevent Covid 19?
How does this amazingly intelligent CCP virus know whether I am sitting at a bar or at a table?
How does it know whether I am having a hot dog or nuts?
(Don't ask Dr. Levine--Dickless is clueless)
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