HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has released new statewide coronavirus restrictions, effective Thursday.

He announced that all indoor dining will be reduced to 25 percent capacity.

Bars are open for sit-down meals at tables only, with bar service prohibited.

Telework must be mandated if possible. 

Gatherings can have up to 25 people indoors and up to 250 outdoors.

Governor Wolf tweeted that during the past week, the state has seen an unsettling climb in new cases.

He said cases peaked in Pennsylvania on April 9 with nearly 2,000 new cases in 24 hours.

"If we don't act now, medical experts are projecting that this new surge in cases could soon eclipse that peak in April," said Wolf. "These COVID-19 restrictions worked during the fires wave in the spring, and they will work again if we all do our part. 

 

Wednesday, new cases reached about 1,000.

The executive director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association, concerning the governor's announcement. 

"Today Pennsylvania pumped the breaks on reopening of taverns and restaurants. The revised statewide mitigation order in part now limits the industry to 25% indoor occupancy, and requires all patrons seated indoors to be at a booth or table, and ordering food.

At a time when the industry is already struggling, this makes matters worse.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association calls upon the state to develop a bailout package, specific for the industry.

Our Members are paying their yearly licensing fees to the state, but not being allowed to operate fully. In addition, business loans, rent, utilities, and industry vendors still must be paid out of reduced revenue.

For starters, Pennsylvania should immediately eliminate all state fees associated with running a tavern or restaurant. In addition, higher discounts should be provided to licensed establishments purchasing liquor from the state.  Furthermore, additional financial assistance should be included.

In today’s news conference, Governor Wolf said that the state is at a tipping point which forced it to act to prevent COVID-19 spread. Let’s not forget that the tavern and restaurant industry also is at a tipping point. Without help, we will see more small business restaurants and taverns not survive."

-Chuck Moran