Citing new models that show the possibility of a shortage of critical resources due to the coronavirus surge, Pennsylvania's health secretary and governor have announced new restrictions for what is often known as one of the biggest party nights of the year. 

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, a night when many friends and relatives from out of town gather ahead of the holiday at bars and restaurants, has emerged as a cause for concern for coronavirus spread, much like the holiday itself. 

Pennsyvlania governor Tom Wolf and health secretary Rachel Levine announced Monday that bars and restaurants will have to implement a 5 p.m. "last call" on that night to discourage such informal gatherings. 

The new restriction comes as a new model from the International Health Metrics and Evaluation projects Pennsylvania could run out of space in intensive care units as early as December if the spread of the virus is not slowed down. 

"As our hospitals and health care system face greater strain, we need to redouble our efforts to keep people safe. If our healthcare system is compromised, it isn't only COVID-19 patients who will suffer. If we run out of hospital beds or if our hospital staff are overworked to the breaking point, care will suffer for every patient, including those who need emergency care for illnesses, accidents or chronic conditions unrelated to COVID-19," Wolf said in a statement. 

Other measures announced Monday include increased enforcement efforts aimed at targeting "chronic violators," of existing health orders and school administrators are required to sign a form letting the state know whether they have gone completely remote or, if not, how they are working to keep the building safe.

As of Monday, the average daily case count for the virus in Pennsylvania has grown by seven-fold over the last two months.